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You're Just a Cop. For what it's worth.

9/8/2014

 
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What will it take to see the truth about law enforcement?

Our Law Enforcement Officers are being murdered as well as laying down their lives on duty every 58 hours. They are being shot while sitting at traffic lights. Executed in coffee shops and on their lunch breaks. Lured into ambushes and blown away while removing debris from the roadway, or while responding to an alarm call which was a set up. They are being killed in their own driveways, while off duty. They are being shot inside their own precincts.

If celebrities or professional athletes were being targeted, shot and murdered to the tune of one dead every 58 hours there would be an instant demand for answers and protection. There would be a national cry to stop the violence before it impacted reality tv or sports center.

Regardless of proven statistics which tell us otherwise, our officers continue to get blamed as a whole for the actions of less than one percent*. Regardless of common sense in a world where we have all encountered a bad mechanic, doctor, plumber, we blame ALL cops for the few.  Regardless of countless corrupt priests, teachers, crooked judges and lawyers, we do not condemn their entire profession, it's asinine to even consider. But with law enforcement, it is instant condemnation of all.

What exactly does an officer have to do for you to say his/her life has worth? What will it take for you to see the family waiting at home, praying theirs isn’t the next officer down? What will it take for the citizens of this country to say without them, who will make these sacrifices?  Will you? Are you ready to be the target? Are you ready to line up your family and friends and know one of you will not come home every other day?

Our law enforcement officers are humans. When will it be enough to say something’s got to give?  Even for those who hate the police….you’ll be the first to dial 911 when you need them and you will expect them to run lights blazing to your rescue, after all, you pay their salary.

What happens when they say, sorry, it’s too dangerous, you’re on your own. You hate us anyway, so do as you see fit. YOU stand in front of the bullet and protect your own family. You pry your mangled wife out of the wreckage you caused while drunk and give her CPR in front of your children. You stand in the pouring rain in the dead of night on an expressway and protect your own car from being hit by a semi until the tow truck gets there. You unlock your own car you left your keys in. You change your own tire when 8 months pregnant in 102 degree heat. You stand in front of your own abusive husband and his weapon and his fist and tell him to leave your home without harming you.

You get in your own car and race to stop someone who stole from you or hit your car a few miles back. You enter your neighborhood store and approach a masked man with a shotgun and reason with him not to kill you or those in the store.  You go knock on the neighbor’s door who has a warrant, a house full of weapons and a sign on the door that says “don't tread on me”.

You watch for drunks out of control on the highway in an ice storm. You pray they don't kill you. You respond to suicide calls and cut teenagers from makeshift nooses in their garages or scrape their brain matter out of the soles of your boots. You tell their parents what happened while they were out socializing, again.

You walk into a house with no power in 105 degree heat containing the bodies of an entire family, including babies, now maggot infested and unidentifiable by anything other than the stench of rotten death.  You walk up to cars who have nearly run you off the road only to be met with a gun in your face and no time to react.  

You try and coax a brutally beaten and savagely raped teenager the same age as your own daughter out of the closet where she was left to die as she holds a knife to her own throat. You convince her tomorrow will be better.

You hate the police? You have no use for them? You think they’re worthless?  Do it yourself. Worry about it all on your own. You surely can do better. You surely are wiser than those lazy, corrupt, doughnut eating fools you don’t give the time of day to when you hear they were gunned down while you went on about your business.  Please, give them a rest and do it yourself.

You might want to hug your family and have your affairs in order before you head out, there's a very real chance you’ll never make it home, of course that’s no big deal….you signed up for that, and my tax dollars allow me to ignore your worth. After all, you're just a cop.

Oh, and you sure as hell better do it all perfectly, every single time. After all, you're not human anymore. You're just a cop. No one cares if you get it right...but you sure as hell better never get it wrong...because a good cop who did get it right will get his head blown off in an entirely different state if you screw up. That goes for you too, by the way. Better pray all 740,000 do right by that badge today, if not... It's all on you, because all cops are bad cops, right?

Melissa Littles, Founder
TPWL© 2014
The Police Wife Life, LLC

*statistics based on FBI full year crime data reports based on latest three full years ended in 2012.

**please be advised the reference to "don't tread on me" is not a political statement or opinion. It refers to a real life incident where officers responded to a domestic call which turned out to be a Marine vet/former police officer with PTSD. That sign let those officers know they were possibly dealing with one of their own, and sure enough they were. The subject opened fire through his front door, wounding one officer in the head.  The point in mentioning the sign was to show that our LEOs encounter all walks of life, and sometimes they even encounter one of their own, and even in that scenario...they must do their duty diligently. 



COMMENTS ARE NOW CLOSED. 200 comment maximum per post.

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Jenna Parker
9/2/2014 07:53:08 pm

This made me cry! Thank you for all you do to advocate for our men and women in blue. They deserve so much more!!! This post is 150% how I feel, why my husband? Why must he be the one to sacrifice everything to protect people that hate him? It takes a special person to do that job, that's for sure. Thank you again!!!

Cindy
9/5/2014 06:21:37 am

You took the words right out of my mouth.

Kimberly
9/7/2014 04:01:28 am

I totally agree

Margo McElroy
9/2/2014 08:15:25 pm

You put into words what I have been feeling the last few weeks!!

joannie Smith
9/2/2014 10:34:33 pm

I am speechless, it could not be said any better.

Sabrina McClellan
9/2/2014 11:24:21 pm

Melissa thank you for always standing up and saying what we all are thinking. You are truly an inspiration to all of us LEOW. BL and the boy team (I love those guys) are so lucky to have an amazing women like you. Thank you for every hard day and good day. Your family is always in our prayers.

Valarie Crump
9/2/2014 11:51:31 pm

This should go to all City Councils and County officials.

Heather Sewell
9/2/2014 11:52:36 pm

Thank you, Mel. This really hit home. I appreciate everything that BL does. Love to your family from mine!

Jim Henderson
9/3/2014 01:09:43 am

Thank you so much

Kim Heath
9/3/2014 02:10:40 am

That is true and well said. Thank you. I have a question of why there isn't a section for parents of police officers? Am I not looking correctly?

Yvonne Cason
9/5/2014 01:28:37 am

I would love a support system for parents of LE this Momma worries herself and could us some support, thank you this is sad but true

Brian Yost
9/3/2014 04:17:10 am

Im glad I saw this. It fits in with something I wrote and posted on FB just the other day. I am a 28 yr serving Lt. From WV. Copied below from my FB page

Brian Yost
Monday, September 1 at 7:04pm · Edited
To anyone that cares about us-The Blue Line and all Law Enforcement everywhere, thank you.....To those that condemn us and think that we are worthless (until you need us of course) and choose to treat us as trash and play armchair quarterback with the decisions that we have to make in a split second, as I know you always would have done it a different way or you know how you would have done it as you have received so much training and would be willing to give your life for your neighbor or unknown person on the street. You ..would...be willing to give your life for an unknown person right, or would you just stand by and videotape it with your phone? I think you would chose the latter of the two as you run away like the scared loudmouths that you are. You always say that you know how to do our job and we are always doing things wrong so I would assume you would die for it right? Is there a possibility that you would have to give your life as you do your job to protect someone else? Would you take a bullet for a stranger? I think not, but you always have all the right answers when you tell us how we should do ours ,you second guess us and always have a how you would have done it attitude and always know our jobs better than we do, as we stand between you and whatever it is you are afraid of as you operate a video camera on a cell phone but little else ,then we are not supposed to be afraid and pass you running into what you are running away from , think of this before you do what you do........John 8 verse 7 "Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone" John 8-21 So he said to them again, "I am going away, and you will seek me, and you will die in your sin. Where I am going, you cannot come." There is no time for a video then or a chance to tell God how to do his job. Who then will you seek? Do you know God's job better too..........If you support us I thank you from the bottom of my heart but if this fits you then I pray you find a way to change.

Keri Grafton
9/3/2014 04:51:35 am

Thank you for this, it is exactly what I needed to read today. I am the mother of two police officers. I have been very disturbed recently with the seemingly volatile and vocal hatred of cops...not just locally but nationally. I try to tell people about the good, but so many don't want to hear it.

Lori Presing
9/3/2014 05:23:47 am

I couldn't have said it better myself. Bless each and every office out there.

Wendy
9/3/2014 06:55:51 am

Mel you did it again. I am the great granddaughter, daughter and wife of cops. My 18 year old son is on the path to maintain the family tradition. I'm sitting her wiping away my tears. You have a way of hitting it right into reality. Thank you so much.

Becky Hann
9/3/2014 07:05:41 am

My husband has been a cop for 31 years. He doesn't always tell me what is going on but I think I know. His temperament has changed over the years. But I have always tried to welcome him home with a smile and a hug. His safe place.

Jeff
9/3/2014 08:36:46 am

Thank you...

Kayla
9/3/2014 09:37:06 am

I read this with tears freely flowing. I am the PROUD mom of a police officer. Underpaid, unappreciated, disliked by people just because he wears a badge & has sworn to protect all people, those that respect him & those that hate him. I will forever be proud of him & will begin & end each day asking God to put His shield of protection around him.

Debbie Bush
9/5/2014 06:15:36 am

Amen Kayla and where two or more of us are gathered....

Colleen
9/5/2014 04:17:07 pm

Kayla I am also the mom of a cop and so so proud of the career he has chosen. He has an amazing, supportive wife and five beautiful children. I worry every day when he walks out that door and leaves his family behind to do the job of a warrior with little respect and constant fear. God bless him and every officer across this country who puts his own life on the line to protect all of our families!!

Randy
9/3/2014 09:54:46 am

Let's not forget the casual indifference many average joes have whenever the hazards and stresses of the job are pointed out--"Well, they signed up for it"....No, they accepted the Risks, but I doubt they "signed up for" and welcome the dangers and stresses....I blame the thoughtless and inflammatory way these news stories are put out by the media, folks just gobble them up and paint the profession with broad strokes thanks to them...

Lindsay
9/3/2014 10:20:05 am

It's so nice to see people who will still stand by us when so many have turned their backs... Thank you

Caitlin
9/3/2014 10:23:42 am

So well written.... Not everyone will read this but the ones that do will not regret it. You give a glimpse into the cop/copwife life that most don't take an iota of time to think about while we live it 24/7. Those that don't want to understand won't even try, but at least you can change a few minds; thank you.

Heather
9/3/2014 10:40:07 am

Amazing and so true!!! Thank you for writing this cause it's what's been on my mind for so long!! That thanks to police officers every where!!!

Mary
9/3/2014 10:52:36 am

Beautifully written, thank you!

Fran Baker
9/3/2014 11:21:04 am

Having worked as a police dispatcher for 22 years, I know this article speaks the sad truth. From an inside prospective, I want to say I'll be forever greatful and respectful of all the emergency service people. My videos to them for the great jobs they do. For the help and life saving service. We couldn't be as well off as we are without them!
Shame on all the big mouth know nothing cop haters... For they are a clueless, and thankless bunch of ignorant skeptics!
My heartfelt gratitude and respect to all police fire paramedics paid and volunteer, God Bless you and your families for all your brave services.

William Miller
9/3/2014 11:24:32 am

Thank you so much. I hope my family and friends doesn't read this. I try to ease their minds everyday I head out to work. We all know that the end of watch could be any of our time out there. Being in law enforcement and I get a complaint on another officer, I will try to explain to the person that in all professions there will be good and bad. I try my very best to treat everyone I encounter the same way I want to be treated, with the respect that is expected. Granted there are times when this is not possible. I know I will one day have to answer to my ultimate judge and I hope he tells me I did my job well trying to protect and serve all his children.

Molly Wellman
9/3/2014 12:34:51 pm

Thank you for posting this it's nice to see someone on our side for a change!

Martha
9/3/2014 12:48:01 pm

From a mother of a officer living hundreds of miles away...THANK YOU!!!!

Angela
9/3/2014 01:26:37 pm

I absolutely loved this article...well done. I wish everyone would read this. My precious husband is a police officer and I could not respect him more. The bad rap against officers makes me so angry and I'm so thankful for your bold voice of truth.

Ataiba Gnatek
9/3/2014 01:33:54 pm

Thank you for writing that. I actually bought me to tears im from a family of cops ,my son, my husband, unclesand grandfather. There are so many days that I feel that way. Thank you

jean link
9/3/2014 01:43:25 pm

As a mother of a police officer I thank you .

Robert
9/3/2014 01:51:00 pm

I loved every word of this. Thank you for transcribing what we and our loved ones deal with on a nightly basis.

Kerri Smith
9/3/2014 04:10:58 pm

Thank you so much for writing this. My husband is set to retire after 30 years of being in Law Enforcement. I cannot wait because I'm so tired of hearing complaints from the public and even my own friends about how "rude" the deputy was when he pulled me over for speeding or he wasn't smiling when I asked him when the accident would be cleared because it's making me late or the million other negative comments I've heard. It's cost friendships and has made me physically sick from always having to defend Law Enforcement. The best comments in the article was the word YOU....you (the public) go out and try to do what a police officer does. Maybe then they'll understand..

Debbi
9/3/2014 08:33:40 pm

Your article said it so well. There are so many wonderful police out there and the few who aren't are the ones who get the headlines.

Mindy
9/3/2014 10:44:47 pm

Married to a state trooper, detective, and now crime scene tech for 16 years. Best piece I've ever read concerning law enforcement.

Linda
9/3/2014 10:49:02 pm

I pray for ever officer to return to their families every time they leave there homes, just as I do my family and loved ones. Officers are human, they make mistakes, but can you say you wouldnt while someone is holding a gun to your head or in your house stealing what is yours. Smarten up people, without officers think were we would be.

Aaron miller
9/3/2014 11:03:08 pm

Thank you for this. I have been a police officer for over a decade in the largest city in Wisconsin. Our own mayor says were a dime a dozen and can be replaced anytime as he does not support his own police. So thank you for the wonderful words

Joni
9/3/2014 11:17:28 pm

Thank-You!!!!! I am a wife of a retired Police Officer and a mother of a Police Officer. Everyday I had to (with my husband) and still have to worry whether my son will make it home alive . Thank-You for all those Police Officers who put their life on the line every day and their families who sit at home and pray their Police Officer comes home to them safely every day. God be with you all!

Paula
9/4/2014 12:28:16 am

This makes it so real my husband is also a cop of 20 years. This brings me to tears! I wish that everyone could read this I will also post this on my FB page!

John Roby
9/4/2014 12:30:29 am

Attention ACLU, Southern Poverty Law Center and all the other arm chair quarterbacks: Read this article. Read it twice. Understand it. And then go out and second guess that police officer, doing a dangerous job for an ungrateful populace.

I get so tired of hearing the talking heads and the hand wringers blathering about how something should have happened. Or what should have been done. You weren’t there, you’re not a police officer and you need to shut your cake hole. Or, as this article says, step up and do it yourself. Oh but that’d mean you have to drag yourself out of your air conditioned office/home and we both know that isn’t going to happen.

No, I’m not a police officer. But I still agree with this article. 100%

MAK
9/4/2014 12:35:05 am

Seems to me that the easiest solution to most of this would be placing body cameras or Google glasses on all cops to record interactions which would allow internal and external reviewers to identify and commend the good cops and weed out the bad.

Marsha
9/5/2014 12:03:26 am

That's a great idea! Everyone knows that police departments have endless budgets. Oh wait, they don't. Police officers are using outdated equipment, are having their numbers cut so that there isn't enough coverage at any given time, and are making do with less just like so many others in this tough economic time.

But if you're all for cameras and google glass on every police officer, then I suggest having one on every doctor, lawyer, teacher, and postal worker as well. I mean, isn't it easier to weed out the bad ones that way? Oh? Is that too invasive of their privacy?

Tracy
9/6/2014 11:39:04 pm

Unfortunately the media would still only focus on the bad incidents and hype those up. It wouldn't do anything to change the public view of the cops because the media would make sure it didn't.

Sue Anderson link
9/4/2014 12:36:56 am

I am grateful for the "blue wall" that protects my family. Public servants are so unappreciated and so disrespected - it boggles my mind. My child and grandchild have been taught to respect and appreciate these brave men and women. I know that if a police officer tells one of them to do something, they will do it - not be disrespectful and confrontational. And if one of them EVER robs a business, they won't have to worry about the police.....they will have to worry about me! I am amazed at the parents out there that put their children's personal rights ahead of the law (which is in place for the good society--not the convenience of that individual) - they are setting their own kids up for destruction.

Carolyn link
9/4/2014 01:00:37 am

Not everyone hates the law officers. So please know that as with everything else there are those people who do not want to take responsibility for the actions they take in their lives. So they blame some else. Most of us are so very grateful for what you do every day to keep us safe and for being there when we need you. Thank you each and everyone of you for always being there for us.

Deb Fesi
9/4/2014 01:31:10 am

Thank you, my son, Sister and brother in law thank you as well. For all the men and women in BLUE, thank you.

Tom Goggins link
9/4/2014 02:19:11 am

Thank You, Melissa! I am not a Police Officer. In fact I've been arrested and convicted of a few minor charges over the years. And believe or not everytime this happened I was guilty! The officer(s) were just doing their job. I'm from the metropolitan NY-NJ area. These men and women lay their lives on the line. everyday. To each one of them Thank You an God Bless you!

Jessica McGlothlin
9/4/2014 03:33:10 am

Mel,
Thank You for always putting the thoughts of every LEOW into words so eloquently! Keep fighting the good fight! We're right there with you!!! 💙👮💙

Frances Cavallo
9/4/2014 04:03:13 am

This is so very true! I was thinking and saying these very things just the other day! We expect our police to lay down their lives like they are not human, they are more compassionate than any of us!!! They have to be to deal with what they deal with on a daily basis!!! And not crack! With the abuse that most of them take, don't you think they can sometimes be nasty or crabby??? We all have moods! And fears too! That is what makes us human! But then we have people who do nothing but bad, who, we as people, don't really want to deal with ourselves, they think they can walk into someone's business and just help themselves, as if they worked for it or hurt people just so they can say they did, and prove that they are better people because of that! It is so ridiculous!!!!! In every position or career, there are bad just as there are bad people without a position or career, so why put down all for the one!!! I am a mother of a police officer and worry every single day that I might get a call telling me that that officer has been hurt!!! I worry more about her here, in the U.S.A. than I did when that officer was fighting for our country in foreign lands!!! Now should that be??? Our world is in horrible shape and we only have a select few who care to protect that world!!! God Bless Our Police!!! We need them!!!

CD Driggers
9/4/2014 04:11:08 am

THANK YOU! After more than 20 years on the job I'm glad some people get the fact that we are indeed human. Capable of making mistakes. Not looking for praise or glory just a little empathy for doing what is sometimes a very difficult job. Another stat most don't know is the life expectancy of a police officer is 55 years which is far lower than the national average.

Ann link
9/4/2014 04:11:55 am

Yes. Just yes. To all of it.

Nicholus Graves
9/4/2014 04:33:20 am

Life is not fair, most of all for the beautiful souls who risk their own lives, as well as the lives of their families to protect and serve their communities. I have family in law enforcement and have learned much of what they deal with every day. I speak up when people talk about how crooked and worthless the police are. I myself would not be alive if a few of our local officers had not risked it all to protect me. A few of them did not make it home. I have the utmost respect for the officers who strive to perform with integrity, as well as excellence. I realize that that does not account for them all, and I pray that they change for the better. Over all I would definitely say that our local law enforcement has changed my life for the better. I have applied more than once to join them, and would gladly do so if the door opened. Until then, I'll keep, our hero's in blue, as well as the plain clothes officers, in my prayers. Be safe out there, eyes open and chin up!

Jeannie Hoffmann
9/4/2014 04:54:20 am

NEEDED to be said, thank you to all our police officers who lay their life on the line every time they go to work,

Karen Lippe
9/4/2014 05:03:55 am

AWESOME and thank you!!!

Bunny McCutcheon
9/4/2014 05:09:02 am

As the mother of a police officer, I thank you and say God Bless!

Deborah Hayes
9/4/2014 05:26:12 am

This made me cry too. I worry and pray for not only my son, but every man and woman in law enforcement. I apology's for the ignorance of uneducated humans, "Thank you to all our men and women who walk the Blue Line with honor and integrity every day" and I pray for your angels angels to protect each of you and your families each day.

Roni Waller
9/4/2014 06:04:34 am

Awesome article. Thank you to every man woman wearing a badge. So thankful my husband survived his 36 yr career relatively unscathed, although how do you measure the emotional scarring of killing someone? And knowing that the infant beside the scumbag could easily have been killed.... What was once a sought after career field is becoming harder and harder to fill with qualified applicants and one I would no longer recommend due to the total lack of respect the position offers. God Bless the brave ones still serving their communities! Trying to decide how much longer I want to continue working in the law enforcement field. My husbands open heart surgery last year was an eye opener. Thank you again for a well written article!

Janny
9/4/2014 06:31:07 am

Thank you!!!!!

Randy Shedd
9/4/2014 06:32:23 am

This really moved me. Been in many of the scenarios you listed. The scraping your boots really hit home. I no longer wear my work boots home so as not to bring that sort thing into the house.

Try this one on for size; I once asked my wife to stop @ Target & pick up 2 T-shirts & 2 sweat pants. I had to put 2 female minors in front of a grand jury & they were still wearingg see through baby-doll nightgowns from while they were hooking. "honey? I picked up 2 hookers last night that are kids. Could you bring me clothes for them on your way to work? I'll pay you back...." Such is the life.

Danelle Mitchell
9/4/2014 07:00:55 am

What many family members of LEO's feel every day...especially with recent events. Thank you, I couldn't have said it better myself. Proud of my LEO and all those in uniform who serve and protect every day.

Kristen
9/4/2014 07:07:06 am

Thank you for writing this! Me along with the other police wives and police officers and the rest of their families really appreciate this! I wish all people (especially those who bash police) would read this and it could open their eyes to what police officers (and their families) go through everyday. Like you said..this is their life and they are humans too.

Trooper
9/4/2014 07:10:57 am

Thank you. I so so needed someone to say, we aren't all bad. 99.9% of us want to fit in with our friends and families but we hide in shame, worried we will haft to explain someone else in a situation we were not at. Pretty soon America will get their wish. No one will want to be law enforcement. It's already starting.

Tracy
9/4/2014 10:00:50 am

Thanks

nina dickinson
9/4/2014 08:42:04 am

My son an Oklahoma Trooper, I will defend his career choice with the loudest voice, and pray for him each time he goes on duty.

Angelina Lopez
9/4/2014 08:48:23 am

As the very PROUD Mother of a LEOW, this could not have hit home more powerfully. Or my heart any deeper! Each and every single day, I cry silent tears and pray for my Daughter's safety as she heads out into a world full of ingrates to PROTECT and SERVE! And wonder why she does it with such love and passion?! But THAT she does! And all to hear her Brother/Sister officers be ripped to shreds each and every day by the same people they risk their own lives to PROTECT or SAVE! I could not be more gratefull to you for your wonderful words! I wish all our LEO/W would go on strike for just two weeks! Answer no calls at all!!! And see exactly what all these self professed BRAVE idiots would do! I say let them perish from their own IGNORANCE! Angelina lopez

Tiffany Bassi
9/4/2014 08:52:46 am

I am always in awe after I read anything you write! As a wife of a police officer your points are always valid and you "hit the nail on the head." I am ready for society to start standing by our Officers and appreciate what they do day in and day out!!! Thank you again for your publications.

Miguel
9/4/2014 09:08:06 am

Thank you

Jen
9/4/2014 10:08:20 am

I rarely if ever comment on anything on the internet but asanas a wife of a police officer this post touched my heart beyond words. It's discouraging to see people as of lately bashing the police for everything. And like you said they're human beings with loved ones and they're doing their job to protect not only themselves but others all while putting their life on the line.

Kathleen Deates
9/4/2014 10:14:58 am

This is all so true. My son was a police officer , and is now a detective.It is so scary out there In the city. His wife says he never talks about his job, he just comes in after work, throws his clothes in the washer. He told me , he deals with the scum of the earth, they don't care what they do. I worry about him every day

Bruce
9/4/2014 10:29:52 am

There are not enough words to say Thank You to each and every officer who willingly does their job every day and night. I am humbled by your desire to serve.

Mike
9/4/2014 10:43:22 am

Thank You

Angie
9/4/2014 11:10:14 am

Thank you so much for saying what I have struggling to put into words myself. These last few weeks have made it hard to watch what comes out of my mouth. Again, thank you, thank you.

Max Griffith Jr
9/4/2014 11:46:16 am

As the wife of a deputy to hear him dispatched to a gun store and then not hearing ANYTHING for two hours After his shift was heart braking. Then as a 911 dispatcher, SENDING him on these calls and hearing him say he has been involved in an accident. They almost had to take us both to the hospital. Thanks for posting this. I think this should be an Emergency Broadcast Alert with this message. Again thank you and God bless

Debby
9/4/2014 11:55:57 am

Thank you Melissa for speaking the TRUTH !!! My son was a soldier and now a trooper , we are so proud of him and all his brothers that wear a badge !! We need to stand behind our men and women who wear the badge, and sacrifice so much of themselves for us !! Stay Proud, Stand Tall, and walk away from the "NOISE" , there voices are not important !!!

Rose link
9/4/2014 12:15:11 pm

This article is well written. I thank them all for the work they have to do for the safety of all of us. I think the people who really care will read this and feel the same as I. I pray for their safety every day. Even if I don't know them. So please be nice and respect them.

adriana
9/4/2014 12:16:02 pm

Thank you for SPEAKING the truth.... but sad to say too many ignorant people will never see the GOOD in a cop because they are MANY MANY GOO cops and RISK their life to make their city, county or town safe.... Thank you for SPEAKING the truth that many choose to turn their face....

Ginger Sanders
9/4/2014 12:29:48 pm

Melissa,
Thank you! I have a son who is a deputy sheriff and has experienced quite a few of those things you noted. A mom of a law enforcement officer that would give his life to save another.

Just a Cop
9/4/2014 12:30:26 pm

Awesome, well written article! Thanks for writing it.

Sincerely,

Just a Cop

Ofc. Jon Reyes link
9/4/2014 12:32:39 pm

Thank you Melissa.

Steve Kelly
9/4/2014 12:59:57 pm

This is the best written article I've read about Law Enforcement Officers. Thanks to all the Officers for what you do.

Jim Rogers
9/4/2014 01:32:17 pm

Thank you for your article. Wish everyone would read this. Thank you again

Joyce Marston
9/4/2014 01:32:22 pm

I do not like it when people speak of how bad the cops (or any law enforcer ) is. People are now thanking those in the military for the job they do. I also thank the police and sheriffs deputies when I see them in restaurants, stores, church etc. as well as firemen. I have many friends who are on the police force, Highway patrol, as well as my darling niece, Jane who is a retired Deputy Sheriff . When my husband was in the nursing home, there was a police man who was paralyzed when shot while on duty trying to save the life of a man who had killed his wife. Steve lived across the hall from my husband and I took care of him like I took care of my husband. Can you imagine not being able to scratch your head or do anything else with your hands for years? I never heard him complain about his condition, or mention that he was ever sorry for being in the police force. So to any of my friends who are putting their lives in jepordy by having a job to protect the rest of us, again, I say thanks to all of you.

Lisa
9/4/2014 01:38:01 pm

Well said indeed! I am a current civilian employee of my local sheriff's office, but also a former wife to a deputy, former sister in law of a SWAT team member, and former daughter in law to a deputy of more than 33 years of law enforcement at the same agency. We eat, sleep and breath stress and worry for law enforcement.... Not just our own but for each and every LEO out there. I pray more common citizens see and read this and try, just try to understand the sacrifices our LEO's endure day after day, year after year. God bless them all!

Angela
9/7/2014 11:50:02 am

I'm married to a cop and he's on the swat team !i pray every nite that he and all the officers come home safe to thier families'

Mandy Burns
9/4/2014 01:39:54 pm

You took the words right out of my mouth! In fact I just shared a post with a video from fallen Officer Daryl Pierson's widow and said a much abbreviated version of what you said. Blows my mind how feeble-minded people are to what these men and women do for us. I'm proud of what my husband has done for the 18 years he's been in law enforcement. I worry every time he leaves the house it'll be the last time my girls and I get to hug and kiss him.

James R Lightfoot link
9/4/2014 01:58:59 pm

Well written and on point. I was a police officer many years ago in Tulsa, OK. Times have changed. Officers do not have the respect we had in the old days. Wives go through so much no one ever knows about. A friend of mine, wife of a police officer, sent the link to your article. I posted it on Facebook in hopes that more people will read your story. Thanks for telling it.

Ofc Clint Smith
9/4/2014 02:18:00 pm

I just want to thank you. I have been an office for 16 years. I did not take this job for the thanks or the praise but it does help to see that there are people that actually care about us. There are people that realize the sacrifices we make to help others. the selfless acts to make someone else have a better day. Then we turn the corner and get shot at, spit on, punched, kicked and cursed just because we are the police. we take it in stride because it is all part of the job. It does make us as officers feel better when someone stands up for us. Again, Thank You.

BJ
9/4/2014 02:32:59 pm

Thank you, it's nice to see so many supporters. As a fifteen year LE veteran I have been fed up with the media and the continued demonization of the police. So much so I've lost the love for this job I once had and have never been more ready to leave. I see many say we no longer need the police but what will they say and do when all the good cops walk away and say, you can have it....To those who understand this career is not fir everyone and for those who support us I thank you deeply, I just wish you were more vocal than the naysayers and race baiters

rachel
9/4/2014 02:43:32 pm

As a mother of a police officer i agree and commend you for writing such beautiful, heartfelt, words. I pray for my son's safety as well as all police officers that use their lives as our safety shield.They deserve so much more.
Thank You.

Trina Evans
9/4/2014 03:11:19 pm

Thank you for being a voice in a day and age when our Leo's need it most. Our heroes EOW is 12-26-2007. We will forever be advocates for the thin blue line and all that they do and represent.

Adam link
9/4/2014 03:32:55 pm

This gave me peace... it's hard to always read how everyone hates us, I'm glad to know that I'm not alone and someone still cares. Thank you.

steve
9/4/2014 03:49:55 pm

A fair and balanced media is nonexistent these days. I have intentionally turned the news off and refuse to watch these profit/rating driven whores anymore. I'm done with news! As a 24 year officer I'm sick of them and the likes of Al Sharpton, J. JJackson and the organizations such as the ACLU. Oh! I'm sure to be labeled a racist bigot for calling them out, but these people line their pockets and have jobs by creating fear among the black community of police officers. It's easy to blame the police for all the social woes but the reality is that these parasites need African Americans to fear and hate police or they will lose the lifestyle they have grown so accustomed to. Are there racist cops? Absolutely! But they are few and far between these days and the numbers are fading as these old attitudes retire, get fired or run out of the profession by their peers. It's not just African American populations either. I have a particular disdain for you anti police social media/bloggers. Get a life and maybe lay off the pot for a day to clear the bong smoke from your brain and actually do something productive for a change......like get a job and move out off your parents house. Thank you for the article. This speaks to how I've been feeling as of late given the media coverage and its been hard for me to even go to work. What keeps me going in for my shift is the occasional "Thank you officer....for what you do" from a random person. To those people....Thank you!

mohammad hyat
9/4/2014 05:11:50 pm

Thank you for your support for all the hard work of all the law enforcement officers around usa. They truly do a dangerous and vital job, one which society wouldn't be able to function

Barry W
9/4/2014 10:03:10 pm

Thank you so much for these words!!! As a local officer myself for the past 18 years I want to say these things to people everyday. It gets old and you get burned out quickly in this day and time when the little things such as people complaining over the most ridiculous stuff is something you hear every time you come in to work. I just want people to read things like this and understand what we deal with on a daily basis and not worry about why my patrol car looks different from somebody's on day shift...........sorry for the rant.
Thanks again for writing this!! :)

Priscilla Griffith
9/4/2014 10:27:13 pm

Thank you for putting my thoughts into words. I am the mother of 3 sons, all of whom are police officers. I worry every day 3 times over. They all have families who could lose them at any time. I wish every citizen in every city could read this. My boys are my life and they put their life on the line every day for you, they need and deserve your respect.

AJ
9/4/2014 10:28:29 pm

It is nice to hear that some people still care about us

cop wife
9/4/2014 11:13:04 pm

Thanks for the truth!!!!

Henry Maldonado
9/4/2014 11:19:50 pm

My wife sent this to me. Because I Love her and my family with all my heart. I asked her to remove it from her page. Its sad but it makes her a target for expressing her love for me. There is always someone connected to someone else that views us as expendable. The feelings described in the post are absolutely true. Thank you for making them public. People need to know we are human and not all bad as we are made out to be.

Kerri Smith
9/6/2014 11:59:58 pm

Hi Henry, I posted this on my page too. It received one comment and 3 "likes" which one of them is currently a LEO. Pretty sad considering I have over 200 friends. I was shocked so I'm leaving it up as the first thing you see if you click on my page. I totally understand why you asked you wife to take it down because unfortunately there probably will be a few that will hold it against her. My husband doesn't have a Facebook so he doesn't know! Take care and stay safe.

Trooper
9/4/2014 11:21:24 pm

Melissa,
Your article was very well written, and certainly rings true. For someone who hears the ill-informed opinions of many day in & day out, I appreciate it tremendously. When we're called upon in their darkest of times, regardless of opinion, we're still going.
Best regards!

Tara Miller
9/4/2014 11:36:10 pm

Mel,
I am a wife of an LEO and thank you from bottom of my heart for this and everything you do. Everything you say we all feel, that of course being our LEO's and us wives. Prayers for all LEO's and families. God bless you Mel!!!

James
9/4/2014 11:59:13 pm

Too bad the audience this is intended for will never take the time to read it.

James G Jewell link
9/5/2014 12:17:54 am

Well said.

Thank you!

Claire
9/5/2014 12:20:31 am

Very true. As a UK police officer I entirely agree. It's the same here. We might have your mortality rate but still everyday my family are relieved when I return home..
Those who hate us ironically call for help the most.. No matter what time of day or day of the year..

Educated citizen
9/5/2014 01:30:13 am

I do acknowledge the good cops that are in that line of work for honor and to protect . Those are applaud able heroes . I appreciate their work and God bless them .

Officer Kenneth DeLand (Retired)
9/5/2014 02:18:19 am

“Blue Blood”

October 10, 2010

Written by: Kenny “D”

Officer Kenneth J. DeLand #78

It Takes A Certain Breed

Within the sanity of our own minds one would think its insane to put on a bullet proof vest, dawn a web belt bearing a handgun, 52 bullets, a rifle with 100 rounds plus, a Tazer with 50,000 volts, pepper spray, an Asp, and handcuffs to do ones job everyday. But we do it.

~

Day after day we are asked to step into harms way knowing that every corner we turn could be a reality check with a distraught individual ready and willing to take ones life. But we do it.

~

But yet we do what is asked of us, and at times even ordered to do so, by individuals who sit within the protection of their own bubble, standing behind a wall of safety. But yet we do it.

~

We step out everyday climbing into our offices and patrol society trying to figure out a way to calm the evil that lurks within the shadows of every call. We do it.

~

We are asked to step between two human beings that are within a state of rage and unconcern for the life or safety of the ones around them and control the situation. We do it.

~

We are asked to connect and communicate with all walks of life of all ages and mentalities. Then step back into our own sanity trying to make sense of it all. We do it.

~

Sometimes we step into the roll of a leader, a listener, a counselor, a mentor, a mediator, a consoler, and even a friend but never forgetting we are policemen first. We do it.

~

Yet we are asked to go home at the end of our shifts and leave the madness behind not to poison our families with the daily insanity we deal with, then maintain and even control not only our lives but all the lives we come into contact with. We do it.

~

But yet the next day “We Do It” all over again. Is it the insanity of the job we do? Or is it the sanity within our own minds that keeps us coming back for more?

***

KJD

Retired Officer Kenneth J. DeLand Badge 78
Torrington Police Dept.
Torrington CT 06790
[email protected]

Arnie Dansky
9/5/2014 02:26:40 am

I am a retired officer who spent 34 years with the NYPD. I was proud of every moment during my tenure. I wholly support what you are doing and what you stand for. We have a Fraternal Order of Police Lodge in Florida, where I now reside, that is made up of all retired law enforcement officers from New York. I am the V/P and will make sure that this is included in our next newsletter. If you are ever down this way and would like to speak at one of our meetings it would be our pleasure to have you do so. If you google NY3100 you can view our website. I am also committed to Autism as I have an autistic grandson who is the love of our lives. Thank you for all that you do to make sure everyone knows that we, as cops, are also husbands/wives, brothers/sisters, friends and human beings.

Tricia
9/5/2014 03:21:37 am

Thanks to my neighbor John for your service😚

Doris H Nedell link
9/5/2014 03:42:33 am

Thank you Melissa. I would love to have been able to voice it all like you have. Our son is a police officer and is very professional in his job.
I fear every morning when he leaves his family so I dress him in God's Armor to protect him from the crazy people he might encounter during his duty hours. I live in fear that some drug runner will take his life

sherry holubec
9/5/2014 04:02:42 am

Thank you sooo much. I'm the wife of a 25 year police officer for Houston Texas. I am so proud of him but it has been the hardest thing to go through. I pray that something changes. God bless them all and their families.

Michael
9/5/2014 04:21:45 am

I am just thanking God for the people that are our police officers and all the other law enforcement people that we have.

David D. Noel
9/5/2014 05:05:31 am

After 34 yrs. as an Officer with the Des Moines, IA PD I retired 18 yrs. ago. Prior to the Watts riots the news media were fairly consistent in reporting confrontations with Officers. After that time the resentment for Viet Nam also inflicted our younger generation with resentment to public authority at all levels of government. Now, the public seems to hold the military in higher regards, and my only hope is that it also includes the Police agencies in the very neat future.

Irma Tamez
9/5/2014 05:15:38 am

I am the proud mother of a retired LAPD officer, I worried and prayed every night for our son. I thank The Lord that He watched over our son everyday he went to work on this dangerous job! My prayers are with every mother, dad, wife and child that never know if their love one will make it home each evening. God continue to bless these brave men and women that place their lives for our safety everyday. We all need to be proud of them and greatful got them.

Alex
9/5/2014 05:40:35 am

Thank you!

Charlie Hamilton
9/5/2014 06:01:38 am

Only a police officer , police officer's family. Or a police officer's wife would know how true this is. We'll wriiten and thanks to Law Enforcement for all they have done and continue to do!

Stephen Burt
9/5/2014 06:23:47 am

as a former SWAT officer This really hits home. I was shot and almost killed during a raid in 2001 but was able to return fire killing the suspect, November a couple of years ago one of my brothers was lured into an ambush and Executed. Only Us and our families understand. God Bless the peace keepers. RIP "SOLO"

Johnny link
9/5/2014 07:02:58 am

Beautifully written. My son is a Deputy and I worry about him and his partners every minute they are on duty. Very few people thank them when they do something for them.

mark
9/5/2014 07:15:29 am

Absolutely nothing wrong with a "don't tread on me" sign, flag, shirt or declaration of any sort

Just an officer
9/7/2014 12:40:01 am

Of all things THAT is your focus. Well done.

Amazingly well written. It's the sad reality.

Allen pledger link
9/5/2014 08:31:18 am

Wow....been employed as an Deputy for over 18 years and never heard it put quite like that....Thank You

Kim Tracy
9/5/2014 08:36:07 am

Perfectly said! Thank you !

Melissa Littles
9/5/2014 08:44:04 am

Mark... The "don't tread on me" sign wasn't the point. The warrant was. The combination of the two is an indication of what those officers might anticipate going in. That reference was from an actual case. An officer was shot in the head upon entering.

Leigh Heinemeyer
9/5/2014 08:55:01 am

That is amazing! Thank you!

LGarcia
9/5/2014 09:39:53 am

I am the sister of officer Gabriel Garvia, the officer just recently shot in San Bernardino and fighting for his life. Thank you for this article I appreciate you putting into words what our families face every day.

Denise Faivre
9/5/2014 09:53:15 am

What a wonderful article and thank-you so much for writing it. I am the proud mother of an NYPD officer, I pray for his safety every single day. It angers me when we see this lack of respect for all the men and women who put there lives on the line everyday for all people. I have never seen a protest march when a police officer was killed or outrage by the media. Thank-you again for your support for law enforcement

Charlie Oliver
9/5/2014 10:12:31 am

I spent 30 years wearing a badge, Thank you for saying what we can think but not say out loud.

Melissa Littles
9/5/2014 10:15:15 am

Prayers for Gabriel! We're thinking of him!

Pam link
9/5/2014 11:42:12 am

My son-in-law is a state trooper. Everyday he works we worry. He is out there protecting us. I wish we could do the same for all of them.

Joe Staft
9/5/2014 11:57:57 am

Thanks, Mellisa .

Joan Wilson
9/5/2014 12:19:08 pm

As the mother of a Royal Canadian Mounted Police Constable, I would like to Thank You for this. On this side of the border we have the same problems and concerns.

Rob Harlan
9/5/2014 12:39:31 pm

I can remember Paul Harvey reading something like this, years ago. It hit me hard back then, for you see....I was just a boy who wanted to be a cop. Now....many years later.....with 30 years on....I'm 'just a cop'.The one moms and dads use as a 'boogie man' to get their kids to behave. The one who goes into a home where mom and dad tell you that they have raised little Johnnie for the past 16 years, but have never disciplined him, and now want you to make him see the light and behave. The one ..... the one .....who is 'just a cop'.

Lisa
9/5/2014 01:30:26 pm

This really touched my heart. They need to be respected more everyday. They sacrifice themselves for all of us every single day with out complaint. I love and respect them all. I have a man I Love whose and officer. He's my hero. He's truly unselfish. Again I thank you for those powerful words.

Linda
9/5/2014 02:21:10 pm

Wow. This is so true. Why can't people appreciate our law enforcement for all they do. Why do they condemn all over the actions of a few, even when those actions have not even been proven to be wrong. I love my police officer son and am so proud that he has the courage to do what he does each day even knowing that so many just don't care.

Nick
9/5/2014 03:24:20 pm

In 2011 police officers in the United States shot at least 1,146 people, killing 607- this information wad compiled by an independent researcher due to the fact there are no totals kept on public record

Melissa Littles
9/5/2014 06:45:54 pm

Nick,
Thank you for pointing out that stellar record based on those numbers.

With 319 million people in the US, on average 34,000 arrests per day and 740,000 officers per 319,000,000 people, that would mean based on your numbers that over 99% of people who come in contact with and/or shot by police officers live.

Less than 610 residents killed by police is roughly .0000019% of the population killed in 2011... According to your information.

And those same statistics are reported in full by the FBI National Crime Statistic data reports and they concur. Less than 1% of those who encounter an officer lose their life, and the majority of those are ruled justified.

Where oh where are all these murderous officers? In the minds of the sheep influenced by mainstream media and sensationally driven ratings. And those who just want to claim cops are murdering everyone they see. Not the facts. Not even close.

Joan metzlerjoan link
9/5/2014 08:22:44 pm

My two sons are police officers and I pray everyday that they will come home! Sometimes I wish that they had a normal job but I am so proud of them for choosing to help others!! I cried as I was reading this story because it is so true!! People have to stop and think what it would be like if there were no police to help them what would they do then!

Vanessa
9/5/2014 10:05:17 pm

2 words……THANK YOU! I love the "you hate the cops but are quick to dial 911 wanting them to run lights and sirens" This is so true, people say "F the police" but are the first to call them for help.

Linda Boose link
9/5/2014 10:14:11 pm

Thank you for writing this with such detail. I am the proud Mom of a police officer. It has made me angry many times to have to hear about or read something that tears down our officers most often never mentioning all the good they do. The danger they put themselves out there to protect the citizens for, and then to be shown such disrespect has angered me and saddened me. I am so thankful for the service our officers provide.

Jim
9/5/2014 10:38:29 pm

You could not have been more succinct. "The Job" has been compared to Military Service as being more volatile and psychologically devastating due to long term exposure to things that "regular" people just could not fathom. I'm lucky enough to be approaching 34 years with my better half there for 27 of them. I cannot imagine her thoughts while I am at work and a news flash comes over involving an as yet identified Officer injured or worse. We carry on, not concerned for our own safety because yes, we DID sign up for this. Unfortunately, the by-product that comes along for the ride personifies "damned if you do, damned if you don't".

Darci Fletcher link
9/5/2014 10:48:01 pm

Although I agree 100% with sentiments of this article, as our police that protect and serve are becoming scape goats for poor parenting andor poor behavior; I completely disagree with your statement about teacher not being blamed as a whole profession. Teachers, like cops are ALL being blames for the few. It almost seems as though all public (tax dependents) workers are being blamed as a "CORRUPT GROUP". VERY SAD!!! The dollar seems to matter more than the outcome.

Melissa Littles
9/5/2014 11:00:53 pm

Darci,
The mention of teachers, priests etc., was not regarding lack of parental responsibility or parents looking for a scapegoat and blaming teachers. It was to say "teacher caught having sex with student" = ALL teachers are rapists. We've seen many a headline about that as well as teachers showing up drunk, high, etc.. I've yet to see a "F*CK the teachers!!" "The only good teacher is a dead teacher!" protest as we see in law enforcement.

I totally agree teachers get blamed for not raising others children properly... Just as those same parents will say an officer will haul their kid to jail, rather than parent. "See that officer, he'll take you to jail if you don't do what I say". Really? Now kids are scared of officers because you're a lazy parent.
My husband is the sole school resource officer in a high school with over 2,000 kids. He has more arrests in the schools than when he patrols the streets. He and the teachers he works with are met constantly with defensive and unaccountable parents. Sad.

Eileen
9/6/2014 12:22:26 am

Thank you so very much for putting into words what's in my heart! My beautiful daughter Erin has been a police officer for 11 years. She joined the police academy just a few weeks after graduating college. From the age of 3, being a police officer was her dream. I could not be more proud of her and all her fellow officers who put their lives on the line for ALL of us every day.

melissa, not the author
9/6/2014 01:34:34 am

Thank you. I've been thinking along the same lines....so many people simply using very poor logic, condemning a whole profession over a few bad apples. However, our media/press are only delivering what people generally want to read, which is proven by sales and ratings. If the majority of us would stop watching/buying into what they are feeding us...but as a society, too many of us as individuals gorge ourselves (or at least snack) on the drama and evil in our culture. By doing so we have become insensitive and hostile as a society....it's almost like people are addicted to the drama, which makes me very sad.

Rachelle Lalande
9/6/2014 01:38:00 am

Thank you from a sister of a police officer in Canada.

Brian
9/6/2014 02:32:58 am

As a son of a law enforcement officer I've tried all the time to explain exactly what you wrote. People don't understand how much police really do until you walk a mile in their shoes. This article is one of the best I have ever read that was related to police. Thanks for taking the time to write it and share it with everyone.

Laura Bell
9/6/2014 02:55:00 am

Amen. That's how I feel.its wrong to put the blame on them. Hang in there. I don't know what I'd do without you all.

Carolyn Mannarino
9/6/2014 03:15:19 am

Respect for Law Enforcement,Teachers,Doctor's,Government Officials has to be taught to children when they are young and keep enforcing that belief throughout their lives.We need to have lawbreakers serve out their full terms in Prison,no day for day or credit of any kind.Stop the revolving door policy the Prison's and Jails now have.God Bless all of our Law Enforcement Officer's.

Velma link
9/6/2014 04:22:06 am

I am that mother that tries to not think about it but I cant help it. I choose not to have a scanner for fear of hearing that has happen and I would be the mother trying to go to my sons rescue. I hate the media that gives cops a bad name. Thanks for the post and for my daughter for posting this. The reason I go to church because I need a whole army of prayer warriors to help me pray to keep them safe. Firm believer that prayer changes things. I have been on the other end of the line when my son had to call me to let me know he is ok. Embrace them, tell them often you love them and pray like you have never prayed before because they are fighting a war that has no end.

Alfredo Castro
9/6/2014 04:40:50 am

Thank you for your comments and recognition of what we go through every day in and day out. I've been a police officer for 24 years and what you said took the words right out of my mouth, thank you.

George
9/6/2014 04:41:34 am

Please (to all) don't refer to them as COPS, they are Police Officers. And like all professions a very small minority that have gone bad should not be the norm for the entire profession. Each and every day and night they are in harms way and all the training in the world cannot predict when someone will become violent in an instant and harm someone. With the high stress and pressure on the job every day, and when an arrest is made then the perp is back on the street in an instant and something goes wrong it's always the officers fault. Put the blame on the system and NOT the officer. I support the Law Enforcement community 100%

Matt
9/6/2014 05:02:53 am

So very true!

Errol Weiss link
9/6/2014 07:00:05 am

Hiedi,I don't have words that can describe what I'n feeling right now,God bless all the men and women for our Police depts around the world!

Earl Belcher
9/6/2014 07:28:34 am

Melissa, thanks for your comments which I think are spot on. I spent 20 years in the US Army and know a little about sacrifice. My son and daughter-in-law are both police officers with two children. I worry about them both when they go off to work. Am I glad they chose that profession; hell no! Am I proud of them; you bet your ass I am! Our society has changed significantly since the Viet Nam war and have discovered that our military is worth respecting and honoring. When will our society realize that our police officers are no less dedicated then our military and just as willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for the people they serve. Walk a day in their shoes and hope you are able to come home at the end of that day and be alive to tell your friends about it!

Jill Savage link
9/6/2014 08:09:15 am

I absolutely love this. I am a Correctional Officer at a Max security prison in IN. People don't see us in the same category as police. But our lives our endangered just as much or more daily. Our lives are threatened & we are assaulted & our families wonder too if we will come home. God bless all our law enforcement.

I'm attempting to start a peer support group at my facility to combat the negative stressors that affect us. Please email me if you have any resources applicable to this area. Thank you.

Jill

Vickie
9/6/2014 08:52:17 am

Well written, wish I had been the one to write. As the mother of a police officer worry every time my son goes out there. I worry for him, his wife & his son. Thanks for being such a good advocate for the guys & gals in blue. They need more people like you. From a police officers mother in Kansas.

john
9/6/2014 09:01:02 am

Really a "dont tread on me flag" that makes us bad or scary? SMH...

john
9/6/2014 09:11:25 am

I know you will not "approve" this but do you even know what the flag means or stands for (without using google) it is not a symbol of dangerous or unruly people like you make it out to be....you can google it now and educate yourself

Thomas "t" Giddens
9/6/2014 09:52:01 am

I Thank each and every one of you ! May God bless you and your family's !

Melissa Littles
9/6/2014 09:56:05 am

John, how about you educate yourself with law enforcement case history before judging. The comment wasn't about the flag, I think a whole lot of law enforcement families own that very flag. The point was the combination of the "don't tread on me" sign TOGETHER with a warrant. It was an indication of what the officers responding to that call might encounter that day, and in fact they did. A well armed American citizen, which is typical not an issue if said citizen is a law abiding one. In this case, he was not. He shot two officers that day, killing one.
I'm really not a total moron, and I don't jump to conclusions based on defensive presumptions.

Melissa Littles
9/6/2014 10:12:54 am

For those who haven't taken a moment to put two and two together... There was no random babbling about dramatic hypotheticals in the article. Each scenario mentioned was based on actual cases. For those who take the time to learn actual facts about law enforcement officers, by googling, even, as suggested, or actually taking the time to know the humans behind the badge, they will find that the things spoken of here are real life, not a load of hysteria based dramatization.

Janice
9/6/2014 10:14:07 am

I am the mother of a R.C.M.P officer and am so very proud of who he is and am thankful for all he does to keep us safe and away from harms way, there is always a bad apple in every profession but we can not let the very FEW spoil the reputation of all the good ones that risk their lives every single day to keep your family as safe as possible,thank you to all police officers for their courage and bravery.

Roxann Shaffer
9/6/2014 10:26:17 am

A police officer is the same as the men in the armed services.They serve and protect and sometimes it cost them their lives. Their sacrifices are large , by them and their families. Thank you for all that you do for all of us and our families !!! I apprecitate you all very, very much !!!

Robert
9/6/2014 12:22:42 pm

Wow... That was awesome!

Lisa Clausen link
9/6/2014 02:16:34 pm

Thank you! As an officer I appreciate you and what you do for my brothers and sisters in Blue.

Guynel
9/6/2014 03:46:02 pm

I'm a type of guy that would normally say this is nothing but words with no actual meaning or this is just another well written article or this is just a great speech, I have to honestly admit this moves me...

susan tate
9/6/2014 08:52:38 pm

I am not a wife of an officer but I am a sister of 3 an aunt of 1 also an aunt of a fire fighter. I love them all and know that everything that has been said here is so true. Maybe all you wife's should take your husbands on an unplanned 3 day vacation all on the same day and see how the country feels then. God bless all of you and your families may you all be blessed with never having to lose a loved one to stupid crimes and stupid people who just don't get it. God love you all.

Cindy morelle link
9/6/2014 09:47:06 pm

What a story it hurt my heart our policeman are our hero's each and everyone I pray for them every day and may god bless them and keep them safe. Love our cops always lady

Bill Beatty
9/6/2014 11:00:28 pm

Having served 34 years in law enforcement and now retired, I would like to talk about a few of the true experiences. My 4 children had to live their lives being shunned & treated badly by many fellow students while attending school & school functions. This changed dramatically when their Father got shot in the face while stopping an armed robbery & the people in the school realized their Father bleeds like everybody else. My children also witnessed an elderly man put a bullet through my hair while answering a disturbance call 2 houses away from ours. My children lived through our picture window being broken out by cop haters on more then one occasion. They were aware of my lug nuts on the family car being loosened , plus the tires being slashed on a different occasion. Then when while investigating a serious accident & holding a badly injured woman against her seat until medical help could arrive, a car drove around my cruiser in a half moon direction & struck me in the hip & drove me to the ground & drug me 150 feet down the road on my back, injuring me badly. My kids tried to get me to quit, but I loved my job. I was shot at 4 other times, they missed, thank God, I have been held hostage by a drug addict, I could go on with hundreds of stories . I am currently writing a book with no lies or exaggeration . I am truly thankful none of my kids ever got injured due to my career that most people don't appreciate. Oh , and by the way, I never took a free cup of coffee in my 34 years in law enforcement

Sandy
9/6/2014 11:07:10 pm

It takes a special kind of person to put on that uniform. Every one of them I know are just like us. They want the same things we do. It all boils down to respect. God be with them.

Laura M.
9/7/2014 02:47:01 am

I have had these exact thoughts swirling around in my head and coming out of my mouth for years. Thank you for writing them down an publishing them. I'm considering printing this and framing it. Or handing it out to everyone I know... ;)

Ed Moser
9/7/2014 02:49:01 am

I don't want to disagree with your article but would like to learn where you got your statistics. I'm a retired LEO now but when I was working I stayed abreast of on-duty deaths for training purposes. I found your claim that 58 officers lay down their lives every 58 hours as very surprising. For that to be true, 175 officers would have to be murdered each year. The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund; list officer's deaths from 1791 to 2013, a span of 222 years. Of those 222 year on 46 met or exceeded the 175 officer deaths in a year (that's all deaths on duty, they aren't all murders) to make the claim an officer is murdered every 58 hours.
Your article is well written and the points you make about a police officer are spot on. Please give the source for your statistics that an officer is murdered every 58 hours.

Melissa Littles
9/7/2014 02:51:46 am

Ed. My article doesn't say officers are murdered every 58 hours. It says murdered AND laying down their lives. An officer died on duty on average every 58 hours.

Ed
9/7/2014 04:14:40 am

The 58 officers is my error. I meant to say an officer not 58. An officer lays down his/her life every 58 hours. I am asking for your source for that statistic. The figures I use come from the NLEO Memorial Fund which includes all on-duty deaths. In the 222 year span, 20,267 lost their life on duty. That's an average of 91 a year, or one officer ever 96 hours. I not disputing LE is dangerous work which is often down played and the men and women who put their lives on the line often don't receive the recognition they deserve. I have been in harms way and I honor my replacements who place themselves in harms way. Just where did you get on officer lays down their life every 58 hours, I would like to up date my out of date information.

Melissa Littles
9/7/2014 02:52:25 am

I also never stated 58 officers die every 58 hours.

DeAnna Meyer
9/7/2014 02:58:27 am

What is so obvious is IGNORED. Thank you for your voice.

Daughter and wife of two men who chose two put their lives on the line to protect strangers from danger.

God protect all our brave emergency and enforcers from danger.

Tammy link
9/7/2014 03:14:11 am

Thank you for stating what we all need to pray for!

Sherman
9/7/2014 03:19:10 am

I remember back when a I was a young rookie patrolling in one of the hardest districts in the inner city(Ghetto). I was told by the SGT that a journalist was doing a story and would be riding with me. I was excited thinking this would be a good time to give my input. First call out of roll call was a DOA no one has seen the victim during the weeks of July in this southern Metropolitan area. The journalist was not impressed and regurgitated for what seemed like forever. A

As soon as we finished that scene, we had a barricade situation with a drug addict holding a baby hostage. Two hours later with no bathroom break for the journalist it ended badly.

The journalist told me she was ready to go to the precinct, she had seen enough. The story was never published.

Len Gaudet
9/7/2014 03:33:20 am

You rock Melissa. Thank you.

AJ
9/7/2014 05:15:50 am


After reading this, I was reminded that there are some people who actually do still care about what I do. I have had law enforcement around me through out my whole life, my grandfather, my father, family friends and my self for over a decade. I have seen the changes over the years, I have heard many stories, and I pray that one day people will look up to us and respect us again. People support military for what they do, but even military people have given us a hard time over the years, and to think they could associate with us the best. To me there is no difference, a child or an adult dead and mangled from anything from a bomb to a car reck, gunshot would in the USA or over sea's. The violent death is hard to deal with no matter the circumstance and it is hard to come home the same person. Sometimes you know the person and some times it's just a stranger, but the effect is still the same. I look and say to myself that could be my family, my friends. The majority of the population cannot fathom the life we live, as T.V. gives this life no justice. I cannot express what it feels like to be thanked and have just one person, other than family and friends to appreciate what we do. People need to remember we are human and have our own thoughts and lives. What I mean is we enforce the rules and laws set fourth by the states we live in, but it does not mean that we always agree with it. Sometimes good people break the law and we can see they made a mistake, but we are forced to do what is right and within the law. That is the part some people cannot understand. They get on things like gun kicks, thinking we are there to to target good law biding citizens, but we are not. The approach they see is what keeps me and my brothers and sisters alive, and it's how we catch criminals doing bad things. If the people could just give us a moment of there time and cooperate to allow us to determine they are not the a criminal doing something bad. Good people sometimes travel through hi crime areas, they might better understand if they just gave use a chance. Keep passing the message and I pray for my brother and sisters out there that one day this message will make it to the masses and there will be better support from citizens of the public but I know that will be a long journey. Thank you again.

Melissa Littles
9/7/2014 07:24:25 am

A total of 1,501 law enforcement officers died in the line of duty during the past 10 years, an average of one death every 58 hours or 150 per year. There were 100 law enforcement officers killed in 2013.

http://www.nleomf.org/facts/enforcement/

Jay
9/7/2014 07:56:10 am

what's so bad about a "don't tread on me flag"?

Nan
9/7/2014 08:04:30 am

They choose this job! We're suppose to have sympathy for someone who isn't smart enough or ambitious enough to pursue a meaningful career? For every one that is killed in "the line of duty" there is another idiot lining up for a nice pay check to be an asshole. If my son ever came to me with that kind of crap, I'd rather shoot him myself than ever say my son is a cop. It is not an honorable job so get off your high horse and see your husband for what he really is, an extortionist with a thirst for blood who loves to ruin lives! Until your so called good cops stand up against the injustices the "1%" their kind make, THEY'RE ALL THE SAME! Look around you, there's a reason the American people are pissed with your breed!

Sammy
9/7/2014 11:21:33 am

Just like soldiers they choose to serve their community and you may be surprised NOT FOR A LOT OF MONEY! Some decent human beings enjoy helping others even if they live pay check to pay check. Many of those officers have multiple degrees but, choose to put their lives on the line for ignorant ass hats like you. Get your facts straight idiot. Next time you need help call a crack head or how about you don’t break the law. I feel sorry for you son having such a horrible selfish person as a parent. I hope he grows up to be the most bad ass LEO ever!!

P.S.
Great post Mrs. Littles

EmsMom
9/7/2014 12:49:01 pm

How much time is your son serving or how much has he served? It's very clear you're hostile towards law enforcement because either you, your son, or some family member has been in jail. You're a disgrace to YOUR breed.

AJ
9/7/2014 03:41:56 pm

Nan, I would like to clarify a few things for you. We are ambitious, we have pride and something you will never have, SELFLESSNESS. We are very well educated, at least a good majority of officers, as we have to know the laws, case laws and the constitution to perform our job. I'll bet that your legal education goes no further than GOOGLE, YOUTUBE, and your T.V. And if you are very well educated yourself, then go to the nearest Book store and pick up a copy of common since for dummies. You are the epitome of society and I'll bet you think we just pick on you, target you, etc. We actually have better things to do, but I'll be frank. If you come to us with an attitude, you better bet that if we have an option for giving leeway, we're not going to. I'll give you an example School just started back. I was patrolling a school zone. The school zone where I'm speaking of is 20mph by LAW (not debatable/ not 25mph/ not 27mph). I was operating a laser devise which I can pinpoint individual vehicles. I got a female doing 30mph. Upon stopping her she immediately started arguing. Everyone else that morning I had cut a break to, but because she was rude I did not. She received a $300.00 citation. Moral to the story is there are always going to be some bad apples in every bunch, but people like you bring on what you get most of the time and it's well deserved. And to comment on that ignorant statement about shooting your son. Well let me clarify (THIS IS NOT A THREAT BUT JUST AN OBSERVATION), but with that mind set you'll be showing him he does not need to respect us, bad idea, that's where the common since thing comes in. If people don't respect us, they don't do as we ask (lawful orders) and you do something like start reaching for something quickly, and we tell you not to and you do it anyway, well that usually ends with a body bag. You know, the worst part about the whole thing is it started with your ignorance. We came to work hoping that this day would never happen. Just remember we are good at reading people so we play off you. All we want to do is keep our towns and city's safe, so the ball is in your court as to how we act. But you remember that, cause if you truly treat us bad (your wrong about one thing, we don't get paid enough) my brothers and sisters remember how we were treated so if is really serious you think about your life and what it's worth cause if mine is not worth anything to you people like me are the only thing between you and it ( whatever that may be) and I'm in no rush for some one like you.

Cynthia Bender
9/7/2014 08:27:27 am

My son , from a very young age, always planned to wear a badge,help those who needed help,to show kindness to those in need,and be a comfort when hope seems lost.
I am very proud of the man he became,honored to be his mother.

Melissa Littles
9/7/2014 08:33:41 am

NOTHING is bad about a don't tread on me SIGN or flag. In this case it was a sign, that happened to be outside the home of a man with a WARRANT. The sign was simply a good indication to the officers that day if what might potentially be waiting behind the door. They were right and one officer was shot in the head and killed that day. Rather than jumping on the defense, take a moment to consider the WARRANT may have been the key to that sentence. There are many supporters of the 2nd amendment, many veterans, many former law enforcement who suffer from PTSD, or those who end up in emotionally unpleasant places due to all they've been through. Some end up breaking the law. Our officers have to uphold their end and go in those places regardless if there's a mother or a daddy or a grampa or a gang banger or a suffering veteran behind that door. Everyone complaining about me using "don't tread on me" has completely missed that the entire point is..., did you ever consider how an officer, who is also a former marine, or current, might feel knowing most likely one of his own is behind that door, suffering from a PTSD nightmare, with no help coming from his government, and yet that officer has a job to do and his boss sent him, along with others to go in that day. Well, we can't ask that officer and former marine how it felt, he gave his life that day.

GERRI G.
9/7/2014 08:33:58 am

thank you for your service. God protect you in this crazy world!

Michael Barnes
9/7/2014 09:19:05 am

Their are bad cops just like there are bad physicians bad nurses bad clergy. In all professions there are folks who don't make the grade. But it's actually a very small percentage. To the men & women in blue & brown making our streets & counties safe. May the Guardian Angels be with you!! For God & Country!!!

mdcop
9/7/2014 10:22:46 am

I read this article and comments. It is a great article and very true. I have 10 yrs on. 4 yrs with city working patrol, drugs and homicide. And last 6 yrs working for state police on patrol and I do accident reconstruction. Most ppl don't think you encounter the stuff in the article. I have personally encountered most of the stuff in the article . It does take a special person to encounter those incidents, make a split decision and then come home to your family shortly after. But leave work at work or you might ruin your home life. Again thank you for the article.

Lt. Anthony C. Byram
9/7/2014 10:37:31 am

Thankyou for writing that, it means a lot .

Janice Fuzy
9/7/2014 11:04:23 am

I am not an officers wife. Never had to hope and pray that my husband would come home after his shift. Never really hated the police because I knew they were doing their job. I have been accused of something I wasn't guilty of by police because of information given to them by someone else....they were still doing their job. I truly appreciate this posting. Thank You so much.

RPG
9/7/2014 12:05:27 pm

Thank you Melissa. Friedrich Nietzsche said, "Whoever fights monsters should see to it that in the process he does not become a monster. And if you gaze long enough into an abyss, the abyss will gaze back into you." He wasn't, but I think he could have been talking about police officers.

Carl Brittingham
9/7/2014 12:18:18 pm

I have personally dealt with everything in this article or at least some form of it. You are so correct in what and how you wrote it, but then again you already know this. Thank you for believing in us and for writing such a touching article.

Yvette
9/7/2014 04:09:51 pm

Tears in my eyes...I had the privilege of providing training regarding Post Traumatic Stress Disorder to the wonderful officers of Norfolk, Virginia back in the late 90's...today I am a CPS social worker and am again privileged (and thankful!) to work with officers/deputies in Ventura County - I count on them to" keep the peace" while I do my job...funny thing is so often one will ask me, "How do you do your job?"...I can't even imagine doing their job...

James Desmond
9/7/2014 04:30:51 pm

Amen!

Tim Gallagher
9/7/2014 07:19:31 pm

Our own president and AG vilify these people and see how they themselves act. Deplorable

Duke
9/7/2014 08:52:49 pm

Great story. We keep a lot hidden from our spouses, what we deal with daily at work. No need to bring that baggage home (after all, we signed up for this, right?). But this really paints a good picture. Thank you.


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    Melissa Littles is a published author, blogger and legislative advocate for Law Enforcement Officers and their families, as well as an advocate for Autism.  To learn more, see our "About" section.

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