BY SARAH STEPHENS, OWNER/EDITOR
PHOTO FROM CONCERNSOFPOLICESURVIVORS.ORG WEBSITE
Today is National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day across the country. It couldn’t come at a better time, in my opinion.
Our officers are being targeted, murdered, stalked and slandered on a greater level than I can ever remember in my more than 30 years as a journalist. It sickens me.
I will never say that every single law enforcement officer is an angel. I will never say that there are not some out there that have no right to wear a badge. But they are in the absolute minority.
I take my role as a reporter very seriously and I will praise them, or report the negative, whatever may come. But the great majority of interactions across this country on a daily basis do not involve “bad cops” who abuse their power.
I wish more people would remember that these men and women are underpaid, overworked. They are parents, brothers and sisters just like the rest of us. They just took on a job that most people don’t want to do anymore, and even among those that do, not all are qualified or up for the extreme challenge.
I pray every day for the safety of all first responders who are running toward the danger, while the rest of us run away. My job as a reporter is from the sidelines, and even the memories of my experiences have left me with nightmares. The stress of a police officer’s job is incredible, and leaves scars, both mentally and physically. There is a reason why so many in law enforcement have attempted suicide, or in too many incidents, succeeded. More officers die by suicide than in the line of duty each year. Think about that for a moment.
Take the time today, or in the coming days, to reach out to an officer, and tell them you appreciate them. They really need to hear it. Really. Leave a card, drop off some snacks to a department, buy the lunch of an officer who is rushing to eat before the next call. You may think these things are insignificant, but I promise you it sends a message.
FROM THE CONCERNSOFPOLICESURVIVORS.ORG WEBSITE
National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day (L.E.A.D.)
On January 9th, 2020, partnering organizations in support of law enforcement officers nationwide will promote National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day (L.E.A.D.). In light of recent negativity directed toward law enforcement nationally, there is a need to show law enforcement officers that our citizens recognize the difficult and sometimes impossible career they have chosen, in public service to us all.
On January 9th of each year, we will call our nation’s citizens to action in support of law enforcement. Those citizens who appreciate law enforcement and are discouraged about the negative attention being given to law enforcement are encouraged to take time on January 9th to show their support. Our citizens can show their support in a number of ways:
• Wear blue clothing in support of law enforcement.
• Send a card of support to your local police department or state agency.
• Share a story about a positive law enforcement experience on social media.
• Ask children in your community to write letters in support of law enforcement.
• Participate in Project Blue Light – Proudly display your blue light in support of law enforcement.
• Organize an event or a rally in support of your law enforcement officers.
• Advertise your support through local media outlets/billboards.
• Post the public service announcement supplied by C.O.P.S. to your organization’s webpage or social media pages.
• Coordinate and/or participate in a Blue Blood Drive.
Most importantly, if you see a police officer, thank a police officer.
