LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — The Las Vegas law enforcement community is grappling with two officers being shot in less than a week, and the police union president is speaking out about the emotional toll the back-to-back incidents are taking on the department.
Steve Grammas, president of the Las Vegas Police Protective Association, said he was called to University Medical Center twice in the past week after officers were shot — each time not knowing the extent of their injuries.
“Whenever I have to go to the hospital, the first thing I do is say a prayer and make sure that God’s looking out for our officer,” Grammas said.
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Officer shot in Spring Valley domestic violence call
In the latest incident, which occurred in the Spring Valley area Monday morning, an officer was shot during a domestic violence situation in which a child was killed and the suspect was also found dead. Grammas said the officer was alert upon his arrival at the hospital.
“Once I got there and got a better update, we knew that she was alert, she was speaking, she was texting on her phone,” Grammas said. “I’m so thankful she’s okay. I spent time with her this morning talking to her and being with her and her family.”
Union president points to department wellness resources
Grammas reflected on how the department’s approach to officer trauma has changed over the years.
“When I was a young officer many years ago, we probably dealt with trauma in ways we probably shouldn’t have,” Grammas said. “I’m sure officers had some substance abuse issues, just kind of bottled things up. But I’m so thankful for Sheriff McMahill and his team to develop the Wellness Bureau and the peer support that they have.”
Grammas described the weight officers carry daily. “Police work is a dangerous, dangerous job. We wear a bulletproof vest and carry a firearm to defend ourselves or others. It is a noble profession, but it is a scary profession,” he said.
Department to hold funeral Friday for fallen officer
The department is preparing to lay to rest Officer Austin Abdelnabi who died in the line of duty.
Grammas said those who knew him may “smile a little bit about his hijinks and tomfoolery, keeping a briefing room lighthearted.”
“It is a tough time,” Grammas added.
Grammas noted the department can go months or years without a critical injury or death. He asked the public to continue supporting officers as they work through grief and return to duty, saying a thank-you, a nod, a wave, or even a hello “goes a long way.”
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