On Sunday, I went for a run along a familiar route. I was by myself like I am most of the time. For some reason, this time when I started, I was anxious. Even though I was in a safe area, I felt uneasy, I felt alone, I felt unsafe. That is until a NYS Trooper passed me and suddenly I felt no worries.

As the NYS Trooper passed me I couldn't help but think about the fallen trooper, Trooper Pratt, who died tragically while helping someone only just a few days before. I looked up at the cloud in the sky and felt the need to thank him right then and there. Then something truly amazing happened. Some may call it a coincidence, but for me, I believe he was right there with me, doing what he did best, keeping us safe. For every next mile I ran, a law enforcement vehicle drove by me, which is unusual for the area I was running in. First it was a police officer, then a sheriff, then another NYS Trooper, and so on.

By the time the fourth passed, I started to think. Coincidence or not, five members of the law enforcement within an hour made me feel safe just by simply driving by and doing their job. That's five people who put on their uniform that day knowing they may not return home.

Dear Trooper Pratt,

I didn't know you. I honestly don't know anything about you other than that you were a NYS Trooper. You left your house every day knowing that you were risking your life to save ours. You died helping someone who needed it. You died doing your job. Even though I didn't know you - I want to thank you.

Thank you for being so fearless to protect those of us who are afraid. Thank you for giving up holidays so we can safely celebrate. Thank you for giving up time with your family so we could spend time with ours. Thank you for giving up a good nights rest so we can sleep soundly knowing our streets are protected. Thank you for issuing speeding tickets to keep the other drivers safe. Thank you for putting your uniform on each day knowing there's always a chance you wouldn't return home. Thank you for being brave in scary situations to keep us safe. Thank you for your service.

The above letter applies to everyone who formally served and is currently serving in the law enforcement. Your sacrifices don't go unnoticed. Thank you!