In light of the recent negativity directed by a few misguided people toward law enforcement nationally, there is an urgent need to show our nation’s law enforcement officers that the vast majority of our citizens appreciate their sacrifices and recognize the difficult and often impossible career they have chosen in public service to us all.
With this in mind, numerous law enforcement associations throughout the United States have joined forces in declaring this Friday, Jan. 9, 2015 as “National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day.”
Few of us can imagine going to work each day and wondering whether or not we will live through our shift and see our family that night. Yet, each and every day 780,000 law enforcement officers throughout the nation put on a badge and a uniform and do exactly that. For us, you and me.
They know that every traffic stop can present a dangerous, even life threatening situation. Yet, they go to work anyway. Why?
Because for the vast majority of officers it is not just a “job,” it’s a “calling.” The pay is low, the hours are terrible and there is little, if any, appreciation shown by those they serve. In fact, most officers are verbally abused by citizens at least once a day, and when they are abused, (as in “Hey, I pay your salary buddy,” or, “Why aren’t you out catching REAL criminals?”) they do not have the liberty to express their own emotions.
Those who trash an officer or an entire department don’t see or realize the lengths law enforcement officers take to keep our communities safe and peaceful. Few realize that, on average, around 200 officers are killed in the line of duty each and every year. Or that 50,000 officers are physically assaulted in the line of duty each year. Or that 14,000 officers are injured in the line of duty each year. Or (are you ready for this?) over 300 officers actually commit suicide each year, most often due to job-related issues. There is no other profession in the world, except perhaps the military, in which you will find these kind of statistics.
Being a law enforcement officer is an “impossible job.” You must be professional, gentle, respectful, caring and compassionate on the one hand, yet ready to use violent force to protect yourself and the public at all times on the other hand. You must be prepared to literally make life and death decisions every minute of every work day. And God help you if you are wrong.
In truth, law enforcement officers play an invaluable role in our society. Without them, chaos and lawless violence would reign in our land. One can only wonder what it would be like to live in a country where, when you were in serious trouble — a major car accident, a home invasion or an assault — you had no one to call for help.
Yes, these men and women, on rare occasions, sometimes commit tragic, headline-making mistakes. However, when one compares the infinitely small number of mistakes with the heroic thousands of life- and property-saving actions officers take on a daily basis, any reasonable person would conclude that the vast weight of good is on the side of law enforcement.
In short, our nation’s thousands of law enforcement officers continue every day to do their jobs in an excellent manner, and they deserve the support of every citizen.
With these thoughts in mind, America’s citizens have been called to action this coming Friday, Jan. 9, 2015 to thank and support our nation’s law enforcement officers. In Fayette County, there are four law enforcement agencies: The Tyrone Police Department, the Fayetteville Police Department, the Peachtree City Police Department and the Fayette County Sheriff’s Department.
In closing, may I note that as a department chaplain I have actually ridden with officers in their cruisers hundreds of times and witnessed first-hand our local officers at work over a ten-year period, and every single officer — black, white, Hispanic or Asian — is totally color blind.
As one of the four volunteer chaplains in the Peachtree City Police Department, I urge you to do one of the following on Jan. 9:
1. “See a police officer, thank a police officer.” A friendly “thumbs up” wave and horn toot from your vehicle will do nicely.
2. A store-purchased wrapped and unopened cake or cookies dropped off at headquarters for the break room.
3. Send a “thank you” card to the department for posting on the bulletin board.
4. Share a positive story about an officer on social media.
5. If you have young children, ask them to draw a colorful drawing about something a police officer might do to help someone. Drop it off at headquarters for the bulletin board.
Father Paul Massey
PTC PD Volunteer Chaplain
Peachtree City, Ga.
