Letters: Take a moment to thank law enforcement officers

Posted

To the editor:

During National Police Week, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the members of the law enforcement community for their diligence in maintaining the safety of the individuals and businesses within their communities.

Oftentimes, their actions and deeds go unnoticed unless they become a headline. But through my experiences and interactions, both as a school counselor and a volunteer firefighter/EMT, I have witnessed law enforcement officers calm drivers and passengers at motor vehicle accidents and reassure them, take statements about horrific experiences with compassion and empathy, keep paramedics and volunteers safe by securing a scene before medical care is provided, and tell a joke or two to lighten the situation.

I know it isn’t easy for them to do their job when the public is watching, waiting for them to make an error in judgment. However, I know that it takes courage to go into dangerous situations where harm may befall them. In a few seconds, things may go awry and what was once routine becomes anything but normal. I am glad that there are individuals who are willing to step up and put their lives on the line to protect mine.

I encourage everyone to take a moment to thank these brave men and women. They work in all types of weather conditions, are absent from family and friends during the holidays, and work with people at the low points in their lives. They go into areas few would venture. They can be a bearer of bad news or a beacon of hope. They do this all selflessly and expect no thanks. It is their job, their calling. Thank you to all the people, active, retired, and in training, for the commitments, dedications, and sacrifices you have made.