SPRINGFIELD – It's been seen hanging around with Brad Paisley and Toby Keith. It has appeared with Ted Nugent, Colt Ford, Granger Smith and Lee Brice. You may have seen it with Tyler Farr, Jamey Johnson, Kellie Pickler, Little Big Town, Chase Rice, Aaron Lewis, Adam Wakefield, Frankie Ballard, Dwight Yoakam, Pat Green, Danny the Count, Koker, Dustin Lynch, Chris Lane, Locash, David Lee Murphy, Kendell Marvel, or Dave Bray.
The End of Watch Guitar, most well-traveled musical instrument on the 2016 – 2017 concert circuit, has its roots in Williamson County, Illinois and it was developed to honor all police officers who have died in the line of duty.
“Numerous performing artists have been photographed with the one-of-a-kind, custom-made guitar and have signed the instrument's specially-designed case,” said Williamson County Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) Lodge # 197 President Karl Gusentine. “The list of performers and signatures continues to grow. They are lending their names and voices to our cause, which is to make sure the sacrifices made by our brothers and sisters in law enforcement are never forgotten.”
In law enforcement "end of watch" has two meanings. It most commonly refers to the time that law enforcement officers go off duty at the end of their shifts. But is also refers to the date that an officer is killed in the line of duty.
The End of Watch Guitar concept began in late 2015 when Gusentine and Bart Lincoln, the owner of Bad Bart Guitars of Herrin, Illinois had a discussion about what they could do to honor those who protect and serve. The two music aficionados decided to design and build a custom guitar that would help drive home that message of remembrance in a unique, high-profile way.
“Karl approached me wanting to do something different to raise awareness of the plight of law enforcement officers. The negative media portrayal of law enforcement had my American blood boiling,” Lincoln said. “I thought for several days and then decided I wanted to do the End of Watch Guitar. I am honored to be involved with law enforcement on this journey to raise awareness of the lives that have been lost to keep us safe.”
The End of Watch Guitar public appearances and photographs with performing artists have helped raise funds for the Fraternal Order of Police Foundation, which aids the families of those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. Many of those family members have been photographed with the guitar as well.
“The response from performers and the general public has been an enthusiastic two-thumbs-up for the End of Watch Guitar,” said Illinois FOP State Lodge President Chris Southwood. “I've never seen such a creative, attention-getting way to remind people of the debt of gratitude we owe to each and every police officer.”
The End of Watch Guitar will be given away during the 2017 National FOP Conference in Nashville, Tennessee on August 27 – 31. Chances to win the guitar may be purchased for $25 each at www.endofwatchguitar.com.
The End of Watch Guitar's next public appearance will be Friday and Saturday, June 16 and 17 at 5 p.m. at Black Diamond Harley-Davidson in Marion, Illinois. Recording artist Toby Keith will be performing both days, and although he's held the guitar on previous occasions, Keith was enthusiastic about the chance to see an “old friend” again.
The End of Watch Guitar Facebook page has updated information about the guitar's appearances.
The Fraternal Order of Police, founded in 1915, is the largest organization of sworn law enforcement officers in the United States with more than 330,000 members. The Illinois FOP, chartered in 1963, is the second largest State Lodge, proudly representing more than 34,000 active duty and retired police officers - more than 10 percent of all FOP members nationwide. Visit www.ilfop.org for more information.
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