Dear police officer,

Thank you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for the countless hours you spend keeping the crime off our streets. I admire you for your courage and commitment to put on that blue uniform every day, working in harm’s way, and fulfilling duties I couldn’t fathom doing. Each and every day you kiss your spouse and hug your kids goodbye, and depart for your precinct knowing it may be for the last time. Thank you for doing the treacherous jobs when the majority thinks you just write tickets for speeding and expired tabs. Thank you for keeping your patience and composure despite facing contempt, disrespect, and a fair amount of curse words on the daily. Thank you for being at public events, doing demonstrations, giving stickers to children, making me feel safe, and showing people you are part of the community. And most importantly, thank you for carrying out your duties with a positive outlook despite being misunderstood and undervalued.

The past few years have been brutal for police across the nation. It is truly terrible that a few “bad apples” have overshadowed all the work you do to keep the streets safe. It must be difficult to put on that uniform knowing quite well that you are loathed by so many. I am sorry the media has besmirched your trustworthiness and integrity and now scrutinizes every single move you make. I am sorry that people make you have a “busy day at work.” I am sorry people now feel paranoid rather than protected in your presence. I am sorry people don’t recognize your significance. I am sorry the ones criticizing you can’t handle your job just for a day. I am sorry you have to me the messenger of “bad news” to your community. And I am especially sorry that people make the job of being a police officer so dangerous.

To the esteemed police office reading this, thank you for all that you do. I hope you enjoy the job you have chosen to do. I hope that society begins to recognize and appreciate you and your work. I hope you are proud to be wearing blue. I hope a stranger goes out of their way to make you smile. I pray that you are kept safe every minute of your day. But most importantly, I hope you know you are respected and loved by many.

Sincerely,

A grateful citizen