This morning I woke up to some shocking news, a Folcroft police officer had been shot when responding to a call. A name of the officer had yet to be released, but the news was describing the officer as a "26-year-old male who had been on the force for about a year." Panic struck me when I realized this description fit one of my good friend's boyfriend. I texted her, and thankfully it wasn't her boyfriend, but still, no officer deserves to be shot considering everything they do for the community. It could have easily been my friend's boyfriend or her, since she is a cop herself and that is a scary thought. It heavies my heart to think that there are probably people out there celebrating the fact this cop was shot, rather than mourning with his friends and family.

The media has lately been given cops a bad name, acknowledging way more of the bad that goes on within the profession rather than all of the good that they do for society. I think of the people I know who are cops and who are going to school to be cops, and their intentions are pure. They want nothing more than to make the world a safe place. Yes, there is corruption and misconduct, but that exists in any profession. Not all cops are bad guys and more people need to remember that. Don't get mad if they pull you over for going over the speed limit, texting and driving, or not wearing your seat belt. It is their job, and God forbid you or someone else got hurt because you weren't following the law. Here are a couple of reasons to stop your local law enforcement officer and thank them every day.

1. They are brave.

Being a police officer means you are working in one of the top 20 most dangerous professions in America. Police officers know they are dealing with dangerous criminals. They know the dangers and there may be people out there who want to hurt them, but they still show up to work every day. Even in a low-crime rate jurisdiction, there is still risk involved. Time Magazine 2016

2. They make lawbreakers think twice.

Knowing the possibility of being caught, criminals think twice about committing crimes. Have you ever thought about stealing something or being peer-pressured to do something and then thought twice because you didn't want to get in trouble with the cops? This happens every day and the presence of police officers keeps the streets a safer place.

3. They serve you and the community.

Police officers work to ensure that the community is a safe place for its residents. They put their lives at risk to stop someone from committing a crime that you may have been the victim of. If you see something suspicious or a crime was committed against you, who do you turn to? The police officers. They deserve your gratitude.

4. They have a family too.

Police officers family worry about them every day and pray for their safety. Remember that cops are people with lives outside of their profession and a family that cares about them deeply. Some jurisdictions (such as Chester) require the officer to live in that town. The officers may be putting themselves and their family at risk living in a more dangerous environment, so they can work to better the community.

5. They see things not everyone can stomach.

Cops have to deal with drug lords, rapists, dead bodies and the most dangerous criminals so you don't have to. Imagine showing up to a house and seeing a man hitting his wife or abusing his child? Not everyone would be capable of controlling themselves or moving on with their life afterwards. It's not always easy for them; they deal with the dirty work so you don't have to.

Police officers are a blessing to the community. Without them, the world may be a scary place. Stop focusing on the negative that one bad cop the media presents and remember the overall good they provide. They do it for you and whether you see it or not, you, your friends and your family live in a safer environment.

My prayers go out to the Folcroft cop who was shot and every other cop who was injured in the line of duty and their family. Thank you and blue lives matter.