Blue Lives Matter | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

Blue Lives Matter

Respecting authority regardless of circumstance.

30
Blue Lives Matter
Jules Molinari

In today's world, some people think cops are terrible people and consider them to be "pigs." To me, cops are selfless heroes who work hard to keep their cities safe. Don't get me wrong, there are some bad cops who give the rest of the police community a bad rep, but 99 percent of cops are wonderful people. I truly believe this because I have family members who are active or retired cops--three of my uncles and my cousin. They are some of the best people I know and I'm proud to be related to them. They're tough and they love what they do.

My Uncle Jim is my godfather. He's my dad's brother-in-law (my dad's sister's husband) and is one of my favorite uncles. He is a retired NYPD detective and worked in the narcotics department in the Bronx. As cool as his job may sound, it was so dangerous. My godfather and his co-workers would do a lot of undercover work and arrest tons of drug dealers and addicts in a rough area of the Bronx. Luckily, nothing serious happened to him or to his brothers and sisters in blue. My godfather retired in 2001 after blowing his knee while jumping over a subway gate during a police chase.

This picture was taken in May or June 2002 when my Uncle Jim was honored at my preschool show. My class and I were dressed up as firefighters and sang some songs. My teacher and principal called him up on stage to thank him for his service and gave him flowers. This is my favorite picture of us together.

My dad's two brothers, Robert (left) and Rich (center), and my dad's nephew and my cousin Paul (right) are all Union City Police officers. My Uncle Bob retired from the force about five or six years ago while my Uncle Rich serves as the Police Chief and Paul is a patrolman. Union City holds a special place in my dad's family's hearts because that's where my dad and his siblings all grew up. All three of them take their jobs very seriously and they do their best to keep Union City safe--especially my Uncle Rich.

My Uncle Rich is the youngest Molinari sibling. He joined the force in 1988 as a patrolman and worked his way up through the ranks. Union City is located in Hudson County, NJ; there are some really nice places there and some not-so-nice places. My Uncle Rich was sworn in as Police Chief in November 2013. He is well respected by all his officers and everyone believed he'd be the right choice as the next chief. Being the police chief and a husband and the father of three teenage girls (Aleasa 18, Jackie 16, and Olivia 14) is extremely hard work, but my uncle manages it perfectly. At his 50th birthday party this past January, a lot of his officers said "the day Rich retires, I'm going to retire because I don't want to work under anybody else."

Uncle Jim, Uncle Rich, Uncle Bob, and Paul, thank you so much for your service and being so selfless to keep everyone else safe. It isn't easy being a cop but you wouldn't have any other way. I love you. #BlueLivesMatter

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

189903
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

14712
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

457708
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

26554
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments