I'm getting so tired of turning on the news to hear about another mass shooting or terror attack, as I know you are as well.

   Through no fault of their own, these locations and destinations, cities and institutions, around the world are suddenly synonymous with the horrific acts that happened there.

   Paris. Colorado Springs. San Bernardino.

   And it sticks. When was the last time you had a happy thought when hearing the words Oklahoma City, or Virginia Tech, or Columbine.

   The last thing I want to do is ignite a debate on terrorism or profiling or gun control. 

   I don't know what the answer is.

   But, I do know what the assailants in all of these situations had in common. Whatever their individual motives, they all had a profound lack of respect for the value of life.

   What the otherwise sleepy, out-of-the-way spot like San Bernardino teaches us is that no community is immune. It CAN happen anywhere.

   As City Manager, what I want you to know is that your Police Department is one of the reasons I sleep well at night. Chief Sid Fuller and his officers are honestly among the finest you will find. Their level of training and expertise is second to none and is illustrated on the streets and in the commercial districts and neighborhoods of Farmers Branch every day.

   Beyond that, though, it's not just that we've got a great department. We're surrounded by great departments in our neighboring cities. What does that matter? Well, Chief Fuller has been on the leading edge of "synergizing" the best resources that we and our neighbors have to offer for the betterment of all.

    Not only do we have a combined SWAT team and a forthcoming combined dispatch operation, these officers know each other and train with each other and have each other's backs when any of our communities are faced with dire circumstances.

   There, but for the grace of God, go any of us.

   For now, the best we can do is offer our thoughts and prayers to those families that have suffered loss - and an extra prayer that this kind of thing never happens again.

FBTX ~ The whole family is invited for an evening of cookie decorating, activities and song at 'Santa & Cookies' at the Farmers Branch Manske Library, Wednesday, December 9 at 6 p.m.

   Kids will be able to decorate cookies while visiting with Santa and listening to a special reading of Clement Clarke Moore's classic tale, "T'was the Night Before Christmas' by City Manager Gary D. Greer.

   Call 972.247.2511.