Technical Sergeant Charles Wesley Simons, III

It’s 4:07 am and I have classic rock radio quietly playing as I watch the moons glow reflect off of fresh snow. I realize that a song is nearly over. The lyrics say “Come out, come out, Virginia, don’t make me wait … Sooner or later it comes down to fate”. Fate, that’s why I’m awake so early, it’s why I write the following.

We are fortunate to have those who are willing to stand up and protect others: Our men and women in law enforcement. These brave men and women put their lives on the line every day to maintain law and safety. When one falls, we all grieve. All too often we mourn the death of a hero.
Today, 23 years later, I remember one of those heroes: A friend, peer and eventual supervisor, Technical Sergeant Charles Wesley Simons III. Wes was a year out from retirement and two days from picking up an engagement ring for Claudia, when he was struck by a vehicle on November 17, 1999. Two days later, November 19th, he succumbed to his injuries.

I reminisce about Wes, his smile ever present regardless of the situation thrown upon his shoulders. It didn’t matter if he was mentoring new troops, or if he was interviewing a suspect prior to an apprehension, his thoughtful, calm and caring words were ever present.

Fate. A word containing 4 letters of which 2 are vowels, 2 are consonants. As a verb it means destined to happen, turn out, or act in a particular way. As a noun it means the development of events beyond a person's control, regarded as determined by a supernatural power. Many of us would say it’s God’s will.

Wes was strong in his faith and connection to God. Once, Wes listened as I discussed my struggle with a difficult troop. After I finished my tirade he answered with one word. Pray. That was it, pray. After his death I discovered that I wasn’t the only one to receive that answer from him. Folks, I have nothing else to write, it’s now two hours later since I started this.

“Only the good die young” Ooh-ooh, ooh-hoo, Ooh-ooh-hoo-hoo, Ooh-ooh, ooh-hoo, Only the good die young”

MSgt Scott Scheffey
Retired

November 19, 2022