[EDITORIAL] Police officers give their all for all of us

SYLACAUGA, Ala. – Being a police officer is not for the faint of heart. Working as a police officer can be satisfying, rewarding, saddening, lonely and fulfilling all in the same shift. Each shift presents a slate of new challenges.

In the world which we live today, some people label police officers as the ‘bad guys’. In reality, they are there to serve and protect their community. Many cities around the nation are hurting for law enforcement. It has become extremely difficult to recruit people who want to step up to the challenge and become a police officer these days.

While police officers are vital members of their community, I decided to see what their life on the job looked like.

It is the early mornings and long nights.

It is kissing their loved ones before stepping outside into another day on the job.

It is the willingness to respond to a dangerous situation without hesitation.

It is the routine traffic stops and pointing out potential safety hazards.

It is responding to serious accidents and even sometimes notifying next to kin.

It is interacting and forming relationships with those in your community.

It is speaking to large numbers of school children about public safety.

But most importantly, it is their oath to serve and protect their community.

Law enforcement officers work for a cause, not an applause. It is a tough job that very rarely receives appreciation. Cops choose to be cops for one reason only: they want to help people.

Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgement that something else is more important than fear. On a daily basis, officers put their fear aside to ensure the safety of the communities they serve.

Remember, when trouble comes, you will call on a cop, not a criminal.

SylacaugaNews.com reporter Hannah Hammonds rode along with Sylacauga Police Department during a recent 12-hour day shift. She outlines her experience and perspective in this special SylacaugaNews.com Editorial.