National Police Week

The past 2 years have been, and continue to be, a very difficult and confusing time across our Nation. For those who have chosen to wear "the Blue", it is hard to imagine the shocking and alarming transition our National Law Enforcement have been forced to endure. From childhood, we are taught that in times of danger, we need only pick up the phone and dial 911, and help will reach us as soon as possible. However, in the current chaos and destruction mode of our Country, our Law Enforcement have been brutally attacked physically; verbally; psychologically; financially; and professionally. A large number of Law Enforcement have understandably left the profession. While many American hearts have broken, and we were enraged, witnessing this tragedy in real time, it has forced us to re-evaluate our own perspective of Law Enforcement. That perhaps, despite having the highest Respect for Law Enforcement, have we taken the profession for granted? That as Officers pledge their Dedication and Commitment to Serve us, we have taken for granted that we are Safe and Protected 24/7 regardless of the emergency - be it our kitten in a tree or an armed shooter?

We have seen States, including Illinois, award criminals with no accountability for their crimes. Yet, we at the same time we are reminded that Law Enforcement consists of individuals who have chosen a profession in which they are trained to run toward danger, while most of us innately run - from danger. As a former military spouse, I know all too well that especially in our current environment, families of Law Enforcement are reminded every minute of every day, of the life and death risk their Loved One is taking regardless of where a Police Officer is Serving. It is both truth and reality, as many State and City governments have now learned - that there are no other programs to substitute the profession of Law Enforcement.

Undoubtedly, some will be compelled to reply to this post with a different perspective - so lets address the "elephant in the room." Are there Police Officers that have abused their power? Absolutely. In doing so, have they caused others pain? Absolutely. Is their "room for improvement" within every Police Department? Absolutely. . . but complete the analogy. In truth and fact, there is "room for improvement" within every profession; every human being; every aspect of life. Our Nation is viewing through God's finest lens that: "Our defense is not in our armaments, nor in science, nor in going underground. Our defense is in law and order." (Albert Einstein).

In keeping with an ever changing World, and criminals who lack accountability like never before in our Country, our Police Officers require and deserve the best available training and continued education if they are to perform their jobs appropriately. If our Nation demands that Law Enforcement are to meet our needs and our expectations - we must meet theirs. No one can accomplish a task well without the proper tools, and the knowledge with which to use and apply the tools. This is the least we can do to Honor and Support those who risk their lives on our behalf. The least we can do to Honor the families who share their Loved One with those in our Community. The least we can to in Honor of those who lost their lives, defending We The People of this Nation.

With Gratitude that cannot be expressed - Thank You to every past, present, and hopefully, future Law Enforcement Officer and their Families for helping to protect our Nation.