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OUR VIEW:

In 1962, Pres. John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation designating May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week in which the date falls as Police Week. The week is celebrated in local communities throughout the country.

Unfortunately, the annual celebration in Washington, D.C. was canceled due to the current health pandemic, but that does not mean the celebration of what the men and women of law enforcement do should not take place locally. This week is also a time to remember those officers that paid the ultimate sacrifice, and as a community, we should take a moment and remember those that have lost their lives protecting and serving the communities where we live and work.

As National Police Week reaches the midway point, the men and women who keep LaFayette, Lanett, Valley, West Point, Chambers County and Troup County safe should be acknowledged for their bravery and sacrifices.

During this COVID-19 health crisis, law enforcement still has a job to do and much of that job is to interact with the community. These interactions are sometimes contentious and the threat of virus exposure makes things them even more worrisome. Through it all, they have not wavered.

As we pause and remember all that these brave men and women do for us, we also need to ask ourselves what we can do for them.

Law enforcement is not only a dangerous job but can often be thankless. Our officers are underpaid, they’re understaffed, they work under constant threat, yet they risk their lives for us anyway.

As we move through the remainder of the week, do not forget to stop a police officer and say the two simple words that they do not hear enough — Thank You.

Thank them for protecting us. Make them feel welcome in our neighborhoods. Find small ways to let them know how much they are appreciated.

And never forget those who sacrificed everything to make our home a little safer.