January 9 is Law Enforcement Appreciation Day. I have always appreciated law enforcement. Just like our military, they risk their own lives to protect their fellow citizens. Often instead of appreciation, they receive scorn and insults from many.
However, my respect for law enforcement officers grew after my husband became a deputy constable. Although most of his time in law enforcement was volunteer work, he achieved the highest level of certification for peace officers in the State of Texas, Master Peace Officer. His experiences showed me more about the work and the fine men and women who do it, and I realized how dedicated most peace officers are to protecting and serving. I also saw how often officers for far more than is required of them to help people.
We hear about the occasional police officer who uses poor judgment or who actually does wrong, but we don’t often hear about the vast majority of officers who do far more to protect and serve than most of us ever realize. From comforting an accident victim to sharing a meal with a homeless man to helping an elderly couple walk home safely, law enforcement personnel perform acts of kindness in addition to facing danger and making personal sacrifices on a daily basis.
Today, on Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, I say “thank you” to the people who risk their lives every day to keep us safe and to bring criminals to justice.
O LORD God of Hosts, stretch forth, we pray thee, thine almighty arm to strengthen and protect the law enforcement officers of our country. Keep them safe from all evil; endue them with courage, wisdom, patience, and loyalty; and grant that in all things they may serve without reproach; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
adapted from the 1928 Book of Common Prayer, prayer for the Army
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