A Salute to Our Officers

Last night at the Township meeting, the oaths of office were administered to Sgt. Zeck, Cpl. Eric Carricarte, Class II Special Officer Ryan Spencer and a special congratulation was given to Anthony Trivelli for his promotion to Detective. There was standing room only left in the room packed with loving, supportive family members, friends and colleagues.

Seeing all of the men in their uniforms, hearing them take their oaths and watching their proud wives and adorable children,reminded me of a time, many years ago, when I was a police wife.

The average citizen has no idea how stressful it is to be a policeman and the toll it takes on their family. I found an article by Paul Harvey that I'd like to share.

"A policeman is a composite of what all men are,mingling of a saint and sinner,dust and deity.

Gulled statistics wave the fan over the stinkers,underscore instances of dishonesty and brutality because they are "new". What they really mean is that they are exceptional, unusual, not commonplace.

Buried under the frost is the fact: Less than one-half of one percent of policemen misfit the uniform. That's a better average than you'd find among clergy!

What is a policeman made of? He,of all men, is once the most needed and the most unwanted. He's a strangely nameless creature who is "sir" to his face and "fuzz" to his back.

He must be such a diplomat that he can settle differences between individuals so that each think that he won.

But...if the policeman is neat, he's conceited; if he's careless, he's a bum. If he's pleasant, he's flirting; if not, he's a grouch.

He must make an instant decision which would require months for a lawyer to make.

But...if he hurries,he's careless; if he's deliberate, he's lazy. He must be the first to an accident and infallible with his diagnosis. He must be able to start breathing, stop bleeding, tie splints and, above all, be sure the victim goes home without a limp. Or expect to be sued.

The police officer must know every gun, draw on the run, and hit where it doesn't hurt. He must be able to whip two men twice his size and half his age without damaging his uniform and without being "brutal". If you hit him, he's a coward. If he hits you, he's a bully.

A policeman must know everything-and not tell. He must know where all the sin is and not partake.

A policeman must, from a single strand of hair, be able to describe the crime, the weapon, and the criminal-and tell you where the criminal is hiding.

But... if he catches the criminal, he's lucky; if he doesn't, he's a dunce. If he gets promoted,he has political pull; if he doesn't, he's a dullard. The policeman must chase a bum lead to a dead-end, stake out ten nights to tag one witness who saw it happen-but refused to remember

The policeman must be a minister, social worker, a diplomat, a tough guy and a gentleman.

And, of course, he'd have to be a genius...For he will have to feed a family on a policeman's salary."
 
Paul Harvey

Please remember that our guys are out there facing danger everyday just to keep you and your family safe. When you see them, let them know how much you appreciate them.

JoAnn