There's a quote about police officers which I think sums up all that they risk.... "While we sleep the guardians of the night take to the streets. Having said goodbye to those they love, each other knowing they may never say these words again. They face the evil that we run from. They dedicate their lives to those that would hate them because they wear the badge... They wear this badge, not for glory or recognition but because they were born to honor The Thin Blue Line."
It's not easy, being friends with a police officer or being related to one. I became an EMT for my town about a year ago. When I was younger I had this image that was branded into my brain that cops were 'no good'. They were mean and they were racist and that if you ever saw one they were only there for one reason; to make your life a living hell.
Well I was proven wrong.
I work with fourteen of the best cops I could ask for. When I was new to the EMT world my town brought in four new cops. They were young too. They were between the ages of 21-25. They gave me a whole new outlook on the world of cops. I became very close friends with the four of them and the ones that were already there. One of the police officers, who I am closest with, talked to me for over an hour about anything and everything. That is what made us become so close is the fact that we were able to do that. The trust and the friendship grew from there. Every call we had the cops would come and help us out; whether it be lifting the patient, taking down information, or moving them in the stretcher. They were always there to help you out. That's when I realized something.
Cops aren't here to harm or annoy you, they are here to help you. They're doing it for us.
Just like I was. I wasn't saving lives for me, I was doing it for the people who needed it and that is exactly why they are doing it. As I got older I started paying attention more to the news and what was going on in this world. To be honest, I wish I hadn't. Every time I turn on the news something bad has happened. In the past month, I've heard of protests for whites against blacks, cops shooting innocent people, cops shooting people who weren't innocent and then, of course, the Dallas shooting that shook our nation.
Personally, that one hit close to home.
In 2015, my town lost one of our own men in blue. He had been on the force since 2007 but was unfortunately in an ATV accident while he was on vacation. When I heard the news that he passed away my heart broke into pieces. He was 31 and just married.
Then a year later I get a phone call from one of my closest friends asking me, "Are you okay? If you need to talk let me know." Even though we are far away from Dallas. To hear a town lost multiple of their guys in blue is heartbreaking and it brings back feelings from losing one of my own.
Police aren't always trying to harm you. They are here to protect you. I am thankful that every day I am surrounded by the people I am. I am thankful that the police officers I work with are as caring and kind as they are. I am lucky enough to know if I ever needed to talk to one of them they would stop what they were doing to talk to me and make sure I am okay. They are my family and I don't know what I would do without them.
All lives do matter. My heart goes out to the families and friends of Dallas. I hope you all stay safe. My heart breaks for you.
