Far too often, our first instinct after seeing a police officer is to let off the gas pedal and hope we aren’t inconvenienced by his or her attention.
We don’t look upon officers, whether they are highway patrolmen, sheriff’s deputies or city police, as we should, as helping hands placed in society to “protect and serve.”
No, we mistakenly perceive them as hindrances, obstacles and objects of restriction.
Police are not on the streets smirking at the thought of writing tickets or boasting about the power that comes with having a badge.
Their job is to make everyday life safer for the public they serve. It’s time we appreciate the difficult jobs they do, laying their lives on the line for us — protecting people they don’t even know, because it’s their job, their duty.
It’s who they are.
Police deserve better recognition and appreciation for what they do than having countless law enforcement shows on television try to re-create their jobs.
Deputy James Anderson, killed Friday when a traffic stop on Lee Road 240 in Smiths Station turned tragic, put his life on the line every day.
We salute the heroism Anderson showed through his career and offer a hearty thank you for the dedication he always showed toward his duty to protect the public.
Anderson was a family man, a brother to his colleagues and a friend to anyone who made contact with him.
He would have protected the man, Gregory Henderson of Columbus, Ga., charged in his death.
The hundreds in attendance — including an incredible number of law enforcement personnel — attending his funeral Tuesday at First Baptist Church in Opelika is a testament to the respect and admiration for Anderson, and shows the strength of brotherhood among law enforcement agencies throughout the area.
Police don’t like losing one of their own.
We salute the job Sheriff Jay Jones and his department does. The Lee County Sheriff’s Office serves as an example for other law enforcement agencies to follow when dealing with the public and the media.
The next time you see a police officer, deputy or state trooper tell him or her how much you appreciate the things they do for you every day.
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