The Thin Blue Line

The events of the last few weeks have been absolutely heartbreaking.  I have received more emails about the lowering of flags to honor police officers, and as a memorial to the fallen, than I ever care to see again.  It breaks my heart to watch the senseless killing, but as someone who has dear friends in law enforcement spanning several states, counties and departments, it hits even closer to home.  The most important thing an officer does is make sure that the guys (or girls) on their shift go home, to their families, in one piece at the end of shift.  Its not a just a job anymore it truly has become a calling.  Law Enforcement officers have always known the danger that came along with putting on the uniform, but today more than ever, they radio in-service at the beginning of shift, with uncertainty of what lies ahead.  Very few walk the line, because very few can make that kind of commitment.
Every shift they walk into situations without always having complete information.  They step into the middle of altercations knowing they may end up taking physical blows. They assist motorists or perform traffic stops on the side of the road trusting that people will slow down and move over.  They swelter in the summer wearing an extra 20 pounds between their their bulletproof vests and duty belts. And yet, daily, show up for shift knowing that they can’t predict what will happen.  Even with all of this,  we still expect them to do their job, a job so many of us don’t have the capability or the commitment to do, so that we will be protected and safe.


The things an officer sees in his time on the job, would be enough to make most people cry or be physically sick, but they have to become accustomed to it.  Many of them becoming even more distrusting of the world, because of  all the bad they see. Most don’t talk about these experiences internalizing them and trying to forget, making a choice to put it behind them and put on their uniform each day to protect  and serve.
An officers family isn’t exempt from the duties as well.  They have their own.  Never let them go to shift angry, always kiss goodbye, let I love you be the last thing you say, don’t worry ( most struggle with this one but its accepted),  knowing little things like that they have to sit in a restaurant where they can see the door, keeping meals warm for when calls run over shift change, and adjusting holiday plans around shift schedules.  It’s a sacrifice.  A huge one!  And we should all be grateful, for the protection, for the service, and for the sacrifice, made daily by men and women across the United States who walk the thin blue line.


Take time out this week to thank an officer! For all they do!