Security in our homes is something every one of us should value and be thankful for every day. This security comes at a price, though. Over the past decade, we have lost almost 1,500 law enforcement officers defending this very security and preserving our safety. Now I know law enforcement has not been in the best light recently, but just like we should not stereotype races or genders, we should not stereotype all police officers as being racist or murderers. It is hypocritical of us, who try to accept everyone for who they are and not generalize groups as a whole.

I am fully aware I said a week or two ago that we have a problem with our criminal justice system, and I still believe this to be true, but like I said, that problem goes deeper than any one officer; it goes to the very bones and core of hatred and fear that flows through the veins of this country. This hatred is radiated through both sides of any dispute or argument in this country, regardless of race, gender, religion, occupation etc.

Police officers fear for their lives at any traffic stop or routine call these days, because they are being targeted more than ever. Just a very small percentage of police officers have killed without justification, so why should we generalize them? The same people who tell us not to generalize and stereotype races, genders, and peoples are the very ones who generalize cops as racists and murderers. Let us be honest with ourselves, though; we are all guilty of generalizing or stereotyping at some point in our lives. Police officers are of all races and genders. They are mothers, fathers, daughters, sons, brothers, and sisters. They risk their lives every day for all of us, even those who say we do not need them and throw hatred their way. They deserve our utmost respect and admiration, regardless of the way the media tries to portray them.

They make little money, receive terrible benefits, and don’t often get public support. One of those shortcomings for those who risk all for us is in our hands. They deserve our love and support more than ever. When someone breaks into your house or if you need help, you don’t take to Facebook or Twitter; you call 911 and request assistance from law enforcement and/or paramedics. They don’t ask if you support them or hate them when you call. They don’t ask what race or gender you are. They know that call could very well be their last, yet they still come anyway without thinking twice or without asking any questions.

Police officers have been in generations of my family, so I know firsthand the treatment they receive from the public and government. They have risked so much for us and do so every day, just to keep us safe and so that we can sleep soundly at night. The families of officers who have died in the line of duty do not sleep soundly at night anymore. They do not get to see their father or mother, daughter or son ever again. They sacrificed everything for the sake of our safety; the safety of someone they have never met, or will probably never meet.

Let us never forget the police who risk it all every day and the thousands of officers who have lost their lives over the years defending our safety, especially most recently in Dallas, Baton Rouge, Atlanta, Minneapolis, and Tennessee. God bless their ultimate sacrifice, and may He look over their grieving families who never had the opportunity to say goodbye; all are the true heroes of the United States, along with our military and veterans, of course.

*Officer fatality statistics taken from this site.