Law Enforcement Sacrifices?

Frank Borelli
Editor-in-Chief
Officer.com

Just yesterday (as I type this) I was in a conversation with a neighbor about law enforcement professionals and the sacrifices we make. My neighbor's question was, "Outside of the cops who have been killed, what sacrifices have been made?" I was struck by how narrow a point of view that is. When we stop to think about it, sacrifices are made all the time: they're just not as obvious as a dead cop. For instance: As Hurricane Irene travels up the east coast, some are able to get out of her path. Not necessarily so with the public safety workers along her route. I know a police officer who will be working the midnight shift when Irene passes by her jurisdiciton. I know a volunteer EMT who will be at the firehouse waiting on calls to come in when Irene comes by. In the case of the EMT, here entire family will be at the firehouse with her - because they're all EMTs (or in training) as well. No sacrifices? When Hurricane Katrina swept in from the Gulf and devistated parts of Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama, law enforcement professionals from all over the country flooded in to help - some got paid; some didn't. When terrorists attacked New York and Virginia on September 11, 2001, law enforcement officers from all over the country flooded in to offer volunteer assistance. Every time a police officer, deputy sheriff, constable, trooper, etc shows up or takes action off duty, it's a sacrifice made. It's a risk taken and time away from their family or their life. When was the last time a law enforcement professional sacrificed? How about thousands of times each day nationwide. Remind your friends and neighbors about that. If they need recent examples, point to the public safety response (and the overtime hours worked) along the east coast because of the earthquake just a few days ago. Point to the extra hours they are working and the risks they are taking thanks to Hurricane Irene coming to visit. Then, see if they have enough courtesy to stretch out their hand and say, "Thank you." Some will... some won't... but we'll continue to do what we do anyway.

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