If anyone is

reading out there, especially those public servants that put their lives

on the line for the citizenry, let me know something. Thousands of residents

in Fayette County are so very proud of our law enforcement officials,

firefighters, and 911 personnel. You are always there when we need you

whether it's a fender bender or our love ones with medical emergencies.

We are grateful to you for several reasons.

First, we are

grateful because you some of America's brightest and best decided to enter

a field of service where pay is far too low. It's obvious you are not

in it for the money. For one, I believe your bosses, the city and county

elected officials, should adopt a plan to increase your pay significantly

within the next 10 years. What is significant? I would say a rookie police

officer should start out at no less than $45,000.

Before the

elected officials have a coronary and have to call 911, let me remind

you that these men and women are our first lines of defense in case of

a terror attack at our backdoor. Also, let me remind you that these same

brave men and women are the ones who put their lives in jeopardy every

time they knock on a door.

America will

have some tall explaining before the seat of judgment as the nations parade

by. The Judge of the universe will ask, "You mean to say that you

paid your ball players millions of dollars a year, but you paid your public

servants in harm's way a minimum of $29,000? What was going through your

minds?" That goes also for school teachers. Dirt movers make more

money than our school teachers; yet, it is the latter who frame and shape

minds that mark the future of America.

Second, we

are grateful to you because you take your job seriously. The public would

not stand for a flippant policeman or policewomen. We never see it. Why?

Because you guys take your profession seriously. You keep your heads when

everyone else loses theirs. You realize that traffic, drugs, fire are

life and death matters. You represent ably the very fulcrum of American

life the law. I can remember that my father always referred to enforcement

personnel as "the law." You with great decorum represent what

America is all about: the rule of law and no one is above the law. Thank

you for never being down on your guard and upholding the highest standards

of the great country.

Third, we are

grateful to you because we can always count on your fairness and your

keeping the law yourselves. I travel to East African annually for missions.

I hear Ugandan citizens talk about their police. They say the police accept

bribes and often want money to settle a matter on the spot. As I hear

these tales, I just can't imagine such in the United States. When a policeman

stops me and it has happened before even here in Fayette, I am assured

the protection of the law. I know he or she will be following due process.

And often times, I experience their grace and understanding.

Therefore,

men and women of our first line of defense, thank you. This does not sound

much like a religion column. But, in fact, the Bible calls on us to give

thanks for our public servants and those who have rule over us. It's very

Christian to be thankful.

Now, this is

what I would like to know: how can we show you our thanks? Do we stop

you at the grocery store and just say it? Do we write cards and letters

to your superiors when you have served us? I mean, let us know. I recall

one church that sought to express its thanks by giving a $1000 to each

police officer. But the county made them give the money back. So, apparently,

cash is not the way except through your pay check.

But, how? Would

you respond in a letter to the editor and let us the public know how we

can express our gratitude? May God watch over you every day and over your

families who share a whole lot of you with us.

John

Hatcher is pastor of

Outreach International

Center

1091 South Jeff Davis

Drive

Fayetteville, Georgia

30215

770-719-0303

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