Last year for the Arcadia News-Leader, I wrote a column expressing my sincere appreciation for law enforcement officials during National Police Week; while I don't particularly like to rehash topics I've already discussed, but seeing as how 66 officers across the country have died in the line of duty already this year, I think I'll make an exception. This year, May 15-21 is Law Enforcement Appreciation Week and, while everyone who has ever been ticketed or arrested already has a preconceived notion about law enforcement officers, I think it's important that we acknowledge their bravery, courage and dedication for upholding the laws of the land.
In Wisconsin, speeding in a 65 mph zone can garner you a $300 ticket. While that may break some people's bank, I'd say it's much cheaper than the alternative of getting in a car accident; vehicle insurance costs would skyrocket, buying a new car or fixing one up isn't cheap and if you need medical attention, believe me, that's nowhere near free. In the grand scheme of things, police officers are doing speeders a favor by handing out tickets. But, I digress. Police officers do so much more than hand out tickets. The most important of their duties is protecting citizens like you and me. In Arcadia, officers are out on Main Street every school day to ensure that children are able to cross the busy thoroughfare safely and I applaud them for that.
On March 20, the Fond du Lac police department lost one of its officers when he was responding to a home to investigate a sexual assault complaint. What some would consider a routine call turned deadly when the suspect went berserk and started firing his gun, thus proving that no call can ever really be called routine. The truth is, officers never know who they will be coming in contact with during their shift and whether or not they those individuals will be armed. Just last month in Tomah, officers performed a traffic stop, which eventually turned deadly when the driver exited his vehicle and opened fire. One officer was shot in the foot and was lucky to only lose his toe in the process.
Armed only with a gun, taser and shielded by a Kevlar vest, these officers put their lives on the line every time they sign on to begin their shifts. These brave men and women are far from immortal and I think, a lot of the time, their presence is taken for granted, especially since the inception of cell phones. People call the police for every little problem or scuffle they encounter. My dad, who served as a law enforcement officer in Chippewa County for 31 years, recently retired; I consider myself extremely lucky that I've never had to go through the pain or agony that the families of so many fallen officers have. Of all the stories he's told me over the years about his on-the-job encounters, I remember only one that ended with him receiving a thank you for performing his duties.
As such, I think, with the Hometown Heroes event this Thursday, as well as National Police Week next week, now would be a good time to show our appreciation for law enforcement officers and commend them for their efforts to keep our streets, neighborhoods and communities safe.
Jennie Oemig
Staff Writer
Trempealeau County Times
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