Many of us go through our daily lives without reflection. In my job I am by myself most of the time driving around, patrolling the streets of Louisville. I have time to think about a great many things. Sometimes when I am driving I will break into a great big grin and if anyone is driving past they are probably wondering what that Policeman is smiling about. Let me tell you.
I live in a wonderful City. Sure it has its problems like many other places, but for the most part the people of our home town are polite and kind to one another. Despite politicians trying to promote us as the 16th largest city on the nation, we are still small town at heart. I don't want to be big city if it means having the callous nature that is so readily displayed by the people living there. I enjoy running into people throughout the day and finding some connection no matter how small to that person. People from Louisville can go anywhere and run into friends. I am thankful for living and working in Louisville.
As a Police Officer oftentimes I have to see folks at their worst. I have to see people that have been victimized. I have to arrest someone that has done something wrong. Police Officers have to see some of the most horrible things you can imagine. We have to deal with these things quickly and professionally. We have to deal with it personally and then move on to something else. In every situation, some good can be found. I like being the person that can help folks put their lives back together. I like being the guy that can make a difference. I am thankful that I have been given the opportunity to be a Police Officer.
Many people look at us and cannot see past the car or the uniform. They see us as the SOB that gave them a ticket. They don't see us as the person that may have kept them from dying in a crash. I wish I had a dollar for every time I arrested a drunken driver who lashed out and said how I was ruining his life. I am thankful that I had the chance to save his life and maybe someone else's. Maybe one day he will realize this and be thankful also.
Being a police Officer is only one part of my life. People forget that we are human too. We have families and friends. We pay taxes and mortgages. We sit next to you in church. Our kids go to the same schools as your kids. We are members of this community also. I have a wonderful family; I have some very good friends and neighbors. I am thankful for them.
On Thanksgiving, when you sit down at the table to give thanks, remember me and my Brothers and Sisters who will be patrolling your neighborhood and keeping your family safe for we are thankful that we live in a place where we can do this for you.