Tribute to Law Enforcement and Fire Fighters

Thanksgiving Day is one of those holidays that is important to families, the other is Christmas Day. Each year, and months in between, I ask folks to not forget those serving in the Armed Forces of the United States who cannot be home for the holidays. But there are others who serve and commit acts of heroism that is taken for granted or misrepresented by the media and some bad eggs among them (like in the military) who do not get recognition for their service.

Atlanta Police in Ice/Sleet Storm

Therefore, this article is in honor of those who serve in the myriad of duties and dangerous conditions of law enforcement as well as the all the local firefighters across the United States.

The people of Ferguson, Missouri demanded justice and so it was served; but the vigilante mob of the community did not accept the careful deliberation of a grand jury and pursuit for facts by the prosecutor of that county of St. Louis. They did not want justice, they wanted an eye for an eye and blind revenge.  They are skirting the real social issue.

Denver Sheriff Patrol

Yes, there are documentations of police brutality and other ethical infractions among the men and women who serve as law enforcement from the city police officer to border patrol officers to the FBI officers who deal with lawbreakers; just as there are those in the military who break the code of conduct. Those few among many should be punished, but those that serve in law enforcement and the military must not be stereotyped for the actions of a few among them. Unfortunately, for too many, law enforcement represents the negative instead of the positive.

On Thanksgiving and Christmas Day, as you sit down and enjoy the unity of family and eating the traditional meals, men and women are doing their duty as military personnel and law enforcement protecting your community. If it is tradition to say a family prayer at the dinner table before the holiday feast, add in a part for those that serve law enforcement, fire fighting, and those serving in the military who cannot be with their families because of their duty.

The following poem was written for law enforcement officers, posted by Denny Davis at his website:

I Am the Officer

I have been where you fear to be,
I have seen what you fear to see,
I have done what you fear to do--
All these things I have done for you.
I am the person you lean upon,
The one you cast your scorn upon,
The one you bring your troubles to--
All these people I've been for you.
The one you ask to stand apart,
The one you feel should have no heart,
The one you call "The Officer in Blue,"
But I'm just a person, just like you.
And through the years I've come to see,
That I am not always what you ask of me;
So, take this badge . . . take this gun . . .
Will you take it . . . will anyone?
And when you watch a person die
And hear a battered baby cry,
Then do you think that you can be
All these things you ask of me?

The following video is in tribute of law enforcement across our nation doing their duty in all kinds of weather, in all kinds of conditions, and sometimes in danger of losing their lives. …

And for those officers who paid the ultimate price for their duty, the next video is presented.

As you watch this, I would like to ask the community of Ferguson if they would have been as outraged and demanding vigilante justice if Michael Brown was able to take possession of Officer Darren Wilson and killed him like Michael Brown died. Would it immediately be deemed as a racial incident? Would there be riots in the streets, stores looted, and cars burned in anger over an alleged racist act of violence? Would Michael Brown have to go into hiding because people posted his address on the Internet and immediately for death threats and bounties were made on his head? If you were officer Wilson, would you have done the same thing, regardless of race?

Here is Officer Wilson's testimony on CNN News Exclusive …

Who are the racists here? An officer's career is ruined because of vigilante racists are not seeking justice, but mob rule.

I served in the US military for 15 years and afterwards for the Security Team of the Olympic 1996 Headquarters, and offered a possible career opportunity in branches of law enforcement, including border patrol. I turned down the opportunity and when asked why, I told them that the 'rules of engagement' were against my training in combat survival.

Law enforcement officers, after much trouble apprehending suspects in criminal actions too often see they get a slap-on-the-hand when found guilty, or in some cases "scot-free" because of a technicality. It can be, no doubt, a frustrating occupation. 

Officer Wilson was faced with a dire predicament and literally was defending himself against a large and strong adversary, someone who, apparently, was angry at law enforcement; and as the following video taken shortly before his confrontation with a law enforcement officer indicates he had no respect for law. 

If you see a law enforcement officer and have the opportunity, thank him for his service whether it be during the holidays or any time during the year. I am sure they will appreciate it, for it is probably something they do not hear very often. Henry  offers a law enforcement tribute rifle that might be a good Christmas gift for an officer you know.

Firefighters deserve tribute as well ...

Firefighters also have duty on holidays and times they wished they were with their families, but have volunteered to save people when fires break out and put those fires out. The same goes for firefighters as law enforcement – appreciate them.

Heartfelt thanks and appreciation for all those men and women who serve whether it be law enforcement, fire fighting, or the US military.

Heroes come in all shapes, sizes, gender, races and varied occupations, and must always be recognized and honored.