“Rule Number 1- Everyone goes home.” Those are the first words police at Birmingham Police Department’s North Precinct see when they arrive for roll call at the start of every shift. But nearly one week ago, an officer sitting in the same room at the start of his overnight shift did not go home.
End of Watch
Sgt. WyTasha Carter’s end of watch came at 2 am Sunday, January 13. The 44-year-old was shot and killed by a possible car break-in suspect outside a night club.
Like so many other men and women who put on a uniform every day, Sgt. Carter would probably say goodbye to his wife and two children before leaving his home to serve and protect our community. He may have missed family gatherings, possibly a sporting event or even a birthday party. But he always made time to volunteer with his son’s high school band.
“He was a staple of our ‘Truck Dawg’ crew this past fall, and could frequently be seen at rehearsals and performances in uniform supporting our band. He was often first to respond to requests for volunteers and was one of the nicest people you could ever meet,” wrote the band’s director in an email to parents about the officer’s death.
One student even set up a GoFundMe account to help raise money for the Carter family.
Rule Number 1 Broken
Sgt. Carter would’ve started his overnight shift on Saturday, January 12 in that same room with the sign posted on the wall reading, “everyone goes home.” He was simply doing his job trying to serve the city and protect its residents when the suspect pulled a gun and fired on him and another officer.
A wreath now hangs outside the precinct door. A large banner with his picture and the words “E.O.W. 1/13/19” is covered with signatures. The roll call room is filled with discharged food tins, empty tea jugs and cookie crumbs.
On Friday, visitors arrived with more food. Ten chaplains and a local church minister came with words of support and prayer. They all noticed the sign. It brought people to a stop. Periodically, there was a small gasp, a hand over the heart. What do the words now mean? The tears aren’t dried. The wound is still very fresh. Sgt. Carter didn’t return to his earthly home. But there is no doubt that he’s now at home with Our Father. As one chaplain said, “there is another angel in heaven, another star in the sky.”
Thank you for your service, Sgt. Carter.
