There have been a total of probably 3 days in my work life I have ever started the day and had concerns over my personal safety and well being. There have been only 2 days I have started the day concerned for my wifes well being at her job. This is because of the career paths we have chosen. Then I consider those that live different lives, those that have taken a different career path, to protect and serve. I often wonder what its like to wake up every morning knowing that I will be putting myself in harms way to protect others. I wonder about the spouses and loved ones of these individuals that watch them leave for work in the morning, praying and pleading that they return home from that shift. It is indeed a thankless job that few chose to undertake. As with any organization, the actions of a few do not stand as just representation for the entire group. While I wont get into the details and logistics of the fatal shooting of the mentally ill man, whether these officers acted properly or not, and what may have taken place prior to this encounter, I do know a vast majority of us have never been in that position and we do not know what our actions would have been were we in their shoes. Just like the negative actions of a few Christians are not representative of all Christians or the actions of a few football players are not representative of the whole team, I will stand and support the police force of Albuquerque. I will stand and support the police forces of Farmington, of San Juan county, the NM state police, the police forces around the country and around the world. I support all those that run to the sounds of chaos, jump full force into the midst of the flames, and volunteer for the service of our country in the military. I do this regardless of those that may or may not have made mistakes in judgement in difficult situations because they are all choosing a life that is dangerous and receives little recognition for making good choices and saving lives. I support them because I know the prayers my family prays each day for my sister that is a police officer. I know what its like to worry for her safety because she CHOSE to be an officer in one of the worst cities for crime in the nation. And I know that she slept very little last night because of the fear of attack on her home and family. I do know this as well, she will get up this morning, kiss her son goodbye as he heads off to school, strap on her uniform and head out into the lions den of a vengeful city to protect and to serve. And I pray that we all remember this as we sit in our office chairs, fold the laundry in our houses, drive out to the rig, teach the children, work out at the gym and so forth. Remember and pray for those in law enforcement, military and fire safety. Better still, thank one of them today.
Posted on: Mon, 31 Mar 2014 14:44:28 +0000