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The other day, someone whom I adore made mention to someone else how, ‘they didn’t like cops’, because they get to do things the rest of us are not privileged to do only because they’re the law. This common paradox within our society today intrigued me to the point of wanting to talk about it in a few insignificant and meaningless words.
You know, I think I have said the same thing only because one or two cops, in my entire life, have caused me grief whether it was a ticket, ( I obviously did not deserve ), or some smart ass reply directed my way when I interfered with their presumably mundane day. Shame on me for being so presumptuous.
Pretty petty now as I see it. Pretty petty of me.
After the Boston bombing and seeing the mountains of videos and photos of who was running toward their possible death and those running away, one photo in particular showing an officer, defensively positioned over a fallen elderly man, who was obviously in distress, and shielding him in a firm protective stance. This photo made me now become something of a different man. I asked myself, ‘Which way would I run?’
We all want to say, ‘Of course, the heroic way.’ But would we?
What if it meant your 10-year-old growing up without a Dad or Mom. What if it meant never to be able to say I love you to your wife, sister, brother, son, daughter, cousin, mom, dad, or even your dog? What if you had to decide all of this in a sliver of a moment?
Would you run toward the fear, the impending doom or decide easily to run away to protect only yourself? I’m not exactly sure anymore and if I was forced to say which way, I think and hope I would run toward the fear, not just because saying I would is the right thing to say.
Although there was not any fear involved, I have in my life, run to car accidents, I’ve run to dying men who have had heart attacks on the dance floor of their daughter’s weddings, I’ve run to an old man who was dying from being kicked by a horse, I’ve run to co-workers who were injured in the middle of the night but now at my age I ask myself, ‘Would I run away, run far away from the possible mortality if I had to decide?’
You see, I have a family, I have many friends, I have a wonderful grand baby and a very special daughter, daughter-in-law and son, I have the best wife any man could ever dream of in life. So I ask, would they really miss me? Would they after time had passed after I have passed, miss me?
I truly think they would and most importantly need to ask myself; do I want to put them through the horrific depression that is the sum for someone else who is left behind? Answering that question is not as hard as what a cop, a fireman, a utility lineman or all the first responders who act for us, do everyday. Answering the call is nothing more than being significant, being selfless and having an inner core human desire of wanting and needing to help.
Did you know, cops do it everyday?
Here’s a matter of fact. Did you know in December of 2012, remember this is near the Christmas holidays, a cop without a second thought in Boston again, threw himself over a railing and fell into the freezing waters of Boston Harbor to rescue a woman who had fallen into the channel by accident. Accident or not, who really cares, he knew she needed help now?
“I heard everybody screaming, She’s in the water, she’s in the water,” said Keith Young, a UPS delivery driver who witnessed the dramatic rescue, “Then I saw the cop pull up. He jumped out, he ripped his jacket off, ran down the stairs, ripped off his duty belt and jumped into the water and went right to her. I’ll tell you what. The cop was a hero today. He didn’t think twice about it.”
Do you know what Officer Ed Norton said?
“My buddies are who helped.” He was speaking of his fellow cops and fire guys who weren’t even there yet when he jumped. The video shows us he had made the decision and was running toward the fear.
Are you jumping into the freezing, breath-stealing water or are you standing on the warm bank of the sideline and just watch?
Do you still not like cops?
Did you know that only breaths before he was fatally wounded in an unprovoked attack, a San Diego police officer performed one last act of kindness as he bought a child some needed food while buying his own dinner of fast food to get him through his night shift.
Officer Jeremy Henwood, 36, stopped at a McDonald’s around 5 o’clock on his day of significance on August 6th. Store surveillance video showed Henwood speaking with a small boy and buying his food shortly before leaving the store at 5:30.
Shortly after that, Henwood, I should call him by his first name, Jeremy, as that is who he was, was shot to death, point-blank with viciousness while sitting inside his patrol car at the corner of University Avenue and 45th Street. Jeremy had only made it six blocks from the McDonalds after enjoying a Big Mac or something from the fast food joint; it would be the last place he was seen alive, breathing, talking and being what we all want to be at least once in our life, significant.
Witnesses said an evil and cowardly man pulled up on his side of his cop car and shot him with a shotgun. Massive wounds from such a violent attack ended any chances for him to have a future with those who he loved.
Young Jeremy passed away at Scripps Mercy Hospital at exactly 1:42 a.m. on Aug. 7, because he was a cop. What were you doing at that exact moment in your life? I was probably not paying attention to anything and tucked in securely in my bed.
That’s it! I like cops.
Did you really know that the police officer who was wounded while chasing the Boston Marathon bombing suspects lost all of his own blood and, for 45 minutes, his own heartbeat, after being shot in the thigh. Hey what the hell you might say because Doctors believe he will make a full recovery. So what’s the big deal?
I’ll tell you what the big deal is. This Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority Officer, named Richard Donohue Jr., 33, drove or ran toward the bombers and suffered a severed femoral vein during an exchange of fire with them. He has a six-month old boy. His boy doesn’t even know him yet. That’s a big deal!
Dic Donohue, was wounded early that Friday morning, when he raced to help MIT and Cambridge police as they chased the Boston Marathon bombing suspects to the corner of Dexter and Laurel streets in Watertown. No one knew whether Donohue knew then that his friend and MBTA academy classmate, Sean Collier, an MIT police officer, had been killed earlier, allegedly by the suspects he was now chasing.
A shoot-out ensued, during which a bullet ripped through Dic’s right thigh, hitting both branches of the femoral artery and the femoral vein. The gunshot drained his and his family’s life out of them, one cup at a time.
So easy it would have been for him to ease off the pedal and lose the crazy Chechen terrorists and then go home. Would I have slowed down? I hope not.
A 2010 police academy graduation photo showing Sean Collier with his arm around Richard Donohue Jr. depicts a hopeful friendship.
How would they have known that the friendship would someday and forever be linked by a horrible tragedy. Sean was sitting by himself when he died. He might have been typing something on the laptop, or just texting family that he loved them. Boston police say the Tsarnaev brothers ambushed him while he responded to a disturbance on the MIT campus late Thursday, three days after the deadly carnage at the Boston Marathon. He was hit five or six times. His gun was still in the holster but earlier when it mattered, he went toward the danger.
Look closely at Sean’s eyes in this photo. What do you see? I see intense and overwhelming pride. I’d want him to run my way if I needed him. I’ll bet my entire life savings that he liked cops and he was only 26 years old. C’mon!
So now when you sit at home, in the warmth of your family life, with your loved ones around, or even by yourself, with your nice, secure and safe job or even an un-nice, insecure and unsafe job, as some of us have, think about this next time you’re here to kiss your children, your wife, your husband, your girlfriend, your boyfriend, your friend, or your mom and dad and be able to just reach down and pet your dog because today, you know you don’t have to decide, in a moment of life or death, which way to run?
Then as you’re lounging comfortably on your easy chair, close your tired eyes and think about this. Think about buying someone a Big Mac just for the fun of buying a tasty and filling Big Mac, for anyone who might be hungry, just like Officer Jeremy did. And if this also comes to mind, ‘I don’t like cops.’
Then think again.
The End
“The best part of life starts at the top of the stretch.”
The WiseGuy
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Sirs:
Wise Guy Diaries is thought provoking and an excellent forum to re-educate the general public about police officers.
I hope you don’t mind that I have linked your page to a Facebook group called “Supporting Our Police” as I believe it’s important that the public as a whole learns to understand the scope of the work the police do on a daily basis.
Supporting Our Police site: https://www.facebook.com/groups/190200724485231/
Thank you again for all the work you do and for the endless risks you take on our behalf.
My father was a “Peace Officer”. He overcame what most would consider a disabling shot gun wound to his leg when he was 9 years old. in the early 1940’a he was left with one leg that doctors managed to save the bone and skin tissue from the ankle to the buttocks. that leg was 4 inches shorter than the other. he overcame every obstacle life presented and vehemently pursued his desire to help others and become a Policeman. as his career progressed with a wife and 4 children at home he was again honored and earned one of the most honored achievements of his life. He was accepted into the FBI Training Academy in VA.
Daddy dedicated his life to people beyond anything any of us can imagine. I remember the toll it took on my mother, and how hard he was on us as children growing up. I remember nights during hurricanes that daddy was selflessly helping others in the midst of the storm as we stayed sheltered and listened to the devastation outside the shelter walls where all of the sheriff’s officers family stayed out of harms way. So many incidents where we waited holding up at home wondering if he was going to make it home because he was in a gun stand off. Hearing him come home in the night crying because he had to be the one to go to the home of a stranger and tell them of the death of a loved one that was in an accident. diving and recovering a drowned person and the emotional scars of all that he went through.
It wasn’t until his later years in his life, when i began taking care of daddy due to his deteriorating health and dementia that i began to see what his career meant to him. those that he arrested would see us out and about and recognize him and come to shake his hand and say thank you, the would tell him, they appreciated his compassion and kindness and what he did for them. it didn’t matter what social status they came from he treated them all the same. some of them would sit with us during lunch and reminisce with him. he remembered all of them and would tell me the story of each of them as if it happened yesterday.
as daddy began to not recognize them the would shake his hand and then hold his hand and then help in some small but sincere gesture of respect.
before daddy’s illness was too severe he made his will and made it clear that i was not to allow his friends to visit and see him in an incapacitated state. he wanted no obituary. this was the hardest thing i have ever been asked to do, thus far in my life. He had fellow officer’s and friends that LOVED him and wanted to respectfully visit him. daddy did not want an elaborate wake or funeral, he simply requested to be cremated and his ashes be given to the river & lake where he spent his time off doing his second favorite thing in life, fishing.
at the break of dawn, the river and the lake laid down, not a ripple, not a noise the sun on the horizon, my brothers boated him out to the mouth of the river with his siblings and a handful of fellow officer’s respectfully said good bye.
In the end, the torment that he tucked away to keep on doing what he passionately believed was the right thing to do, came out in babbling that he was unaware of and i knew my daddy was a HERO that was unappreciated in a world of people that naively are self absorbed.
I RESPECT AND APPRECIATE EVERY OFFICER AND FIRST RESPONDER. THEY ARE THE STRONGEST OF MAN KIND.
THANK YOU TO ALL OF YOU!!!
Thank you to all of you first responders. All of you are heroes, thank you from the bottom of my heart for risking you’re lives and doing all that heavy lifting. I love you all. I pray for your safety, to come home unscathed as much as possible. I will look out for you as you for I.
“My own heroes are the dreamers, those men and women who tried to make the world a better place than when they found it, whether in small ways or great ones. Some succeeded, some failed, most had mixed results… but it is the effort that’s heroic, as I see it. Win or lose, I admire those who fight the good fight.”
― George R.R. Martin
My moniker would have to be, ????TheWiseGuy, and that has no ‘spunk’. I really think your response on your site and many more like it will help.
Two years ago, I was sitting in a smallish yet very special cafe near the Gas Lamp district in San Diego. The cafe is located only a couple of blocks from the water of the harbor.
The name of the special place is Cafe 222.
My wife and I were seated on a small, two-person table near the window facing toward the patio A mom and her young daughter had just sat down next to us. While we waited for our food to arrive, the daughter, who could not been 9 or 10, began singing quietly ‘Let it Be’, by the Beatles as she twirled a short piece of ribbon in her fingers.
Her voice caught my attention quickly because of the tone. Very pure and young. Now I know the words to this song because of my age and I listened carefully as she sang each and every word correctly. I asked her Mom after she finished, “Where did she learn how to sing so nice and know the words of such a ‘long ago’ song. She simply answered, “She listens to the radio.”
Well, as we walked out I told the very appreciative lady at the cashier to let me pay for their breakfast and the lady said, “That’s nice of you.” My wife and I went back to the Marriott where we were staying.
The next day and since I loved their Green Eggs and Spam, we went back to Cafe 222 for another breakfast. We walked in and was greeted by the Mom and her daughter. She said, “I just wanted to thank you for your kindness and today we are going somewhere else and buy someone lunch.”
Well, there’s that feeling I talk about. The feeling as I looked down at her daughter as that cute little voice said, “Thank you , Sir.”
That’s was my melting point. So the story is this.
When Jeremy did that for the little boy in the McDonalds, I was there in a way just in a different place and feeling the same significance as he did. After seeing his story on Youtube is when the need to ‘Buy a Burger, for someone you don’t know on Aug. 6th for Officer Jeremy came about and helped me write the story,
https://wiseguyhorseracing.wordpress.com/2013/05/10/next-time-you-think-i-dont-like-cops/#more-3139
Whoever does this on the 6th will be feel the same as Officer Jeremy did. You’ll be shocked how it feels.
Thanks again for your kind words and your fantastic efforts on your site,
The WiseGuy
PS Some day maybe I can help you win a race or two. Just ‘bet on the gray’, as I explained in, ‘Horse Racing is a Colorless Sport. Or is it?’
On 7/30/13 4:34 PM, “Lily OnTheLam” wrote:
Hey “The WiseGuy” – I will assume that your first name is not “The” but you were correct in your assumption that my first name is Lily. I’ve never won any money at the horse track even with my keen deduction skills. Thank you very much for your email. I have written a post on my website about the August 6th movement in honor of the fallen police officers and first responders. I hope this helps 😉
http://www.lilyonthelam.com/2013/07/august-6-buy-burger-make-difference.html
On Tue, Jul 30, 2013 at 5:43 PM, The WiseGuy wrote:
LilyOnTheLam, although I try very hard not to assume, I expect this note of thanks goes to Lily. Thank you for the kind comments about the story and I hope you help me and the thousands of others who care deeply about our First Responders, Buy a Burger on Aug 6th for someone you don’t know, in memory of Officer Jeremy who did just that on his last day on patrol. And for Officer Sean too, who died just being a cop like Jeremy. That said, we must remember the 57 fallen officers just this year alone and the thousands in our past.
Those who survived terrible moments like Dic and Ed and those who run toward the fear for all of us, need to know and feel our recognition, our trust and our love. Thanks again for sharing and posting the words on your wonderful and creative site. I truly enjoyed it.
The WiseGuy
PS The story has reached almost a half a million readers and well over that in social media clicks in 150+ countries in just a few short days. I’m not in any way affiliated with any Police organization, I’m just a horse racing handicapper who gets it because I like cops.
I am a constable with the RCMP. I have only started my career and have already been involved with enough calls for service to see the hatred many of our clients have for us. This is just your common citizen. On a daily basis we deal with HA’s, drug dealers, other gang members, mentally unstable people, all of which wouldn’t think twice about punching, stabbing, shoting or running us over if it means getting away.
I have a wife and three children that I try and leave behind every time I head out for my 12 hr shift. I try and not think about them while on shift. This allows me to not second guess my actions when push comes to shove. This being said, if anything went sideways, it would be them and my cop family that would pull me through.
I think it is interesting to hear citizens telling me “well I’m sure you get paid well enough”. I have two responses for this comment. I get paid so well that I live in low income housing and have taken on a second job just to get by. Any cop who says that they are in it for the pay has got to be with staffing. The other response is how much would you want to ne paid to hear a trapped person in a collision burn to death? Have to tell his/her wife/husband that they are dead? Go to a residence where a 2 year old child is beaten to death by their parents who couldn’t put up with her crying anymore? You are expected to be involved with these things and remain professional. I don’t do this for the money. I do this because I found out that I may possess a different quality than some and wanted to put it to good use.
I have a gerat respect for any member of any police service who possess the qualities memtioned im your article. I know that any of them would stand by my side and me theirs because we are all family bound by a commom goal, to protect people from the predators that plague our communities and to go home to our families (yes including the dog). This includes medics who have put me into the back of their bus before the person trying to hurt me. And yes, even props to the bucket heads who have always watched our backs at any scene we are at.
This all being said, I don’t want to paint everyone with the same brush. I can’t help but smile every time someone honestly thanks me for the job I do. They usually tell me about an imcident involving a fellow brother or sister who helped the in their time of need but still thank me.
I have never responded to one of theae before but after reading this article, I had to respond. Thanks for putting into word what we wished the public would finally focus on for a change. I will be printing your article out for mu watch NCO. As I’m sure they would enjoy your writing as well.
Just wanted to say thanks to the men and women who selflessly answer the call each and every day. I am a former firefighter who lost a friend and colleague. A police officer named Jeffery Tackett made the supreme sacrifice while trying to apprehend a man bent on stealing and raping. I thank you for every selfless act to help keep us safe. May god bless you and keep you safe always!!
Thank you for such a heart touching article. I lost a family member that was a police officer in the line of duty while attempting to make an arrest on a fugitive from justice. I can still remember when they came knocking on our door to tell us that he was not ever coming home. It was the worst moment of our lives and to this date it feels as if it was just yesterday that we where just talking to him, laughing and sharing moments as a family. This was a police officer that cared about his community, about its people and protecting them. He gave his life for you, me and every individual including the ignorant”s that make derogatory comments against police officers or the famous comment on this article “I dont like cops”
Thanks for this. As an EMT, I work alongside a lot of our local law enforcement, and I know that I couldn’t do the job that they do. If people who encounter an officer find him or her to be stand-offish or acting in a way that they consider rude, it should be noted that the nature of their work requires them to be skeptical and cautious around every single person that they meet–everyone is a potential danger to them unless established otherwise. I’ve given a report to an officer when off duty and been asked to keep my hands out of my pockets. I didn’t take it personally.
God love ’em, and who knows where we’d be without ’em.
This is for our EMT First Responders also. Thanks for the courage you show every day in your tough position. I know, I could not do your job and I’m glad you do it for me.
The WiseGuy
I have been a cop for over 15 years now and like many others attended more funerals of fellow officers than ever wanted to. I chose this line of work because of my desire to want to help others and believe me there have been times I second questioned myself after being treated in ways by those I have tried to help. However each time I came back saying to myself it does not matter how ungrateful some may be of my assistance there are many more out there who need my help. I did not chose the profession for the praise I choose it because I wanted to be there to help others.
In my 15 years I have been ran over by a drunk driver, shot at, and so much more. My mom would love to no longer receive the late night phone calls to come get me in the hospital. I specialize in an area of child crimes and to see the satisfaction on their faces when I help them is priceless, I will never forget it and it remind me of why I do what I do.
I am a daughter, a sister, a nieces, a granddaughter, a great granddaughter, and an aunt. I hope one day to be a wife and a mother. Either way I have many family members who on a daily basis have an extra sense of worry to deal with. I do not get to spend Christmas morning with them or Thanksgiving dinner with them. But I am not complaining nor am I alone as there are many other brothers and sisters that too are giving the same sacrifice.
To those who do the job keep your heads up. To their families GOD bless you for sacrifices also.
I found this article posted by I friend of mine on Facebook. It really hit home for me. I have had a protective personality and a giving nature my entire life. I joined the Army at 18 years old to be a Military Police Officer. Out of a 5 year period of time enlisted, I had only spent around 18 months of it working “the road” as an on duty cop (I finished basic training in time for the U.S. to invade Iraq, so I ended up spending a large chunk of time training and a year each in Iraq and Afghanistan), but I still enjoyed every minute of it. During the time I worked as a police officer, I was stationed on a small base located in Bavaria, Germany, so while working my 12 hour shifts that consisted of 2 patrols and a patrol supervisor, I was responsible for everything from first response to a call to completing my investigators statement and filing the police report for the desk sergeant. I loved every moment of it. It was the one job I’ve had that I woke up looking forward to going to work. Even in the military though, the soldiers and even their families looked down at us MP’s just the same as anywhere else in the U.S. and boy it was frustrating. The same people who would flip me off, talk down to me, or try with futility to pull rank were the same people who expressed intense gratitude for me finding, arresting, and coercing a full confession from the man who had beaten their daughter nearly to death, for example. Our American Society seems resistant to governmental authority, which is understandable, its how our country was founded. Police officers are always nearby, in the flesh doing their job and exercising their authority, and it makes them easy targets for scrutiny, unlike politicians fattening their wallets shamelessly by approving their own raises or stepping on the bill of rights in new and creative ways at the capital behind closed doors, for example. I finished my 5 years in the service, and all I wanted to do was get right back into being a police officer, however I had experimented with drugs as a teen, and also partied sparingly just after leaving the service, so unfortunately I could not qualify, even though I already had the training, the Top Secret Clearance, weapons proficiency, and was and still am physically fit and in my 20s. It wasn’t meant to be, I suppose. I still support those that wear the uniform, though, MP’s or civilian police, and advocate for promoting a proper pop-culture perception (tongue-twister lol) of those who work one of the toughest jobs out there. Of course there are jerks out there in uniform. That applies to all professions. Just because it might be more concerning to some of us at face level doesn’t mean that there aren’t many, many, many more heroes in uniform out there doing the right thing, and keeping us all safe. Its one of the basic tasks of any government: to protect its people. I think cops are doin a pretty damn good job, and anyone who thinks otherwise should consider exercising a small amount of empathy and consider whether or not they would have the same intestinal fortitude themselves when the going gets tough, just like the gentleman who wrote this article has mentioned. I don’t post on these forums very often at all, but today I felt compelled. 🙂 I hope you all enjoy your summer!
Greg,
Young man, I must tell you this, , , , what phenomenal writing skills you have shown in your comment.
Personally, I want to thank you for doing all those important and dangerous careers you wrote about. I admire your fortitude.
We can’t change the haters. Although their nature is paradoxical, they love to hate. But what we can do is this.
Together, we can honor Jeremy, Sean, Dic and Ed and all the other living heroes among us and especially honor the fallen one, knowing he or she is a soldier, a cop, a lineman, an EMT, a Red Cross volunteer, the wildfire firefighter groups, a nurse, a doctor and even the everyday guy or gal like me who in a moment of need had to make the decision of which way to run.
Simply Buy a Burger or a Sandwich on Aug 6th for someone you don’t know, just like Jeremy did on that fateful and important day in San Diego.
I promise you, and I now know this personally, Sean would be proud too! You will feel amazing, , , guaranteed.
I am a retired Police Officer who served my community for over forty years. I have attended more Line of Duty funerals in those years that I cannot remember one from another. I remember the widows, moms and dads and the children and then the fellow officers. The article brings it all home. Great job. God Bless the hero’s.
Great read. Me personally, I don’t hate cops. I hate a**holes. Just because one cop you encounter is an a**hole, doesn’t mean they all are. I have had some great cops pull me over, and I have met some that I never want to see again. Whether they were cops or not.
And thanks for the shout out to High Voltage Lineman. People don’t see the danger we go through every day, they only notice us when they truly need us.
Lineman to Lineman, Thanks.
Great article. One correction Brothers Tsarnaev were not Russians. They were from Checnya, the repuclic of the Russian Federation, but they were by no any means Russians. Russians is the mationality. Their nationality was Chechens.
Lana, The correction has been noted and published. Thanks for putting a WiseEye on the story.
The WiseGuy
Thank you the WiseGuy. No problem. I understand it is hard to distinguish Russians by nationality and citizens of the Russian Federation, especially when the Media often just calles them Russians. Russians, especially in Moscow, have suffered from terrorist attacks for the last 15 years. It is heartbreaking and I cannot imagine any Russians doing it to anyone else. Anyway, thank you for writing this article. I’ve always respected cops. I am aware that bad copps exist, but I am forever grateful to the majority who are good ones who risk their lives on a daily basis to keep us safe.
I am a police officer and greatly appreciate this article! To “Anonymous”, I do agree that actions make a police officer a “hero”, but understand there’s more to it than jus getting the glorified title of “hero”. It’s a calling that comes with lots of sacrifices. First and foremost is the time my “job” takes me away from my wife and son, the rest of my family and friends outside my profession. Also the holidays I’ve spent patrolling the streets or sleeping and missing family gatherings to be able to rest and go back to work later that evening. It’s not a “job”, it takes a special person to wear the badge and do what we do day in and day out!!!
My son is a cop and I could not be more proud of him. He is a father, a husband, a brother, and a son. He is a man of faith. We all are so proud.
Same as Idoma, absolutly.
A Police Officer isn’t just a job, it’s who you are, with passion, dedication and day after day of selfless acts of heroism to ensure we all sleep well at night. A first rate article and I thank you for bringing it so poignantly home.
As a police officer I would like to thank you for this article and although I am not an American officer in all reality every officer in almost any country belongs in one big family that is the uniform or the badge or what ever you want to call it. We do not seek thanks, all we seek some times is a little understanding from the public. After all we are all humans and we all have families to think off, just think about that when you think you have a right to insult or reporting an officer only because you do not like a decision we have to make.
I hate when people say things in front of my kids about how they don’t like cops or that cops are bad. It drives me crazy because how can you tell a kid if they are lost or something happens when your not around and they need help to find a police officer but then tell them they are horrible. They are not going to want to run to them for help if they are scared of them. I am protective of my kids and watch over them as much as possible but its not always possible to keep your eye on them 24-7 especially when I have five young kids I am so worried when I take them to crowded places like to a fair they can be there and then gone so fast so I prepare them incase the unimaginable happens. You always think it wont happen to you but you never know and I wont my kids to know who to run to when something happens. I have ran into some pretty rude police officers (and some really nice ones) but if they return my lost child or save their life I don’t really care what kind of attitude they would other wise have. And especially if they put their chance of being there for their own child or family at risk by being there to help mine.
Thank you for this touching article. People forget that cops are real people too. They laugh, love, and worry just like the rest of us.. with the exception that in the face of worry and fear they step up when the rest of us can’t/won’t. Not a day goes by that I don’t respect my husband (and parents for that matter being retired LEO) for what he does. When it’s dark and I’m scared, I know there’s a brave man willing to face it to ease my mind and it doesn’t even stop there, he would do it for anyone else too.
This is an amazing article. Well thought out and well written. The psychologist and police wife in me follows this by asking: do we think cops and firefighters have some sort of gift where fear and danger and hate bounce off them with no consequence? No. They are human like the rest of us. And end up with an emotional armor to deal with these dangers every day. An emotional armor that is the exact reason people hate cops. It makes them unlikeable. But probably keeps them alive. Alive in an emotional armor that makes them very different from their former selves.
Yes, the arrogant cops do ruin it for the rest and that is extremely unfortunate. I do appreciate police officers and the sacrifice they give but I also appreciate the every day Joe. The ones who didn’t run at the bombing but instead ran to those that needed help. The ones who jump onto the tracks to save someone who accidently fell. The ones who rescue someone from a burning building, a car in flames, the ones who run to the car accident and help until first responders get there. You see, I think this kind of human deserves a pat on the back whether they are a cop, civilian, fire fighter etc. look around and you will find a hero with every trait you talked about who is not a cop but instead a decent human being who will help no matter the cost.
Thank you That Ladybug, for continuing the respect our First Responders deserve and posting this on your great website. Everyone should visit when they have the time off to relax.
Let’s all remember, August 6th is as Jeremy would call it, ‘Buy a Big Mac Day’ or as I like to refer to it as, ‘Jeremy’s Day’ and hopefully many of those who agree will feel the same significance Officer Jeremy Henwood felt not knowing this date would be his last day on patrol and only minutes after he’d bought a sandwich for a boy who knew nothing but that he was hungry. Such a small act in life yet such a huge moment of human significance! I can only hope that when the time comes and I leave my life, I too have had my ‘Jeremy’ moment.
Thanks, The WiseGuy
🙂 Thank you
Thank you for writing this!!
Unfortunately the jobs that seem to be disrespected the most are the ones that deal with life and death. I work for a private EMS agency in a primarily gang dominated service area. I don’t do this job for the pay because trust me if that were the case i would definitely do something else. Most people in the 911 emergency industry work more than one job just to pay the bills. I do this job because I WANT to. I want to help people in their time of need.
Support your local Law Enforcement, Fire Department, and EMS provider.
Thank you American Infidel, for continuing the respect our First Responders deserve and posting this on your great website. Everyone should visit when they have the time off to relax.
Let’s all remember, August 6th is as Jeremy would call it, ‘Buy a Big Mac Day’ or as I like to refer to it as, ‘Jeremy’s Day’ and hopefully many of those who agree will feel the same significance Officer Jeremy Henwood felt not knowing this date would be his last day on patrol and only minutes after he’d bought a sandwich for a boy who knew nothing but that he was hungry. Such a small act in life yet such a huge moment of human significance! I can only hope that when the time comes and I leave my life, I too have had my ‘Jeremy’ moment.
Thanks, The WiseGuy
Absolutely a great article!! And now I have a question for everyone, if you question if you would run toward or away from danger and evil, would it matter if you had a wife/husband, kids and or grandchildren? Before you answer let me put this out there, if you lived your life as an unsung hero, that is a part of who you are! Now let me ask you this, if that is who you are if because of the people you love and love you you think you would run away, do you think those people’s opinion of you would change? I think that the fact that I try to always do the right thing is a huge part of why people that love me and respect me feel that way, who am I to take that away from them?
As a rookie police officer, I’m just starting to learn the valuable lesson that most people we encounter on a daily basis will dislike us simply for the uniform we wear. I’m also learning that this job is relentless and that you can’t hope to fix all the things that break in the course of an 8 hour shift. But I take solace in the fact that every once in a while we get to truly make a difference, and somebody says “thank you.” And that’s enough for me. So I’ll do the best I can in the meantime, and savor that ride home at the end of the shift. Thanks for this article, it reinforces why, after college, a masters degree, and a year spent sitting in a cubicle at a boring desk job, I wanted my office to be a patrol car and for my day to never be “normal” again.
As a police officer, I thank you for your kind reminder that our job is not an easy one. Everyday I thank God for protecting me so I can go home to my family, and I thank all those who fell as they are a terrific example of heroism and self-sacrifice.
Awesome article! I am a dispatcher, and my husband is a deputy sheriff. I cannot count the number of times I’ve had someone call in to complain about a ticket that they got, but then a few days or weeks later they are calling because they need help because they were just in an accident. There has been times while I’ve been on the phone with them that I want to “gently” remind them that the same officer that wrote them a ticket for speeding a few days ago is the same officer that is coming to rescue them. However, I don’t because I know most of the time it still won’t matter. The person is still mad about the fact that they got a ticket, yet still expect that same officer to risk his life driving 100+ mph to come help him/her out of his/her car that they are now trapped in. It took me a long time to be okay with my husband being a cop, but I would never even dream of asking him to change careers because I know he’s doing what he loves. Granted, there are still times I really, really wish he would have a “normal” job, but I know if that was the case, there would be one less hero out there risking their life to save another.
Thank you for what you have shared. As a wife of an officer who was killed in the line of duty, leaving me alone with two young children and 4 months pregnant – even now 33 years later – what pains me most is the slander and disrespect sometimes pointed at law enforcement. My husband and my children’s father died a hero – protecting the safety of other people. He ran towards the danger because it was his calling and life passion.
Coming from someone who works in Massachusetts state law enforcement and has 10 years prior service in the US Coast Guard (and who is married to a federal law enforcement officer) – thank you! Well written and wholly conveyed…sometimes it takes this perspective for people to realize it’s more than parking tickets and traffic stops.
Thank you for such a thought provoking and heartfelt post!! I am not in law enforcement, nor do I have family in law enforcement, but I have many friends who are police officers, state troopers and fire fighters. I am a volunteer fire fighter, but the danger I put myself in doesn’t even compare law enforcement. I have ultimate respect for police officers and law enforcement, and if people weren’t committing crimes they wouldn’t dislike police officers either. It is only the miscreants in society who hate police officers, but if it weren’t for law enforcement, gangs and thugs would rule our nation. I for one appreciate every action a police officer makes!!!
And I hope that if the opportunity occurs that I would run into danger to help instead of running away in fear. May our good Lord protect those who run into danger and risk their lives to help others!!!!
Thank you. I was a USMC MP and a Civilian Police Officer. My career was cut short by an on-duty MVA. I was inspired to become a Police Officer by my hero, my Dad, a 28 year highly decorated veteran officer known for giving Mom gray hairs by doing the unthinkable like grabbing suspicious packages in crowded shopping centers and running to get them away from the crowd. (This was before bomb squads were prevalent and police had to do what they could to combat the radicals of the ’60s and ’70s.) I always tell anyone looking to go into the job that if they are doing it for the pay, look for another career. The real pay in law enforcement is those rare occasions when someone says “Thank you!” or you see the life you saved or restored continue to do god things.
This article is one giant Thank you!
As a nurse and the wife of a LEO, I truely appreciate your insights into this very difficult career lifestyle. I have always been proud of my husband, even when others were making negaitive comments. I have reminded friends and family, that they may not like the job my husband has to do, but when they are are in need, they never hesitate to call on him and expect him to do everything humanly possible to protect their safety.
I know there are plenty of “dirty” cops out there, who do use and abuse their authority. But for the men and women who actually do their job and think in such a quick instant like the above, I say thank you. Thank you for putting your life on the line for others who you don’t even know. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
There are “dirty” cops, but plenty is a strong word… The overwhelming vast majority are good hardworking people. Yes, people, just like you…
Very simply…where would society be without them?We wouldn’t be safe anywhere.It’s only because they are out there that we can have any sense of safety at all.For sure,there would be chaos at every turn,our door would provide no safety.It takes a thug to hate cops and for obvious reasons.
Thank you for this. As a dispatcher for law enforcement, I have to stand by and only listen as my guys head straight into the danger and wait and listen breathlessly waiting for them to tell me everything is fine. Every. Single. Day. Most days my guys go home safe and sound, but not always and every time we lose one of them too soon, too young, it breaks my heart when the public calls in and says some of the most hateful, ignorant, hurtful things to us and we have to politely listen and not engage them.
Wow!! Amazingly written! I am a paramedic and my other half is a police officer. He has faced many a scary situation in the past and has the potential to each day he goes off to work. Many of my friends are in the industry of police, firefighting and paramedicine, all deserving of the respect you wrote about. Thank you again for posting!
Recently I was hospitalized and my son drove 6 hours to spend one day with me. He needed to get back to his 38 week pregnant wife. My husband asked him how his job was going. What did he like about it the most. Without hesitation he answered, “Being able to help someone.” That’s my son. My baby boy. Who all his life has wanted to fight for and defend the “underdog”. Who served his country for 2 tours in this present war. Who continues to do so in the Army reserves. He’s a police officer. I am the mother of a police officer. I am the mother of a giver. One who sacrifices for others he doesn’t even know, probably will never meet and in a lot of cases are thankless. And what about that 38 week pregnant wife? Wondering each time he steps out the door….if he will ever meet the son they are about to have….. You think that when a cop stops someone to give them a ticket they are just being jerks and get off on writing those tickets. I bet if you looked at the numbers you would be alarmed at how many officers put themselves at great risk for what we would consider a routine stop. For those who say, “I don’t like cops.” I pray that God will have mercy on you and that if you or anyone in your family is ever in need of help, that it will be one of America’s finest, that will be standing there with a hand out, to do just that. I am the mother of a police officer!
Wow! Amazingly written…your words hit close to home as I am a paramedic and my other half is a police officer. He faced some scary situations in past and still has the potential to face danger every day that he goes to work. I have many friends who work as medics, police officers and firefighters, all of whom deserve the respect you wrote about. Thank you!
Thank you for this. Those in Law Enforcement get a bad rap. I am a CSO for a local police department we are contracted out to provide 24 hour security to a Marina. We get a lot of crap because we wear a uniform and it has a badge. No one like to get a ticket and no one likes to get arrested but when they need us, when they need help who do they call? The police and the police respond, no matter who the person is, what the situation is the police will be there to serve and protect.
Being a Police officer is a Job. It doesn’t make you a hero. Your actions in the moment do. Police are not special but some special people are police officers. Just like Teachers, construction workers and garbage men.
As a police wife I’d like to say thank you. I have even had to remove my own family from my life because of insensitive statements. Stories like Jeremy’s are what scare me more than anything. But this is the life we signed up for. My husband has been an officer for 13 years. He worked SWAT, and Gang Unit, he has seen some things in this world I never knew existed and as easy as it would be, he’s never been jaded. He’s still optimistic and faithful in mankind (whereas I am not).
I, along with everyone else, thanks you. I’m getting ready to retire after 30 yrs of service and what is my retirement job going to be…a cop. Yep, I’m signing up to do it again for as long as the good Lord and my body lets me. I love my job and get just as excited to go to work today as I did the first day I was cut lose from training. It’s a good job, its a hard job and not rewarding a lot of times, but I wouldn’t do anything else. I plan to share this article in hopes that all will read it…thank you again
This sir was one of the best reads and heartfelt outlooks I’ve ever had the privilege of reading. I’ve shared this with all of my friends and it has spread from there, and with good reason. I’m a cop. My friends are cops. They have cop wives, cop moms, cop dads, etc. So yes this is a biased response. But you have shown in a very honest and intelligent light the reasons a lot of us still do this job, even when we can’t make bills, miss holidays, and lose teeth, get broken bones, etc. Thank you for this writing. You have made such a difference to a lot of people for putting the words like you did, and I hope you understand your impact. Thank you.
Thank you for this. It means a lot to the ones in the field and to us former police officers–that you would take the time to write such a wonderful post. Bravo!
As a college student that will be a police officer in the near future, thank you! This was a beautiful article. People only remember the negative interactions they have with police, and forget all of the positive things they do. Again thank you!
Reblogged this on The Badge of Life Canada (BOLC).
Thank you Badge of Life Canada, for continuing the respect our First Responders deserve and posting this on your great website. Everyone should visit when they have the time off to relax.
Let’s all remember, August 6th is as Jeremy would call it, ‘Buy a Big Mac Day’ or as I like to refer to it as, ‘Jeremy’s Day’ and hopefully many of those who agree will feel the same significance Officer Jeremy Henwood felt not knowing this date would be his last day on patrol and only minutes after he’d bought a sandwich for a boy who knew nothing but that he was hungry. Such a small act in life yet such a huge moment of human significance! I can only hope that when the time comes and I leave my life, I too have had my ‘Jeremy’ moment.
Thanks, The WiseGuy
Thank you for this article.
It helps to know someone cares what we do. 15 years in law enforcement with people hating me and never understanding what I do, and never appreciating that even though they hate me, degrade me, insult me, threaten me, and lie about me I have never hesitated to save them when they needed it. Sometimes it’s hard to remember not everyone is the bad guy. Thanks.
I am a cop. Thank you.
As the wife of a police officer, I say THANK YOU for this beautiful, well-written post!
So much I would like to say, but I will keep it simple: Thank you. ❤
I’m a police officer in a small town on the outskirts of Salisbury, Maryland. I’m almost 50 years old but I still work shifts in a patrol car. Wouldn’t have it any other way. There will always be people who hate cops. Some have gotten tickets while speeding to work. Some got caught committing crimes. Some just run with groups of people who believe it’s natural to hate us. The vast majority of people do like us – we just don’t hear from them much. We may come in contact with them at the stores when on duty but if we were off duty in plain clothes most of them wouldn’t recognize us. It’s the nature of the job. We deal mostly with those who don’t like us. The thieves, The drug dealers. The wife beaters. That’s who we hear from the majority of the time. Even with this being the case, I’ve never second guessed my obligation to mankind or my commitment the oath I took all those years ago. It appears as though I’ve carried these values over into my personal life as I have a daughter who has been a police officer for 4 years and another daughter who will marry a police officer next summer. I try to instill upon them the importance to lead an exemplary life on and off duty. People are watching. We are not entitled to special treatment because of what we do. It’s a commitment we each make willingly and without any promises of rights above those of anyone else. There are but a handful of officers who believe they are entitled. These people help bring disdain for our profession. To all of my brothers and sisters – remember that always. Pass your strong values to others coming up behind you. Be worthy of the authority vested in you by the people.
Thank you so much for this article.. as a daughter of a police officer it really means a lot to me to see your appreciation
Wonderful article – my husband is a police Sgt in Tennessee,(has been doing the job for 20 yrs), and I am a corrections officer. This article might shed some light on the job for some people who do not appreciate the job police do everyday. I know that there is a possibility that he might not come home from his shift when he leaves, but it is something that I have learned to live with because he loves the job so much. It is not just a job to him, it is ingrained in him and has become a large part of the person that he is. He is a very loving, caring man who has four kids, two grandkids, mom, brother and sister that love him very much. He loves us all in return, but would give his life for a stranger in a heartbeat. I am so thankful that there are officers like him out there to protect and serve.
As a former Law Enforcement Officer I thank you from the bottom of my heart for this article, maybe more people would be understanding and think before they open their mouth with derogatory remarks to Police.
Thank you from a Police Officers wife..
As an officer who attended an address to assist a person, resulting in the person shooting at my partner and I. Thank you for this article.
I truly appreciate your many thoughts. I know the police in my community, are cool and care about me being w the disabilitys they watch out for me as well I watch out for them we need to have enough love to care mutually and respect one another than this world would be a world of peace and all would have love
Thank you for your article, I have always liked cops, for the same reasons you mention. They chose a life where they are serving others, putting their safety and comfort before their own. I live in Mexico, and I even like cops here.
Thank you from a college student who is Criminal Justice Major and looking into the field of law enforcement. Everything you said was on key and I appreciate all the things the police, firemen, emts, etc. do for me and everyone else. It is a big eye opener for people.
Great article, very emotional. Sad to say it’s the same attitude shown by some in the UK too. Unfortunately most of those with that attitude will not have the courtesy to take the time and read such an article. Great work.
Constable – Police Scotland
Thank you
I have been an officer for 16 years and it is a rarity to see such an insightful aricle written by someone from outside our profession. Thanks for taking the time to write what we all feel and often can not explain to others.
“While your son or daughter runs from the sound of gunfire, someone else’s son or daughter is in a uniform running towards that gunfire.”
Thank you for taking a stand against all the armchair-quarterbacks who only complain but don’t do.
Thank you from a Canadian Copper. No matter where you work it is them same. Your words are much appreciated and very kind.
Amazing article. My brother and I are Southern California officers, and sometimes I get emotionally jarred by the amount of distrust and disdain people have for LEOs. I hope more people read this and understand what it’s really about. Thanks brotha.
I am a dispatcher at my local Sheriffs Department and wonder those same words almost every day I am at work…But I remember on a different note I am helping society in the fact that we as dispatchers help get Law Enforcement, Fire and Ambulances to those people who need the help…I don’t hate cops…Yes sometimes we don’t see eye to eye or agree with the manor in how stuff gets done…But sometimes those of us who have said “I hate cops” has had to call one to save their butt…So to me, if you don’t like cops think of the next time somebody burglarizes your home, steals something from you, harasses you, hurts you, sends you to a hospital, get in an accident…Remember who is their to help you out…Nobody gets threw life in an easy way where they haven’t dealt with a cop…Cops are their to serve and protect…That is just how I feel as a low level dispatcher who tries to help the public whenever I have a chance!!!
If I needed help, I would want you, a ‘higher level’ dispatcher who has saved many lives, to answer me in the dead of night for help. Thank you, The WiseGuy
You do a very important stressful job, you are in no way “low level” Thumbs up to ya. Sincerely, Dana daughter of SFPD
Amazing choice of words. Not LE but have LE in my family. I have an unbelievable amount of respect for all forms of service personnel. You all are truly unique and a blessing to have in society. A HUGE THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart to all of you for your service and making the selfless sacrafics you make day in and day out. Be safe!
As I sit here in my cruiser at 1245 in the morning reading this article a friend sent me, I can’t help but wish everyone would have the opportunity to read what you have written, and maybe have a slight change of heart when they think about the men in women in blue and they job that we have to do on a daily basis.
As a police officer from central Massachusetts I thank you sir.
Thank you for your wonderful thoughts. My father was an officer killed in the line of duty when I was 5 and my brother was 19 months. Some jerk was drinking (it was December 20th) and decided that he was not too drunk to drive. He never received jail time even though it was his third offense. Drunk drivers like this don’t take responsibility for their actions and want to blame someone else because they got caught. My entire life, any time I meet someone who knew my father, they say what a great and caring cop he was. While this feels nice, it hardly makes up for missing all father-daughter dances, walking down the aisle by myself when I got married, or my children not knowing their grandfather. So every time someone makes a blanket statement such as “all cops are jerks,” they are just showing how ignorant they are.
Please send us your Father’s name. Just as Jeremy and Mickey, there should be a special day for your Father where people of good nature buy a sandwich, a bowl of soup, or a Big Mac like I do for ‘Jeremy’s Day’ on Aug. 6th or ‘Mickey’s Day’, on Oct. 12th. just as they would have. Celebrate their significance! There are so many days to celebrate. The WiseGuy
I was a year old in 1975 when my father was killed on duty. Not a day goes by when I put on my uniform that he isn’t on my mind. When I hold my three year old daughter, its sometimes unbearable to think that if something happen to me, she’d have grow up the way I did, not knowing anything about her father. Sometimes it hits me so hard when I hear people saying negative things about cops. If it was their father or mother taken from them I’d be a different story I’m sure. I’ve learned to ignore it and smile, knowing that their are people like you and all the others that have posted here on this thread. You are not alone……
You’re words were amazing! Thank you for this article! Daughter of a police officer ~ PA
I am 22 years old. I had many classmates who constantly said “I hate cops.” My father is a police officer. He has been in law enforcement since before I was born. Every time I hear those words from people, it makes me soo angry. Cause if my dad was working and any of those people needed his help, even if my dad knew how much they “hated cops”, he would be there in an instant and not hesitate for a second to put his life on the line for theirs. Police officers know they have a chance to get into a life or death situation every time they go to work, but that doesn’t stop them. They will die for their family, for strangers, for those who love them and those who hate them, and they deserve everybody’s respect.
Thank you for writing this article. Your words are powerful, true and respected.
On behalf of my father, I thank you.
Thank your Dad, truly for me. Really, just tell him those words in your own words and then hug him with one of those really good hugs a Dad really loves. The WiseGuy
I am a LEO and thank you for the kind words written in your blog. The majority of us do what we do because we have a deep love of our family and would hope that others would love ours the same… God bless
As the proud wife of a Police Officer, I thank you for writing this. God Bless you!
i am speechless at your profound words.
Maggie Devens, Texas Peace Officer, Retired. (proud Cop)
AND many thanks for those words.
Maggie
Thank you… ❤ The Swampscott Police Officers Wives Society (SPOWS)
I’m a police officer in Indiana and want to thank you for a well thought out and written article. It always touches my heart to see posts like this, because the streets are not always as kind. The only thing I would like to add to an otherwise fantastic post is this. Officers don’t run to the fear to be heroes, for the most part, it is instinctive. One of my favorite quotes is from G.K. Chesterton and I believe whole heartedly that it applies to officers as well. “The true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him.
Great article. I am reading this at my job which is 2nd shift front desk of a hotel. I rely on Police Officers everyday (well not every) but it has never crossed my mind that I could need them and they not be here for me. You truly opened my eyes to what I have always taken for granted. I think that people who don’t like offices it’s because they are doing something wrong and are upset they got caught and need someone to blame. I respect and thank every Officer that has came to my aide, have even made several friends. THANKS TO ALL OFFICERS.
I am the wife of an officer who joined two others in foot pursuit of a man wanted on several domestic violence charges and had showed up at her work….that day he shot and killed my husband a police sergeant just 18 months from retirement and also wounded a young officer who was expecting his first child…thank you for remembering they run towards whatever everyone else is running away from…Beth wife of Winston-Salem Police Department Officer,End of Watch 10/12/2009
Your comment leaves me speechless. I and all are so greatful for your husband’s service. Your comment truly touched me and my family’s heart. I will never forget the End of Watch 10/12/2009 and celebrate a life of significance. The WiseGuy and Family. . .
Thank you very much from a LEO. Very well said and greatly appreciated.
That was excellent. Thank you & God Bless.
As a wife of a police officer and witness to the carnage of April 15, 2013 Boston Marathon. Thank you from the bottom of my heart and God bless you for this article. The men and women who are first responders are truly a rare breed they run to danger without consequence to their own safety, to save people they do not know. They kiss their families good bye at the start of their shifts and we as the ones waiting at home pray for a safe speedy return. God bless to all the first responders past, present and future. Thank you for your bravery and service.
As a wife of a police officer, I thank you sir. We live in a county that is 409 square miles, my husband is currently Sheriff of this county. He has 5 deputies that work the road…5. There are around 28,000 people in the county…many drug dealers who hate him and would love to see harm come to him. I praise you for this post for the sheer fact that you humanized these men/women.
Shelly, I want to thank You, Casey and the rest of the Men and Women that work so hard in our County for our safety. May Casey and the rest of his Deputies always come home safely to their Families. God Bless You Ma’am.
Reblogged this on Contra.
Reblogged this on Healthy Runner Wife and commented:
This is an amazing article written by another blogger. It really makes you think about what true heroes do for others and how they don’t think twice about it.
Thank you Healthy Runner Wife, for continuing the respect our First Responders deserve and posting this on your great website. Everyone should visit when they have the time off to relax.
Let’s all remember, August 6th is as Jeremy would call it, ‘Buy a Big Mac Day’ or as I like to refer to it as, ‘Jeremy’s Day’ and hopefully many of those who agree will feel the same significance Officer Jeremy Henwood felt not knowing this date would be his last day on patrol and only minutes after he’d bought a sandwich for a boy who knew nothing but that he was hungry. Such a small act in life yet such a huge moment of human significance! I can only hope that when the time comes and I leave my life, I too have had my ‘Jeremy’ moment.
Thanks, The WiseGuy
You are very welcome! I love your article! It falls close to home as my husband, father in law and many friends are police officers. I appreciate what you wrote! Thank you
As a police officer of 20 years in a town on the Boston Marathon route, a 10 time Boston Marathon finisher and someone who loves being both of those things, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your words. They touched me deeply. May God bless all of us who run towards and may we never decide to run away. Just by reading your words I’m going to guess you’d have run towards, that day.
I view police officers the same way I view teachers, it’s a profession where a few bad employees make a bad name for the rest of the profession that is overworked and underpaid. I hope that more people will come around and compensate these and other civil servants like firefighters and EMS services for the difficult tasks they do every day.
Wow. Just Wow.
Thank you Sir. You expressed that beautifully and proved that mere words can move a person to tears and goosebumps. A huge Thank You to all who run in when those who cant, don’t. Hugs.
Thank you Walking the Social Media Beat, for continuing the respect our First Responders deserve and posting this on your great website. Everyone should visit when they have the time off to relax.
Let’s all remember, August 6th is as Jeremy would call it, ‘Buy a Big Mac Day’ or as I like to refer to it as, ‘Jeremy’s Day’ and hopefully many of those who agree will feel the same significance Officer Jeremy Henwood felt not knowing this date would be his last day on patrol and only minutes after he’d bought a sandwich for a boy who knew nothing but that he was hungry. Such a small act in life yet such a huge moment of human significance! I can only hope that when the time comes and I leave my life, I too have had my ‘Jeremy’ moment.
Thanks, The WiseGuy
I was married to a deputy sheriff for a lot of years. He was the epitome of why people say they hate cops. I always tried to focus on the good that others did, because he used his position to get away with things that he never should have. For every bad cop there are hundreds of really phenomenal ones. Men and women like Dic & Jeremy & Sean who think nothing of risking their lives every day, for people they’ve never met.
As they say, it only takes one bad apple to ruin the whole bunch. It’s unfortunate that our society sees the worst in everyone because of the evil that a small handful of people spread.
Excellent piece. If it changes the mind of just one person about law enforcement, it is worth every moment you took to write this.
I respect all uniform officers. Glad they are around.
As a retired police officer/sgt. with 33 years of service, I couldnt have stated these sentiments any better or more eloquently than you did!! My father was a Police officer (NYPD) and my son is a police officer (New Orleans PD) My son summed it up perfectly one day when he said “dad, it’s just what we do” Yes, indeed it is!! Btw, I accidently hit the thumbs down button on the above remark and couldnt undo it. Sorry about that, lol!! [ Don’t worry about the accidental thumbs down, Sir. I’ve done the same. The WiseGuy ]
Awesome article-
Respect intended as I say ,I can only imagine this being narrated by the Late Jack Webb
Thanks for posting this. I’m a San Diego native and my dad is a Deputy Sheriff for the county. I remember exactly where I was when Jeremy Henwood was shot and killed. It was a very emotional day for me and my family – not because we knew him personally, but because his story could have easily been my father’s. And, as tacky as it may sound to “outsiders,” there really is the bond of brotherhood between officers. It was horrible to lose a member of our extended family that day. I appreciate your reminder not to take our law enforcement for granted. It happens, sadly, all too often. Thanks, again!
Thank you for this. I’ve been a cop for twenty years and the friendly nods and thank you’s are the only thing that keeps you going sometimes. I was at ground zero days after September 11th and dug through rubble all day in the bucket lines. It was grueling, depressing work. As we got off a boat that took us back to the Jersey side of the river, we came up a gang plank to an open area. Waiting for us were a couple hundred people with signs and shirts who were clapping and cheering us as we walked up. It was a roar of cheering, whistling and clapping from an incredibly diverse crowd of people. Like we were rock stars at a concert. They high fived us, women in tears were hugging us, people handed us drinks…..It is a moment etched in my mind as the single time in my career were it seemed the whole country finally understood the plight of first responders. And appreciated them. It’s been 12 years since then, and things have gone back to the misinformed opinions about what we do. And your article expresses it perfectly. Thanks for letting everyone know that if you stop and think about it, we do our best. Sometimes we make mistakes, sometimes we come off as angry. Forgive us our smart ass demeanor. But we are always ready to run in and pull you out of harms way…..and we’ll save you whether you hate us or not.
As a wife of a cop, thank you.
Me, too.
Proudly linking to my blog. Thanks for appreciating and understanding us.
Thank you The Munz, for continuing the respect our First Responders deserve and posting this on your great website. Everyone should visit when they have the time off to relax.
Let’s all remember, August 6th is as Jeremy would call it, ‘Buy a Big Mac Day’ or as I like to refer to it as, ‘Jeremy’s Day’ and hopefully many of those who agree will feel the same significance Officer Jeremy Henwood felt not knowing this date would be his last day on patrol and only minutes after he’d bought a sandwich for a boy who knew nothing but that he was hungry. Such a small act in life yet such a huge moment of human significance! I can only hope that when the time comes and I leave my life, I too have had my ‘Jeremy’ moment.
Thanks, The WiseGuy
Great article and thank you. As a Police Officer, it’s tremendous when members of the civilian side come to our defense, it makes the job easier and worth all the tribulations we go through daily. When I was a year old, sleeping in my crib, my father went to work and never returned. He was killed in the line of duty. I have no memory of him, just photos and stories, but growing up he was always my hero. Your article was spot on when you talked about the families and their loss. So many lives are altered in those brief selfless moments when a Cop or Firefighter makes his or her decision to act. I’m sure for most, like it Is for me a privilege, especially when people like you reinforce what we do by speaking up.
Thanks again,
One of many
I was a cop for over 40 years in several states…we risk our lives just by donning our uniform..there is no glamour like on TV..just hard work and the willingness to die for the people we swore to protect…we do it because we love it..and I thank God I made it to retire and I pray for my brothers and sisters still hitting the bricks daily…come home safe guys…
I will include the 37 Port Authority Officers of all ranks and 1 K-9 who did during the initial rescue efforts at the World Trade Center. None came home to family. Some remains have never been found. Four Officers were found crushed right around the lady in the wheelchair they were trying to get out of the building in time.
Yes, it is an occupation and yes, they know what they are getting into when they join. So, that should mean that they don’t deserve the respect of heroes? That means they should expect to never even get time for a restroom break? During 8 hours they shouldn’t a chance to get something to eat?
I want the Police Officers, Fire Fighters, and EMS people who are our first responders to get anything a working person should get each day. I also want them to have a livable wage and benefits.
The Officers of today are running into danger zones far to much. I guess it will just get worse as society continues it’s downward leap.
Thank you for “getting us” and realizing that we are human beings. Your words lift me up for another shift.
Thank you Pride of Lions for continuing the respect our First Responders deserve and posting this on your great website. Everyone should visit when they have the time off to relax.
Let’s all remember, August 6th is as Jeremy would call it, ‘Buy a Big Mac Day’ or as I like to refer to it as, ‘Jeremy’s Day’ and hopefully many of those who agree will feel the same significance Officer Jeremy Henwood felt not knowing this date would be his last day on patrol and only minutes after he’d bought a sandwich for a boy who knew nothing but that he was hungry. Such a small act in life yet such a huge moment of human significance! I can only hope that when the time comes and I leave my life, I too have had my ‘Jeremy’ moment.
Thanks, The WiseGuy
Thank you, thank you, thank you. The next time you see an officer buying a meal during his shift, or even just stopping you to tell you that you have a broken taillight, I hope you tell them thank you then, too. You have no idea how much of a difference you could make in that officer’s day – even their life.
I can’t wait to join the men and women of the thin blue line on day!
I grew up the daughter of a Boston Police Officer…my Uncle and cousin also…My brother and sister….Boston Police Officers. I am proud to say that now I am the mother of a Boston Police officer. My son is a Boston Police Officer and my other son is a Boston Police dispatcher. My WHOLE life I listened to how cops sucked and they were so hated. I am ashamed to say I denied being my fathers daughter because I didn’t want to hear how he sucked for being a cop. I never defended them I just sat and listened to people belittle the people I loved most in this world. Not any more. Today I am proud. I am proud of my Dad and my Brother and My sister…I am extremely proud of my Son…and scared and worried for him every day. Words cannot express how I appreciate this article. It is not said enough. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
I am the daughter of a 31 yr veteran San Francisco Policeman. He had a beat in the Mission Dist for 18 yrs. I am also the niece of SFPD Motorcycle Officer & a cousin. My Father passed away 3 yrs ago (age 89) he had his Star (badge) in his pocket, he always had it on him every day. I have it now & will cherish it always. I have all his Police Stuff & am super proud of it, I always have been. He loved what he did. Grew up having the utmost respect for him & my Uncle & Cousin. I do remember a few times getting snotty with my Mom when I was a teenager because she would make me be home right on time on the weekends, under no circumstances was I allowed to call home to say I’ll be home a few minutes late, I used to think she was just being bossy & mean (as a teenage girl would think) but she didn’t want the phone ringing at night when Dad would be working swing or graveyard shift, this was shortly after those bastards bombed Ingleside Station in 1971 & killing the Sgt & wounding others, (Dad worked at Ingleside station at that time too) there was also another attack Park Station, & in the Mission Dist they were driving up to Police to shoot them. My Mom would breathe a sigh of relief everytime he walked in the door. Just as my Aunt would when my Uncle got home. I was always happy when Dad came home. I had the best Dad in the Universe, he was a hell of a nice man. I knew my Dad did the job that is different & he sees things that people don’t understand & deals with situations most of us wouldn’t have the guts to do. When he went to work sometimes he would get spit on just for being a cop but he loved what he did. They used to call the Cops pigs in those days, Dad taught me it stood for Purity, Integrity/Intelligence & GUTS. Exactly right! He used to have a watch with a pig on it standing up dressed in uniform. When I would hear someone refer to a cop as a pig I would say what Dad taught me that I knew what it stood for because it is so very true. I’m so very lucky my Dad came home every day but there was always that chance that he might not when he’d go out the door, My Mom & I would be tuned into that big time, I’m sure that would come across Dad’s mind but he never let me know, My Dad big & brave. I love Cops! If I hear someone say they don’t like them it’s because of their ignorance actually knowing anything about cops, they don’t have a clue & they don’t have the Purity, Integrity/Intelligence nor GUTS to think beyond, they have no idea what the job entails or that Police are people with families that have a job just like they do but it’s a much different job & they are just trying to do their job & if something happens to “I don’t like the cops guy” & he NEEDS an Officer who’s the first one there to help & assist “Mr. I don’t like the cops guy” guy that doesn’t like you. Sorry this was long but I’m passionate proud SFPD daughter & I LOVE POLICE & I understand what they do (as best I can) I only see it’s their job & they do HARD job, they’re the good guys. It is crazy out there & I wish them all well & stay safe. Gotta go to the dog wash now proceeds go to the K-9 doggies that are still in need of vests. Everyone take care
As a soon to be police wife this story is so heartwarming . Thank you!
As a wife of a law enforcement officer, I am in tears after reading this. Thank you so much for writing this beautiful article. I watch my husband come home every morning exhausted from dealing with the worst in society. But there is nothing better than when he gets a thank you or feels like he made a difference, it makes risking his life everyday worth while. Thank you!
As a NYPD officer, I just want to say THANK YOU. That was very heartfelt and meaningful. I would love to shake your hand. All law enforcement is hated more than we are liked, and its a shame. So once again I say THANK YOU FROM NOT ONLY MYSELF BUT FROM ALL LAW ENFORCEMENT.
Thank you for your service.
Thank you, sir, for your kind words. I have been the wife of a cop for 18 years and I have never taken one second of that for granted. It is beyond my comprehension how the people of the Thin Blue Line put their lives out there every time they don the uniform, or drive their duty car to the store, even in regular clothes, knowing they may be the only defense someone has from an unsuspected evil, and those on the receiving end ‘Can’t stand Cops”.
Again, you have my appreciation. I hope many will read this.
Thank you so much for this article. I have put into words exactly what I want to say every time someone says f the police. But of course I’m told I’m biased & I have to feel that way because I’m in a relationship with a cop. Coming from a civilian it means so much more & is more credible to those outside the LE community. Again, thank you!
Wishing everyone good luck at the 2013 End of Watch Memorial Golf Outing; the players, the committee members, volunteers, and families of the fallen Officers. The Outing is on Monday but the preparation started back around the first of the year. This weekend will be a blur of activity for the committee members who give upwards of 200-300 hours of their personal time every year in memory of Wisconsin’s 269 law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty. The outing was established in 2005 for Mike Shannon of the Adams County Sheriff’s Office, Bruce Williams of the Green Lake County Sheriff’s Office and Rick Meyer of the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office; all killed in the line of duty in 2003. Also included in this year’s outing will be Deputy Sergio Aleman of the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office and Police Officer Jennifer Sebena; both killed in the line of duty in 2012.
Never Forget
The bravest are surely those who have the clearest vision of what is before them, glory and danger alike, and yet notwithstanding, go out to meet it.
Wishing everyone good luck at the 2013 End of Watch Memorial Golf Outing; the players, the committee members, volunteers, and families of the fallen Officers. The Outing is on Monday July 22nd, but the preparation started back around the first of the year. This weekend will be a blur of activity for the committee members who give upwards of 200-300 hours of their personal time every year in memory of Wisconsin’s 269 law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty. The outing was established in 2005 for Mike Shannon of the Adams County Sheriff’s Office, Bruce Williams of the Green Lake County Sheriff’s Office and Rick Meyer of the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office; all killed in the line of duty in 2003. Also included in this year’s outing will be Deputy Sergio Aleman of the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office and Police Officer Jennifer Sebena; both killed in the line of duty in 2012.
Never Forget
The bravest are surely those who have the clearest vision of what is before them, glory and danger alike, and yet notwithstanding, go out to meet it.
Loved the article and thank you. Having served for nineteen years, it still puts a pump into my heart when I read such inspiring words. I’m often reminded that ” it’s what we are paid or chose to do ” and my response to that is this, you are absolutely correct. I choose to go out there everyday and protect, serve and save the ones that I come in contact with. Being a supervisor, not only am I responsible for the citizens I contact but my fellow officers as well. I love my job and my family, if I don’t do what it takes to help those the way I would help my family and friends. Then I have failed myself and my community. Bravo Prez and we risk for all. God bless for he watches over us!
I always hate hearing ppl say they don’t like cops. Some cops take advantage of their authority, but for most cops, it’s a dangerous, thankless job, where they get in trouble sometimes for doing things that are necessary to protect themselves from the criminals they are chasing. They are under such scrutiny, and have to answer for every instance of “discretional” force they may use. People expect them to be there when they’re needed, but they are seemingly not allowed to protect themselves.
Thank you! Very powerful and well-written tribute to those of us serving in law enforcement and as first responders. Your words are appreciated!
Thank you Covered Law Enforcement, for continuing the respect our First Responders deserve and posting this on your great website. Everyone should visit when they have the time off to relax.
Let’s all remember, August 6th is as Jeremy would call it, ‘Buy a Big Mac Day’ or as I like to refer to it as, ‘Jeremy’s Day’ and hopefully many of those who agree will feel the same significance Officer Jeremy Henwood felt not knowing this date would be his last day on patrol and only minutes after he’d bought a sandwich for a boy who knew nothing but that he was hungry. Such a small act in life yet such a huge moment of human significance! I can only hope that when the time comes and I leave my life, I too have had my ‘Jeremy’ moment.
Thanks, The WiseGuy
Thank you for putting words to the actions of my brethren and honoring them as Warriors and Heroes. It’s not easy to put into words the reasons why officers run toward danger. But you so eloquently explained that they do every day.
I work for SDPD as well however I am a 911 Police Dispatcher. I worry about our officers all the time as they go into situations that no one knows is really safe. There are times we hold our breath as the officers are responding to an event that could go either way. Our mission is for everyone to go home to their families– that means all…not just officers but citizens as well. Aug 6 is imprinted on my heart always. I know exactly where I was when Officer Henwood was ambused. My heart was on the ground for all of his brother’s and sisters in law enforcement- civilians included as well as his own personal family. Thank you for sharing his story. Your article was fantastic and needed to be told… Thank you again
Thank you for what YOU do for US! You guys are always overlooked and I just wanted to say thanks!
So eloquently put – thank you for this entry. My father was a police officer and I have the utmost respect for him and other officers. It takes heroes to do that job. I think we all would hope we could react with such heroism in the face of danger, but I too wonder if my own selfishness would get in the way.
John 15:13 – “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”
How much greater that officers lay down their lives for complete strangers? God bless our officers!
Thank you Serve and Protect, for continuing the respect our First Responders deserve and posting this on your great website. Everyone should visit when they have the time off to relax.
Let’s all remember, August 6th is as Jeremy would call it, ‘Buy a Big Mac Day’ or as I like to refer to it as, ‘Jeremy’s Day’ and hopefully many of those who agree will feel the same significance Officer Jeremy Henwood felt not knowing this date would be his last day on patrol and only minutes after he’d bought a sandwich for a boy who knew nothing but that he was hungry. Such a small act in life yet such a huge moment of human significance! I can only hope that when the time comes and I leave my life, I too have had my ‘Jeremy’ moment.
Thanks, The WiseGuy
What an article. As a Police Officer in Wisconsin I am very thankful to read such a great article. We go to work every day hoping to make it home to our loved ones, yet knowing we may be put in a situation where they will never see us again. This article reflects more than just those who are currently serving as Police Officers and pays respect to those who have fallen or unfortunately one day undoubtedly will. Thank you too all my brothers and sisters out there who help to keep us ALL safe!
Nice. Heroes are out there every day, everywhere.
Thank You!
Thank you for writing this. Very well written. As a police officer in San Diego, it was very humbling to read. I am sure peace officers from around the world will find this very heartfelt and grateful that you put to words what they may not have been able to express themselves.
All the best,
Aug 6th is nearing us.
During the writing, there were many emotions I withstood, then when I finished, I actually went down the street and bought a Big Mac for the person behind me. Not as good as what Jeremy did, but it did give me a sense of significance for just that moment. W W J D? What Would Jeremy Do? Jeremy would buy a Big Mac for you. Thank you!
August 6th is ‘Buy a Big Mac Day’ as would Officer Jeremy, and all the other heros we as a world community have lost’. Thank all of you for running to us when we need you!
Thank you for your article. Speaking for myself I can say that if I die in the line if duty I did so doing what I loved; being a cop. About once a week I get told, “Thanks for what you do because I couldn’t do what you guys do.” To which I thank them and then think to myself, thank God there are others that CAN as someday I may need them to run towards me when I’m in need.
I salute my fellow police officers, firefighters, EMT’s and all the other first responders. They are my brothers/sisters and together we thank you for such a warm and insightful article. I hope it makes others think of us just a little bit differently the next time they see us doing the “normal” everyday part of our jobs that people regularly associate with negative thoughts (traffic citations, arrests, etc). If it doesn’t, that’s ok. When a first responder needs to BE THERE for them WE will.
I look forward to honoring SDPD Officer Henwood’s memory on my next shift by buying dinner for a young kid. Thank you again for the article.
‘Thanks’, for what you do everyday just doesn’t seem to be enough. Thank you.
I also would like to thank you Ca. copper. I live a long way from you but that matters not. What you do is too me one of the most important and selfless jobs in the world. You and all law emforcement will always have my thanks…even when they are standing there telling me press hard please 3 copies!
Yes!!!! You would be missed…..and….I love cops….my son in law is one
Great morning read for a beautiful Saturday morning.
Thank you
:J
Thanks for sharing. Yes, your family and your friends would miss you very much, so would your hygienist.
Great work Prez! Couldn’t agree more and so glad to see you lay out so many good examples of heroic work our law enforcement officers do.
I am a police officer within Massachusetts as well as a deployed soldier. I can recall where I was and exactly what I was doing when the Boston Bombing occurred. I can also tell you that over the course of the next few days I watched my fellow officers and friends do amazing acts. Things that made me proud to know them and even prouder to stand beside them. It was a hard week for everyone. Civilians and first responders alike but with the grace of God and a group of truly committed people Boston came out on top and stronger than ever.
Your article is beautifully written and sheds light on the aspects of my job that many people forget about especially during the times in which they find themselves interacting with the police. All I ask is that if anyone does find themselves speaking with the police remember that they too are people just like you and all they want to do is make it home safe and sound at the end of the shift to kiss their loved ones. Remember that its those men and women who would risk everything they know and love to help ensure you can take your next breath even if it means they wont be granted theirs and they will do it without remorse or expecting anything in return.
Thank you for helping to articulate all the parts of my job that people tend to forget about. The parts of my job that consist of why I originally wanted to be a police officer.
Just please remember its people like you that make my job feel as though its anything but a job its simply something I love to do.