LEOs

 07.24.2022

I'm a Leo. It's my zodiac sign. Sometimes I read my horoscope, just checking it to randomly see if it's accurate. Most days, in a scary way, it is.

LEO is also an acronym for Law Enforcement Officer, as most folks know. I've been fortunate in my career to have known many officers, detectives, crime scene  investigators, chiefs, sheriffs, deputies, jail staff, wardens, corrections officers, etc... The vast majority of these women and men were dedicated, unflappable, praise worthy individuals. Hard working, law driven, and community focused. I have never seen folks work so hard for so little money, or no recognition. And so few give a damn about the recognition part. Plus, their pay is a job well done, as they sacrifice so much to try to make a difference.

I've seen some LEOs get worn down, or bitter, or just plain tired. Frustrated with recidivists, same folks & same calls, domestics that get out of hand, sexual assault victims, mental health sufferers, robberies, homicides, drunk & disorderlies, public assholery, homeless issues, drug addicts, drug dealers, overdoses, loitering, bad checks, ICE issues...and this hardly scratches the surface.

With all of the different subjects to be dealt with, constant training is involved. Can you imagine? CPR, first aid, tactical emergencies, firearm certification, EVOC (EMERGENCY VEHICLE OPERATOR CERTIFICATION) for reasonable response times, and no telling what else.

After traumas like the George Floyd case, so many folks wigged out. Understandably so. But society should NOT let the lesser controllable cops ruin the name or image of all cops. To  call for getting rid of law enforcement? I mean, after a while, the goal somewhat transitioned to Police Reform, but totally dissolved? Wow. These folks are friends, saviors, parents, committee members, and Law Enforcement Officers deserve our respect. They are also mothers, fathers, wives, husbands, aunt, uncles, daughters, sons, and lots more. They perform (often thankless) jobs, pull double shifts, work after hours security, patrol our neighborhoods, but mainly, and please note: Protect and Serve.

 They are sometimes transferred to different shifts, different details, or different home base locations at a moment's notice. In a university town like ours, at-home football games typically require 'all hands on deck'. So birthdays, weekend getaways, anniversary celebrations, holidays, must be scheduled around Game Day in Athens.

So next time you see or have an opportunity to interact with these incredible public servants, and without identifying their jobs, just give them a smile & thank you. They'll know what it's for. It may be the first they've ever received. If you've ever had a negative interaction with a LEO, think about your own role you might have played. 

A salute and big thank you for your selfless contributions, LEOs. Retired, current, or past contributors. Thank you. 🫂

I thank you for stopping in.