National Police Week started out as one day in the 1960s and eventually branched out to an entire week of commemoration. Not only is it a time to reflect upon those that lost their lives in the line of duty, but it is also a time to show appreciation for the ones that are still on active duty.
As a police wife, I am proud of my husband and his career. I'm proud when I hear about how he and his coworkers handled a situation that resulted in keeping our community safer. The job of an officer is unique and it is like no other career out there. Aside from being a police wife I was a crime scene investigator and experienced the family feeling of police departments myself in my career. No one has the back of a police officer more than the thin blue line family. Sure, there are citizens who support police and respect them but the actual department family has a stronger bond.
Officers work together anywhere from eight to twelve hours at a time and at the most hectic and traumatic circumstances. Because of that, the family bond is created. Even police families stick together, meaning police wives and spouses-it is it's own community.
When an officer is lost in the line of duty it effects the entire family. However, though it is tragic and saddens me every time I read about another officer losing their life, there is another perspective to consider. Consider this: that officer is a hero, that officer went above and beyond their duty and this aspect should be celebrated. The loss of an officer will never get easier, but if we remember how they made the ultimate sacrifice, it can help strengthen the thin blue line family.
Take time this week to have a few moments of silence and celebration for those heroic officers.
Hilary Rodela
Hilary Rodela is currently a Surveillance Officer, a former Private Investigator, a former Crime Scene Investigator, and Evidence Technician. She worked for the Ruidoso (NM) Police Department as well as the Lubbock (TX) Police Department. She has written for several public safety publications and has extensive law enforcement and forensic training and is pursuing forensic expertise in various disciplines. Hilary is a freelance public safety writer and curriculum developer for the National Investigative Training Academy.
