Behind The Badge | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

Behind The Badge

From the daughter of a police officer.

17
Behind The Badge
Twitter

I was eight years old the day my Dad became a police officer. I can vividly remember him glowing with pride as he walked across the stage to shake the hands of his new colleagues. Being only eight, I didn't understand the danger or great responsibly of his new profession. In the moment, alongside the rest of my family, we all lolled in the honor of watching him achieve the career he had always dreamed of. We didn't realize then that my along with my Dads dream came blood, sweat, tears and an excess of sleepless nights.

Merriam Webster defines a police officer as, "a person who's job is to enforce laws, investigate crimes and make arrests."

What this definition is missing is the hardship behind every badge and heartache in each officers heart each time a black band must be placed over the badge they work so hard to protect.

Growing up as the daughter and niece of many police officers, I was constantly reminded to respect their authority and call on them if I ever needed help. For the past year I've watched news story after news story sweep the nation featuring police officers being murdered simply for doing their job. The decline in respect citizens have for police officers, and each other in general has only added to the downward spiral of the todays society.

Something we all must remember is police officers do not write laws they simply enforce them.

I cannot speak for every cop but I can speak on the behalf of those I know personally. These men and women in uniform volunteer to protect us because they want to help and serve. But this volunteered protection does not come without a cost.

My Dad would return home after long shifts, completely exhausted, sunburned and dehydrated only to fall into bed for a few short hours before rising to do it all over again. In my entire life I saw my father cry one time. And the tears came after having to report to a mother that her teen son had been slain in a drunk driving accident.

But, even after all the missed birthdays, holiday parties left early, and fifteen hour shifts, my Dad loved being a police officer more than anything in the world.

These men and women commit their lives to keeping us safe, in return it is our job to give them the respect they have earned.

With so much violence and hate filling the world we all must try and remember that we are human before we are anything else. Behind every badge is a husband, a wife, a daughter, a son, mother, father and a life outside the force.

Dedicated to all those brave enough to wear a badge,we cannot thank you enough for your service.

"Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that"- MLK Jr.

Stay golden, Kayla

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Zodiac wheel with signs and symbols surrounding a central sun against a starry sky.

What's your sign? It's one of the first questions some of us are asked when approached by someone in a bar, at a party or even when having lunch with some of our friends. Astrology, for centuries, has been one of the largest phenomenons out there. There's a reason why many magazines and newspapers have a horoscope page, and there's also a reason why almost every bookstore or library has a section dedicated completely to astrology. Many of us could just be curious about why some of us act differently than others and whom we will get along with best, and others may just want to see if their sign does, in fact, match their personality.

Keep Reading...Show less
Person in front of neon musical instruments; glowing red and white lights.
Photo by Spencer Imbrock on Unsplash

Whenever I post a picture to Instagram, it takes me so long to come up with a caption. I want to be funny, clever, cute and direct all at the same time. It can be frustrating! So I just look for some online. I really like to find a song lyric that goes with my picture, I just feel like it gives the picture a certain vibe.

Here's a list of song lyrics that can go with any picture you want to post!

Keep Reading...Show less
Chalk drawing of scales weighing "good" and "bad" on a blackboard.
WP content

Being a good person does not depend on your religion or status in life, your race or skin color, political views or culture. It depends on how good you treat others.

We are all born to do something great. Whether that be to grow up and become a doctor and save the lives of thousands of people, run a marathon, win the Noble Peace Prize, or be the greatest mother or father for your own future children one day. Regardless, we are all born with a purpose. But in between birth and death lies a path that life paves for us; a path that we must fill with something that gives our lives meaning.

Keep Reading...Show less
Health and Wellness

10 Hygiene Tips For All College Athletes

College athletes, it's time we talk about sports hygiene.

6919
Woman doing pull-ups on bars with sun shining behind her.

I got a request to talk about college athletes hygiene so here it is.

College athletes, I get it, you are busy! From class, to morning workouts, to study table, to practice, and more. But that does not excuse the fact that your hygiene comes first! Here are some tips when it comes to taking care of your self.

Keep Reading...Show less
Jenna Pizzi and her mom smiling by a waterfront with a historic ship in the background.
Jenna Pizzi

There is always a time in the semester when you have about three papers, four tests, five assignments and two projects due within the same time period. Isn't that just the best?

It's almost as if the professors all plot against you just to make college even more stressful than it already is. No matter how many people try to make you feel better, no one ever compares to your mom. Moms always know exactly what to say.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments