The thin blue line.
A lot of men and women walk along it. They back it up.
They protect that line with every fiber of their beings. It is not only their job, but it is their life.
Let me tell you that I love the individuals who walk this line. I love these people specifically for their dedication, bravery, and passion to protect and serve their communities.
I easily look up to them, and I am always on their side.
As a police officer's daughter, I stand with the blue because they stand with me.
I give props to police officers for many reasons. But the most important reason is that I have so much respect for them.
The respect piles up as each day goes by. These officers wake up at five in the morning almost every day, putting on that uniform. They know what they're doing. They know they put their lives on the line for you and me.
I'm not being selfish, but I know I wouldn't be able to do that. And for that, I thank them.
I thank them from the bottom of my heart. They have one of the toughest jobs ever, and I really appreciate them for everything they do for me and for everybody else.
That's why it's so hard to understand why they're hated on. So, they're hated on for doing their job?
Police officers do not look for targets of a different race, ethnicity, gender, etc. Instead, they go towards ANY person who is simply doing something wrong and illegal, while protecting themselves and everybody else from potential harm.
I've read countless articles and social media posts negatively targeting police officers because they're "racist". What a joke. I can easily tell you that couldn't be farther from the truth.
There are bad people out there, yes. A police officer's job is to make sure the bad guys do not hurt anybody else. It's for the greater good.
Other than respect, I have had a history with law enforcement. It all started in the family.
I'm so happy to be around the police constantly. I know a lot of officers and I know they have the heart and passion to absolutely do anything to help someone in danger.
They are good people. Trust in them.
But I have the most trust in one specific man who has been in law enforcement for 25 years. That man is my dad.
It all started with him. He has been my hero ever since I was born. I have other family members and friends who work with the police, but my dad is my favorite.
Although my dad's occupation was being a police officer, he made sure my siblings and I were taken care of first. He knew he was a father first before anything else. I will always admire him for that.
I know there are a lot of fathers out there who have busy jobs, spending their days at a desk and their nights on a phone, playing with numbers and making important business calls. But I'm thankful my dad isn't one of those guys.
He doesn't forget about his family. He has not missed one single birthday party. He would help me with my homework before his night shift. He would teach me how to change a tire in the midst of his crazy summer schedule.
Don't get angry at the officer when you're pulled over for speeding. They're just doing their job and making sure your speeding doesn't turn into anything worse.
Don't get pissed when the law comes to your house after a noise complaint from a neighbor; you know you're in the wrong.
Don't call these people extremely inappropriate names. These harsh words break my heart, and I know none of it is true. Instead, be grateful they're protecting you and serving your community. You do not know, and you will never know their stories.
Also, be aware of who is around you. You never know who can be insulted when you call the police "pigs" or "trash".
Please, taste your words before you spit them out.
To conclude from all of this, I will never let the thin blue line down. Every single officer is special, and they do so much for us. You seriously have no idea.
The most important officer, in my eyes, is my own flesh and blood: my daddy. That will never change. His passion and tough work are extremely noticeable. He gets his paperwork done. He's actually the nicest guy... before you judge by the uniform.
Again, I stand with the blue because they stand with me.
To all law enforcement: thank you for your incredible service. Your hard work and dedication do not go unnoticed. God Bless.