We don’t thank our law officers enough

As I was sitting at the retirement reception for State Trooper Dan Thompson, I realized that we often take our law officers for granted, whether it’s at the local, county or state level.
    These officers are more concerned about the safety of others than of their own. They dedicate themselves to a life of service to others—you and me.
    While we don’t give it a lot of thought, every day an officer leaves their home, they put their lives on the line. Who knows what the day could bring.
    We’re all naive when we think we live in a small, peaceful community where something tragic like that could never happen. Remember the Duelle County sheriff’s deputy who was shot numerous times while delivering an arrest warrant with other officers? Yes, it can happen.
    Not everyone has the stomach or the courage for the job. I often think of the uncertainty (and fear) I would feel if, in the middle of the night, I would have to walk up to a car that I had just pulled over. Stop and think about it. But that’s what our law officers do in their role of protecting the public.
    Then there’s the unsung heroes behind those officers—their spouses and family.
    I’m sure they say a prayer every time their officer leaves the house that they will return safely at the end of the day. That’s a burden that carries its own badge of honor.
    Like the officers themselves, they too make sacrifices—missed meals, missed birthdays, working on holidays or weekend nights. They pay a price as well.
    So the next time you see one of our law officers, or members of their families, take a moment to say thanks. Thank them for the many sacrifices they make each and every day in their roles to serve the public and protect our safety.