Getting to know our policemen
By Staff
Melissa Cason
I have come to the conclusion that life is simply a series of lessons. My mother used to tell me that life is a beautiful teacher.
I am afraid she's right, even though I hate to admit it.
We learn different things in life, from how to function on our own to the useless stuff we find entertaining. Nonetheless, we are still learning and absorbing things.
Over the past six months or so, I have interviewed a police officer each week. By doing so, I have come to know different things about their lives. Most importantly, I have learned to see them as people instead of someone in a uniform.
To the public, law enforcement officials often seem like cold robots in blue, writing tickets, making arrests and taking reports.
They are often seen as a necessity of society, rather than ordinary people simply doing their job.
Over the course of me doing my job, I have gotten to know many of these officers. I was surprised at what I found. They really care about people and they work to protect the communities in which they live.
I know you have heard this many times, but they are people just like us. They have families, children, goals, ambitions and dreams. The only difference between them and us is their badge and gun.
I'll be the first to admit that a uniformed officer used to intimidate me. As I got to know many of the officers, I have come to realize that there is no reason to be intimidated.
Instead, when I see an officer, I usually stop and talk to them. I know I am seeing a friend – a friend like no other because they are literally working to make our community a better place to live.
I hope that our series on police officers helps you see our county law enforcement officials as people you can trust at the very least. Yes, they do make arrests, and they do write tickets, but stop and think about why they have to do those things. And, think about how things would be if there were no laws.
In the end, I am sure you will realize that officers should be thanked for their service instead of criticized for doing their job.
And, if you are still not convinced, stop by your local police department and talk to the officers. See what they are like. I know that you'll quickly learn that they are simply good people trying to do a good job.
I know that I will never look at police officers in the same way regardless of where I live.
