Dear Children of Law Enforcement Officers,

I too am a child of a law enforcement officer and I am damn proud of it.

“My dad is a police officer”. The infamous statement that inspired the young kids who dressed the part on Halloween and frightened the boys who’ve dated me. Nevertheless, I had always been proud of my dad.

Although I am still an avid supporter, I do remember a time when we could discuss openly and assertively about what our mother/father did for a living? I remember one time in particular: having my dad speak to my second-grade class.

He stood heartily in his uniform as he addressed a classroom filled with the inquisitive, attentive minds of young children—a future generation—about his occupation. My father, my daddy, spoke to my second-grade class about what it is like to be a police officer. I remember fellow classmates exclaiming to me just how coolit was that my dad was a policeman. I remember kids saying that they wanted to be just like my dad when they grow up. More importantly, I remember the fervent smile on my dad’s face. Regardless of their age, my dad influenced roughly twenty-four broad-minded, thriving young children in just a short, yet memorable amount of time. Looking back on that day over a decade ago (crazy, right?), it comforted me knowing that other people have liberally conveyed the same admiration that I still express for my father.

Unfortunately, a group of blossoming children—those who will define the future of our country—can also be easily deceived. Although we all know young children are easily misled, I believe that people of all ages are susceptible to deception.

I am sure that you’ve heard several ignorant, fabricated remarks that attempt to stigmatize police departments all over this country. Please understand that these are the type of narrow-minded individuals that only subject themselves to the negativity. Generalizing the entire majority based on the actions of a minor, minuscule number of people is, as we know in any situation, biased.

You know your parent’s devotion would attest to the ignorance of these general accusations. I, in particular, know my father is not what his stereotypes may define him as—my father is a heroic officer haunted by traumatic loss, devastation, and the horrors that he witnessed on the force. My father is the dad that worked nights and in the mornings still spent time with my brother and I with little to no sleep. My father is the loyal family-man that may have missed a few birthdays and holidays here and there, but continuously provided and devoted himself to his loved ones. My father is the husband that gave his wife a few scares— it’s a part of the job description unfortunately.

My father is my hero.

Just like I would tell a young school kid who continues to get bullied verbally, do not let the ignorance and misconceptions discourage you. Continue to love, respect, and honor your parents and all the brave men and women in uniform. And for those who do not have parents in law enforcement, remember to think of us.