This is a pop culture column, but it doesn't seem right to ignore the tragedy that happened in our community this week.

I didn't know Sgt. Greg Moore personally, but the loss is significant in a city where it's easy to take safety for granted. I live very close to where the incident occurred, and I've walked my children to the nearby park dozens of times. I believed it to be a safe neighborhood, and I still feel that way thanks to the everyday efforts of our local law enforcement.

Sgt. Moore died protecting my neighborhood. Protecting the families that live there. Protecting my family. If someone is willing to turn a gun on a police officer, then they are willing to do anything.

It isn't enough to say, "Thank You." Others are better equipped to say more, and to properly eulogize Sgt. Moore and his heroics. I'm just the movie guy, so for now I'll say, "Thank You," and offer my deepest condolences to his family and friends.

I'll pivot awkwardly into pop culture now, but hang with me so I can explain the reasoning.

After grumbling about the overexposure of "The Avengers: Age of Ultron" in last week's column, I hadn't planned on writing much more on the superhero blockbuster. I still saw the movie and was surprised by how much I enjoyed it. Yes, it's overstuffed with plot and some of the action sequences are repetitive and generic. Nevertheless, writer/director Joss Whedon has pumped the film with a ton of humor and memorable character beats.

Reports this week have suggested Whedon fought with Marvel executives about a number of things in "Age of Ultron." Basically, the studio wanted a shorter, action-oriented thrill ride and Whedon wanted to explore more character dynamics. Whedon's instincts are what ultimately carry the film, as you can only see Iron Man blast an evil robot to smithereens so many times.

In terms of action, the best stuff in "Age of Ultron" doesn't focus on laying waste to CGI baddies and nearby landmarks. Instead, the superheroes in the film go out of their way to worry about the regular people on the ground. Beating Ultron in battle is secondary to protecting the innocents in his wake. Captain America (Chris Evans) in particular simply won't accept any reasoning for collateral damage.

Minor spoilers for "Age of Ultron," but one of the strongest emotional beats in "Age of Ultron" comes from Hawkeye, the superpowerless archer played by Jeremy Renner. There's a running gag on just how expendable Hawkeye is to the exploits of the Avengers, and the movie reveals important backstory that should pull him away from the battlefield. Still, Hawkeye chooses to face the impossible and fight alongside his mighty friends, because, well, they need him. And a young boy stuck in the crossfire needs him too. Not a Hulk. Just a man willing to face death to save an innocent life.

Those moments resonate most in "Age of Ultron" because they speak to the essence of heroism. There's a reason why superheroes dominate pop culture, and it isn't just because of fancy capes and nifty powers. Their fantastical stories are extrapolations of everyday acts of heroism. Be it Captain America or Sgt. Greg Moore - the mission is the same: To protect and serve.

"Thank You" isn't enough.

Tyler Wilson can be reached at twilson@cdapress.com.