National Police Week -- Saying 'thank you'

This past week we observed National Police Officer week. I think, to many people, this year felt it would be a little different because of all the controversial issues from around the nation involving police. National Peace Officers Memorial Day was declared to be May 15, by President Kennedy in 1962; and the calendar week in which May 15 falls, was established as National Police Officer week by a joint resolution of Congress in 1962.

Some could say being a police officer is just a job, a way to earn a living. But there are far less dangerous and stressful ways to earn a living if that is all someone is looking for. As with any profession, there will be some who are not in the job for the right reason, some who become corrupt, or abuse their power; but for the majority, I believe the men and women in law enforcement have a heart to help others and serve the public. There is no dollar amount in any line of work that is worth dying for, and yet men and women in law enforcement are willing to pay that price anyway. It is not because the job requires it, it is not because they cannot find employment in any other field, but it is because they have seen firsthand the dangers that lurk in the streets, the predators that have embedded themselves in quiet neighborhoods, and the violence that can happen behind a closed door.

Just this year we have had two deputies injured in the line of duty, one deputy gave CPR, one deputy entered a burning home and saved an elderly lady, and countless acts that go above what "the job" requires. Giving rides to stranded motorists, helping change tires, unlocking car doors, attending children's events and other charities are just some of the things that I have heard about from people in the public who call to say thank you.

This year Police Week was a little different than it has been in the past. This week we have been flooded with more cards, cookies, letters, phone calls, and kind words from the citizens of Vernon County than ever before, and I would like to say thank you! I would also like to say thank you to all the law enforcement in Vernon County for what they do. The Sheriff's Office, Nevada Police Department, Highway Patrol, and Conservation Department have some very good people that care for their community and work very hard to keep it safe.

Winston Churchill said, "All the great things are simple, and many can be expressed in a single word: freedom, justice, honor, duty, mercy, hope." There are no words to express the gratitude for the sacrifices I have seen made by the men and women in law enforcement. But if any word can be used, it would simply be thank you.