Warning - Some viewers may find the following video disturbing - viewer discretion is advised.

In May 2017, while working as a frontline police officer within the town of Orangeville, Ontario, Canada, I received a dispatch radio call regarding a male under the influence of unknown substances who was forcibly confining his girlfriend with a knife.
At the time, there were two officers and a patrol sergeant patrolling the town of 30,000 and we did not have access to emergency tactical response units. Upon arriving at the residence, my colleagues and I took immediate action. I positioned myself at the rear door and located the male with his girlfriend and the knife. From the back porch, I engaged in a conversation with the individual through the glass windows in an effort to defuse the situation. During our dialogue, he revealed his long-standing addiction to various substances and the constant conflicts he had with his girlfriend, which had pushed him to the brink. After a heartfelt discussion, I respectfully requested that the male drop his weapon and join me outside the residence for a cigarette to continue our conversation.

Following our brief smoke break, he was apprehended and taken to the local hospital for psychiatric assessments. Before leaving him at the hospital, the male tearfully expressed his regret, saying, "Look what I have wasted away, I wasted everything away."
Tragically, a few weeks later, I learned that the male had taken his own life while in jail awaiting trial. This devastating event serves as a reminder of the harsh reality some individuals face, believing that their mistakes render their lives worthless and unforgivable. In a world full of imperfections, we often judge ourselves too harshly, undermining our own worthiness of happiness, personal growth, and freedom. In response to these struggles, people often seek distractions such as religion or substance abuse to escape the harsh realities of life.

As a privilege, I am able to share my experiences through the art of music as I am far from an author. As I reflect on this call for service, I find it remarkable how someone, who may initially seem unlikely, can make a profound difference in one's life.
This particular song is dedicated to the individual whose story I have shared.

Wasted Away
(Verse)
Its cold on the floor, I know is my grave
Everyone’s gone, now I’m finally alone
Just me and my brain
So I look in myself
And I hate what I see
The face of a man, and its so far from who
I use to be

(Chorus)
Wasted Away
Behind these four walls I think
Wasted Away
Theres nothing left to keep me from me
No it cant be saved
What I Wasted Away

(Verse)
Know that I’m gone, because of the pain
Just burn me on up, turn me to dust, and throw me away
Man I wish I could change, what lead me astray
But the devils been told, and hell only knows
That I’m on my way

(Chorus)
Wasted Away
As the razor cuts deep in my veins
Wasted Away
As I watch my blood pour down the drain
No I can’t be saved
What I Wasted Away

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