Bill Barkman: Officers I know are worthy of our respect, support
Police officers I know care about the jobs they do, the families they love, the communities they serve and the conduct of their colleagues.
The officers I know are only human, admit mistakes, take responsibility and feel shame when a colleague fails.
The officers I know use only the level of force necessary to remedy the situation in which they find themselves. If words are the only weapon necessary, only words are used.
The officers I know are cursed at, spat at and maligned, struck and shot at; yet strive to believe that most people are good.
The officers I know work long hours, sacrifice family time, risk life and limb daily, and wear out their bodies by the time they are 50 – all for a gold badge and a pension people criticize.
The officers I know save people’s lives or prevent life-threatening situations. They help a person stranded along the road and face criminals with better weapons than they are issued.
The officers I know do not judge people by the color of their skin, but by the conduct of their character.
The officers I know deserve respect, support, our protection if needed and our praise.
Bill Barkman, Atwater
This story was originally published September 4, 2015 at 9:21 AM with the headline "Bill Barkman: Officers I know are worthy of our respect, support."