Our Silent Heroes

It's not surprising that the stories about police officers that get the most media and public attention are the stories about officers who do something unethical or even illegal.  Yes, there are corrupt officers (the same way there are corrupt politicians, teachers, coaches, CEOs, and everyone else on this planet).  It's heartbreaking, but they are NOT the majority.  


Though I shouldn't be surprised, I still find it disappointing that after one of the officers on JD's squad did something heroic, something newsworthy, it wasn't mentioned anywhere.  The officer, who is expecting his first baby with his wife this fall, was out on patrol last night and passed a house that was on fire.  He called it in to dispatch, then ran towards the house to see if anyone was inside.  He helped a family escape out the back window, then went back up to the second floor to make sure no one else was inside before the fire department even got there.


That's right... he's a newlywed and soon-to-be father and didn't think twice about running into a burning building.


These acts of heroism are merely everyday tasks to our officers.  They don't ask to be splashed across the news or declared heroes, but I still found myself extremely disappointed to see that the news article didn't even MENTION his assistance.


There were even quotes from the family.  Didn't THEY mention the officer who helped them out of their house?  Who ran inside to make sure there was no one else?  Wasn't that worth ANYTHING to them?!


Maybe someday I will be able to shrug off the misguided opinions about the police.  Maybe someday I will resist the temptation to read the hateful and hurtful comments at the end of news articles about police officers.  Maybe someday, I will be able to meet this ignorance with a laugh.


But not today, because that is my life, my love, and my best friend out there on the streets.  He, along with the rest of his fellow officers will be there to save you, no matter what you think or say about them.