Those who serve and protect us deserve our gratitude | Opinion

For the past five years, and every third Saturday in September, National Thank a Police Officer Day has taken place. Around the country, citizens express their gratitude by recognizing our brave law enforcement officers in a myriad of ways. This year's observation, which was on Sept. 17, happened to be on the 235th anniversary of the ratification of the U.S. Constitution, a date that every American should recognize as the hallmark of freedom and democracy. While we live in tenuous times, with law enforcement coming under attack on an almost daily basis by those who violate the rule of law, there is no better time than today to stand up for those who serve and protect.

There have been horrific examples of police brutality or negligence, among them the killings of George Floyd and Rodney King, and we the people are justifiably outraged. Our hearts break for those who have been murdered or mishandled by errant police officers, and we hope that justice prevails.

Unfortunately, what many Americans do not see on a daily basis are those law enforcement professionals who are the good guys − the men and women in blue who get up every morning and run toward danger, not away from it.

As the co-authors along with Sam Royer of a new book, "Called to Serve: The Inspiring, Untold Stories of America’s First Responders," which profiles 16 police officers, firefighters and EMS professionals, we have learned the deep emotional connections police officers have with the communities they serve. They are troubled by the vitriol and violence they experience on a daily basis. Not just from the criminals they apprehend, but from those Americans who are influenced by misinformation and choose to act out their anger with violence.

As Sheriff Matt Crisafulli of the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office reveals in the book, “There is nothing that a good police officer hates more than a bad police officer.” Crisafulli works every day to make sure his deputies are trained to treat every citizen, even those they arrest, with respect. Police brutality has no place on his watch.

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For many police officers, the most important part of their jobs is making sure the communities they serve are safe and that residents know they can count on them for support during the most turbulent times in their lives. Donnell Crayton, who works for the Minneapolis Police Department and is a canine officer, knows that firsthand. He and his canine partner, Jett, have been involved in numerous crime scenes. And he is often the first on the scene to deal with the families who frantically arrive after learning their loved one was murdered. Crayton puts his arms around a grieving mother or just lets a family member cry on his shoulder; he understands how he behaves in moments of crisis can help provide comfort in the most tragic of situations.

Allentown, Pennsylvania, police officer Evan Weaver has seen his share of crime since he was a young child. Growing up in a neighborhood rampant with drugs, gang shootings and violence, he was determined to stay there and change that paradigm. Every day he puts on his uniform not knowing if he will return home, but he is determined to transform his neighborhood for his family and every Allentown resident. He is troubled, not because of his own fear of death, but by his children’s anxiousness about him staying safe and coming home alive.

So here is what you can do to thank a police officer. Send a personal letter of thanks to your local police department or sheriff’s office. Or how about baking cookies, delivering pizzas or other food items, or sending gift baskets? Better yet, make a visit and thank them in person. There are endless possibilities; all are appreciated.

As we recognize the men and women of law enforcement, let us remember that we the people stand with our police officers. We appreciate the very real risks they endure to protect us and keep us safe. They have earned our respect today and every day.

Mike Hardwick is founder and CEO of Churchill Mortgage Corporation. Dava Guerin is the author or co-author of nine books primarily about wounded warriors, their caregivers and veterans.

This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Those who serve and protect us deserve our gratitude