Law enforcement, people who care

This week we had an incident where a deputy was in danger at a call and needed assistance. We get used to deputies asking for assistance on calls every day, and the nearest deputy always responds from wherever he is.

These calls, even though life threatening and dangerous, could be called "normal" because of how often backup is called. When a call is placed to dispatch that a deputy is in danger and needs immediate assistance, it is encouraging to see the response that comes from law enforcement everywhere.

Recently, when a deputy was attacked and called into dispatch for help, it was clear how much everyone works together and cares about those they work with.

The deputy reported to dispatch that he was being attacked; this is the first vital part of the deputy receiving help, and his first contact, dispatch.

Dispatch is the heartbeat of law enforcement. Deputies and officers are out everywhere taking calls and the only ones who keep track of them are their dispatchers.

On this night, the dispatchers heard the deputy's call and immediately started sending help. This was not a "normal" call for back-up however, since the deputy was being attacked.

This was one of those calls where no one cares what agency he works for or what shift he works, or how tired he is because his shift is over. Deputies hear the call, and they come running.

Within minutes, dispatch had notified agencies all over the surrounding areas and it did not take long for members of the Highway Patrol, Nevada Police Department, Barton County Sheriff's Office and fellow Vernon County Deputies to respond.

When I was called by dispatch and told of what happened, I responded as well; but when I arrived, I found nothing short of a small army of deputies, troopers and officers in a circle around the deputy that had been attacked. They were ready to help in any way they could. If it were not for their uniforms, a person would not have any idea they did not work together every day.

I once heard someone say, "It's the friends you can call up at 4 a.m. that matter." Sometimes in law enforcement, you have friends that you have never met, but they are there nonetheless.

From the deputy, to the dispatchers, the responding officers and the citizens who are always around to offer their assistance as well, you really can tell at 4 a.m. who your friends are.

I would like to thank everyone who is so eager and ready to help when needed, to go above and beyond at any price, for the sake of another.