Kind words from a community who cares

The past few months have again been filled with news stories of riots, protests against police brutality, and sadly the murders of multiple police officers from around the country. With constant alerts from state and federal agencies warning law enforcement officers to be more observant and watch for signs of possible ambushes, it can make the job even more stressful than it already is for so many people in this field.

As I talk to people from other agencies, I have heard of new policies being put in place such as requiring two man cars for patrolling, not allowing officers to leave their patrol cars outside their homes where they can be seen, and I talked to someone who attended a police academy where they mandated cadets not wear their uniforms to and from classes because of the dangers of being targeted.

Most law enforcement officers I know have the Officer Down Memorial Page app on their phone that alerts them every time an officer is killed in the line of duty, and it sends chills down your spine every time you hear it go off. If you watch too much TV or read too many articles from the media across the country, you began to feel like our society is becoming "us versus them."

I have always said that in reality there is no "us versus them" when it comes to cops and the public because you are us, and we are them. Members of law enforcement and their families are part of the community, and they care very much about the people around them. I have talked to members of law enforcement from other agencies across the country who have told some sad stories of how they had been treated. Some said they had been asked to leave restaurants just because they were cops, some said they have found hateful notes on their patrol cars, and even had people yell and scream at them in public for no other reason than because a badge was on their chest.

The more stories I hear from other agencies, the more grateful I am for the community we have here in Vernon County! After the latest shooting of police officers and deputies in Baton Rouge, I do not think I have gone anywhere in our community without having someone say "thank you," pay for a cup of coffee or a meal, or bring something by the office for the employees.

We have received notes and letters of encouragement almost every day from people we do not even know. I wish I knew who these people are so I could personally thank each one of them. A simple kind word from a stranger can make a deputy's entire shift turn into a better day. So I would like to say thank you to everyone who has offered the kind words to our deputies, and officers, paid for their meals, and sent letters of encouragement. It means much more than you will ever know and we greatly appreciate it!