My Guys

Each morning, when I walk out the door and head to work, I wear a badge identifying me as a teacher at a local community college. Each morning, when law enforcement officers walk out the door and head to work, they wear a badge, but they also strap on weapons, handcuffs and other items needed in their line of work.

---

Each morning, when firemen walk out the door and head to work, they know that — at a moment’s notice, night or day — they may have to strap on heavy loads of gear and fight flames that could be extremely dangerous to bring under control. These brave men and women never take those they serve for granted; they are committed to protecting the lives of fellow citizens, even if it means putting their own lives on the line to do so. I never take them for granted. Every time I pass patrol cars, I wave … just a small way to say, “Thank you so much; y’all are my guys.” Most of the time, they don’t wave back, and I don’t mind at all; I know they’re focusing on doing one of the most important jobs in any community to the best of their abilities. More often than not, their stories go untold; their courageous service and devotion to duty are not honored nearly enough; they are never thanked enough, nor paid enough, for the good they do. No doubt, their jobs, like most others, include tasks that are sheer drudgery. For me, maintaining a sense of duty would be wearying if I had to mediate domestic disturbances over and over again; I’d hate to deal with one drunk after another on special weekends when events such as football games draw huge crowds, and excessive alcohol consumption is certain. Drudgery or not, my guys continuously do their duty. Most citizens probably have little or no knowledge of how often my guys are called out to resolve every conceivable kind of problem — some as trivial as getting a cat out of a tree. But, time and time again they do what they have to do — with dignity, patience, and professionalism. My guys constantly monitor threats to the community’s peace and wellbeing, and often face situations knowing that they may be seriously injured, or even killed, and that they may never see their loved ones again. For instance, they keep a keen eye out for drug offenders, and when the moment is right, they take action, often bringing an end to lucrative drug ring enterprises. The worthless scumbags they arrest could face long stretches in the penitentiary — good riddance! Imagine how much courage a law enforcement officer must have to face one or more drug-crazed freaks who are most likely armed! Because these men and women in uniform devote their lives to protecting others, they are America’s true heroes. For the hard, dangerous work they do, they deserve to be honored, supported and loved. With all my heart, I say, “Thanks, my guys.”