To the former officer:
I'm glad you're not out there. With attacks against officers and hate surrounding the career that you love, I'm glad you reached the end of your watch. You served your days, fought your fights, and if you were like my Dad you got into your fair share of crashes. Now, you sit back in utter disbelief and reflect on the career that was, and is still your life.
As your brothers and sisters in blue continue to serve their days, you can't help but think about how much the conditions have changed. Being a police officer just isn't what it used to be. From pensions, insurance, and public views you question how someone would still choose this career. You then remember why you chose it yourself, because it takes a special type of person to pursue this career, this lifestyle. The reality sets in that the badge on an officers chest has become the target on their back.
Looking back you can't believe that everyday you left for work knowing you may not make it home. You threw a bullet proof vest on, hugged your family tight, then set out on your way. You chose a job knowing that people hated you just because you drove a cruiser and carried a gun. How crazy is it to think that in a split second a routine traffic stop could have ended your life? However you did it, and to those around you it looked effortless. Although there were nights when you struggled to keep back the tears after a long days work, you wouldn't change it for a second.
Somewhere along your journey as one of the "Boys in Blue" you had a heart wrenching moment that you will never forget. Was it the End of Watch call over the scanner, hearing that your brother or sister in blue has died? Was it telling a mother that her son will not be coming home tonight? Or is it a good moment, one you'll hold in your heart forever? Did you save a little girl from her abuser? Talk a hopeless man off of a ledge? You took a piece of the job home with you, no matter how much you may have wanted to leave it at the end of your shift.
Once you stepped foot into the career of a police officer, your life completely changed and you realized that your job is never really over. You worry more about your children leaving the house because you've seen first hand horrible abduction cases. You call your wife if she's running a few minutes late, because you know she doesn't always watch her surroundings like she should. You sit facing the door just in case all hell breaks lose, you'll be the first to respond. Being an officer has taken over your life and the lives of those you love, but somehow you made it out.
I thank you everyday for taking on a career that many hate you for, but most of all I'm glad you're not out there. I'm glad you made it home. I'm glad your End of Watch led to you going home to your family.
- The Daughter of a Former Officer
