Hero

For basically my whole life, my dad was a police officer. He was not just my hero, but the cities hero as well. When I was younger, I would tell my friends that my dad was a cop, and they would think that was the coolest thing in the world.

But as I got older I started to realize what his job really endured. He would have to work on Christmas night, or we would have to celebrate my birthday a couple days later because he had to be out on the streets instead of safe at home. My family and I had to give up a lot just for my dad's job. I only got to see my dad at night. Even if I were waiting on the couch for him to get home because I got in trouble, it was all worth it. I would rather have him yell at me for the rest of my life, than not have him in my life at all. If he didn’t say anything, than that meant he didn’t care.

My dad has been hurt A LOT while doing his job. He has hurt both of his Achilles, been in a car accident, and has even been shot at. When I hear that a police officer has died on the job, my heart skips a beat until I find out that it wasn’t my dad.

I’m a junior in college, and one amazing thing that my school offered for family members of police officers, was a scholarship. When I applied, I didn’t think I would get it. But when I found out I had received the scholarship, my dad was so excited. He saw that with his dangerous job something great can come out of it.

My uncle is a police officer as well. So I have two people to worry about every day, instead of just one. Police Officers are brothers. I have got to know my dad's partners like they are my family too. I even call them my uncles, because of that bond a policeman has his fellow officers and their families.

For Father’s Day this year, my sister and I got him this gift that has a beautiful saying about a child who's dad is a police officer. “My Daddy is a policeman who works hard night and day ‘Lord, please bring him home to me.’ I ask this every time I pray. As a policeman he protects and serves. He is hardly ever given the respect he deserves and he is put into situations every day where he faces with unknown dangers to protect the lives of complete strangers. My Daddy is all the world to me. To have a life without him simply cannot be. I kiss my Daddy goodbye and wish him the best, as I see the shiny bright badge he proudly wears on his chest. Tonight again I will pray, Lord, please bring my Daddy home to me at the end of this long day.” When he read the gift, he started to cry, and in that moment he finally realized how proud we are of him and that he will forever be our hero.