We all need to appreciate our law enforcement officers every single day, but during National Police Week, we need to make a special effort.
Members of our law enforcement community sacrifice much to protect and serve the public. Every time they put on the uniform and leave their families to go on shift, they can never be completely certain they will return. It is an act of faith because anything can happen. Yet, they continue to don the uniform and badge every day in order to be a part of “the thin blue line” that separates decent people from the criminal element. This is their oath in action, every single day.
Law enforcement officers work at night while civilians sleep peacefully, knowing that they are safe in their own homes because the law is patrolling their neighborhoods. Law enforcement officers also work holidays, times when they would much rather be with their own families, but instead are continuing their job to protect the rest of us.
Our law enforcement community should not only be applauded for the tough job they do, but we should also be cordial to them and respectful of them, say hello or wave, and thank them for their service. They comprise a necessary and vital portion of our society and culture, and we owe them much more than what they are paid.
Our challenge to all: the next time you see a law enforcement officer, whether it’s in the grocery store, the bank, the doctor’s or dentist’s office, or driving down your street, throw up your hand and wave and say thank you.