Seriously, "Thanks" to the Coppers Here . . .

[Mike]

Some of you might know that my son's in the Army's Military Police at Fort Bragg, NC. Yesterday, he was duty officer and among the first to respond to a "well-being check." Not a pretty situation . . . the father had hanged himself (whereabouts of the mother unknown) and there were three little ones, ranging from about six months up to four years old, who had been with their dad's body for at least 12 hours. The kids had to be taken to the hospital . . . they were suffering from smoke inhalation after the four-year-old tried to cook something for them in the microwave.

 

This isn't about me, but it brought back a lot of unhappy memories about the first suicide to which I responded. I told my son I was sorry he had to deal with it, to which he replied "Better me than some others." In a way, I agree; you hate for your kid to have to deal with this sort of tragedy, but I can't think of anyone more emotionally and professionally capable than Alex.

 

For those who haven't been in the shoes, this is among the many things police officers have to deal with that most of us don't have to . . . tragedy, loss, incredibly sad situations . . . mixed in with a pervasive level of danger and outright animosity from a large percentage of those with whom they come in contact.

 

We rightfully expect cops to play by the rules and excoriate them when they don't, but it might occasionally be worthwhile to let them know you appreciate what they do. It can be more difficult than most can imagine.

[casticus]

Thanks Mike, some days it seems like it is eating your soul....

[Danny caddyshack Noonan]

They're all there in your head. Odd how they come back in groups.

[KDeline]

I'm staying out of this one.

[DaveTheAffable]

For those who haven't been in the shoes, this is among the many things police officers have to deal with that most of us don't have to . . . tragedy, loss, incredibly sad situations . . . mixed in with a pervasive level of danger and outright animosity from a large percentage of those with whom they come in contact.

 

We rightfully expect cops to play by the rules and excoriate them when they don't, but it might occasionally be worthwhile to let them know you appreciate what they do. It can be more difficult than most can imagine.

 

Well said Mike. They should play by the rules. Most do, some don't.

 

And yet... when an officer shares their grief about something they experience in the work place, we live in a society that is filled with those who would say, "Suck it up. If you don't want the problems, if you can't take the pressures, you shouldn't have taken the job." They believe they are so wise, so insightful.

 

The sad thing is, if one of those people shares their grief over a problem with their motorcycle here, and one of us says, "Get over it. Suck it up. If you didn't want problems with a motorcycle you shouldn't have bought one", then WE are thought of as rude and nasty. Go figure.

[MarkyP]

Well said Mike.

[dba]

They're all there in your head. Odd how they come back in groups.

 

True that! Also odd what will trigger memory response that brings them all to the present for no apparent reason.

[Ken H.]

I certainly agree that it is a tough job, one I couldn’t do in a million years, and I’m sure the majority of LEOs are doing their level best. My hat’s off to them.

 

Where I get in a dander though is when clearly bad behavior by LEOs, and it does happen, is defended to the Nth degree with a, ‘cops can do no wrong because they are cops’ mindset. And we’ve certainly seen that here from time to time. Bottom line for me – accolades when it’s deserved, condemnation when it’s deserved.

 

[Agent_Orange]

Let us not forget firefighters who respond. Just sayin'.

[Mike]

Let us not forget firefighters who respond. Just sayin'.

 

They don't need any thanks...they get all the chicks.

[MarkyP]

+1

 

[Medic Mike]

Mike:

Well said on both accounts. The Firefighters have the cute and cuddly appeal. I remember all of my suicides I have ran on. Some worse than others. Thats another discussion for another time and place. EMS and Police seem to have that, forget they exist until we need them public persona.

I hope your son is able to handle this. Without sounding crude, or uncaring, but I could really cares less if someone else takes thier life. It is when they do it in front, or involves others that grinds me. It is not enough that they lost a loved one, it is another to have that memory burned into thier head for life.

[Ohio48]

Mike:

Well said on both accounts. The Firefighters have the cute and cuddly appeal. I remember all of my suicides I have ran on. Some worse than others. Thats another discussion for another time and place. EMS and Police seem to have that, forget they exist until we need them public persona.

I hope your son is able to handle this. Without sounding crude, or uncaring, but I could really cares less if someone else takes thier life. It is when they do it in front, or involves others that grinds me. It is not enough that they lost a loved one, it is another to have that memory burned into thier head for life.

 

My cousin committed suicide in my backyard when I was at work. I come home at lunch to let the dog out and grab something to eat like I would normally do. That Friday was no different. Found him in the by my picnic table. I took one look and ran to the door to call 911. The police officers that came were top notch all the way. Had to deal with me, and pretty much cleaning up the aftermath. I’ll never forget that day, or those who came and helped out.

I to hope your son will be Okay after that ordeal he had to go thru.