For longer than Katie has even been alive, her father has been a dedicated officer for the Shreveport Police Department. Her grandfather is a retired police officer, so protection and safety do not fall short of significant in her family.
“Growing up, I always felt as if my Dad was somewhat of a hero. He has always made me feel safe. As I got older and the world became bigger to me, I realized my father takes a huge risk every day and night.”
For 18 years, Katie has watched her father put on his uniform every day and head out into the unknown. His family has had to endure his absence on many occasions. They have had many unfinished family dinners, holidays and limited vacations.
Though Officer Mutter has missed the beloved experiences that all family members want with their loved ones, something we all know he has experienced is danger. I’m not just talking about rescuing civilians from fearful situations or going on a car chase. Officer Mutter has been imperiled himself. One night at a local gas station, a suspicious male who was also present threatened his life and the safety of his home. Coincidentally that night at the Mutter household, his son’s car was broken into and signs of attempt to pry inside his city police vehicle were evident.
“It’s things like this that make me fear never getting to see my father again.”
As someone who has no relations to a police officer, I cannot fathom dealing with a situation such as this one. But because of Katie’s position as a child of a cop in the world today that has so rapidly gone awry, she has remained strong and never given up hope in her father’s character.
“My respect for my father has grown larger. He still continues to wear his badge proudly day in and day out with full intentions of protecting civilians, and only protecting them. These situations make me respect him more and more every single time he puts on that uniform and goes into the streets to fight violence and crime.”
Katie’s father is half white and half Japanese. Although he has never misrepresented his badge, she feels as if he is now a target to the “anti-law enforcement” groups that have been formed.
“With all of the chaos going on now, I’m even more terrified.”
Katie’s mother is African-American and has suffered the same fear as her daughter since the start of the war on police.
“Many look down upon her for not only marrying a ‘white man,’ but now she is considered wrong for standing up for her husband because he is not only a white male but a white officer.”
The negative aspects that Katie’s family and other families of police officers have dealt with are just as similar as those who have been hurt by the small number of policemen who are undeserving of their badge. Officer Mutter, along with the larger percentage of decent policemen, serve many responsibilities trying to protect their own, themselves, and the people around us who still rely on them. It is not fair to generalize every cop that serves our towns and our country with the intention to harm civilians.
“If I could say anything to the ‘anti-law enforcement’ groups, I would tell them that my father chose this occupation and I didn’t have a say in it. I wish that violence would not be fought with violence and I also hope and pray that all of you become open minded and understand you are not the only ones suffering. You are not the only ones losing family members and friends. These officers have feelings just like you do. My father risks his life by choice to keep us as safe as he possibly can. Don’t change your minds about officers when you’re the ones in need.”
You are not alone, Katie. You have so many people standing behind you and your family.
