On Feb. 23 Nicholas Galinger had only been sworn in for a few short weeks when he was hit and killed.
Hearing the news of the officer's death, then learning his story of how he came to Chattanooga, shook my soul.
I have had the pleasure of speaking to his sister-in-law Stephanie Galinger a few times and I have loved hearing some stories that she has shared with me about Nick.
Nick's brother and his wife Stephanie cherish many memories with Nick, but the last memory was when they came to Chattanooga to visit Nick a few days after his graduation from the police academy.
They were used to being Nick's tour guide, but in this visit he was excited to be the one showing them around.
He was really looking forward to serving as a Chattanooga Police officer, and he was ready to show off all of his new police gear to his brother and his wife.
Then Stephanie jokingly adds that she teased Nick about using his taser on his brother, of course they were playing around and just having some laughs and let me add that it was all said in humor, Nick did not use the taser on his brother, they were all just enjoying the time that they had together.
It made Nick's family happy to know that he was finally getting a chance to do what he has wanted for a long time, to serve as a police officer.
I think it is important that even though the days turn into weeks, weeks turn into months, and months turn into years that we do not stop thinking about the family that was left behind.
Especially Nick's two children that will grow up without a father.
There was something special about Officer Nickolas Galinger, it was clear that he was a kind soul and I am positive that he would of made a fine officer if he was given the chance.
Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13
We have come to know love because that one surrendered his life for us and we are under obligation to surrender our lives for our brothers. 1John 3:16
My thoughts and prayers are with Nick's two children and his family.
May his light always shine.
Tonya R McBryar.