For some time now, it's bothered me how many people around my age talk about police. Phrases like "F the police" come to mind in conversation and even music. It honestly really bugs me because I have so much respect and appreciation for police officers. Every day they put their lives on the line for strangers, other people's kids, and a sense of safety and protection in their local communities. Also, they work in pursuance of a very important concept to Americans, justice.

You might laugh to yourself, but it's true. Maybe you feel like any policeman out there is just waiting on your route to work to give you a speeding ticket and make you miserable, but in reality that's just part of the job to most. They may not want to ticket you for going a few miles over, but they also rather give someone a ticket than witness a crash site with a D.O.A. stranger in an ambulance and a car so shredded up the metal looks like a crumpled aluminum wrapper.

That's also a reason you don't want to text and drive. A man who was driving down a side street who was probably texting and dropped his phone nearly killed my cousin. I thank God she's alive and managed to only get some bruising and scratches. I've heard much worse result of this seemingly "minor" crime.

No matter how small the crime, officers are there to intervene against law violators at the interest of the other citizens to uphold the laws and statues in their state and country. You might not appreciate them as much when you're considered the offender, but you will when they put your or your family's life in danger.

I'm so grateful every day for the officers that are working out there, making me feel that no matter where I am, if I'm scared or feel unsafe, they're just a quick phone call and a few miles away. I like to think of the truly noble and dedicated officers to serving the public as local soldiers in a way. When I was little, I liked to wave to them as I passed by, as if to say thank you for their service in the way a proud salute does.

You might not consider the fact that the officer you see patrolling route I-80 has two little girls and a wife at home. Maybe he thought cops were like heroes and wanted to be one since he was 13.

You probably also don't think he goes to work every day, knowing he could be shot, leaving his family fatherless, husbandless and sonless. I'm not saying that the man had to be shot, because I know it could've been avoided. However, fear is a powerful emotion, that can cause us to think irrationally, feel pressured to make quick decisions, and become overly defensive.

No matter what, when a police officer tells you to put your hands up, you put them up. Don't grab at them or reach in your pockets. Just a second can be the difference between life and death.

I grieve for the young man whose life was lost. We can't avenge his death. Killing innocent officers who are unarmed does not create a sense of equality in our society. It puts fear into our protective services. When our officers are really scared, they'll fear more for their lives each day, making them more likely to make mistakes that can result in their or someone else's death.

Most of our officers are men dedicated to serving justice, keeping people safe, and being the hero and protector of those in danger. We can't assume most officers are just power-hungry, demeaning jerks. In reality, only a select few are. We need to both remember those who are on our side and to avoid stereotypes.

Modern-day racism does exist, however it's not present in every member of the police force. We don't create a safe, healthy community by endangering the lives of anyone we feel is a threat. We create it by reminding each other we are human, we have feelings, and we have souls. Show your feelings with passionate speeches, marches, or even chants. Speak with compassion, not violence.