WEYBURN - Law enforcement officers are a vital service to our community. Police members carry a heavy weight on their shoulders, as not only are they responsible for law enforcement in the community, but the demand for police services has evolved over the years, and continues to increase.
National Police Week will be observed across Canada from May 15 to 21. This special week to recognize the efforts of law enforcement officers began in 1970 as a way for the police to connect with their communities and to increase awareness about the services they provide.
According to Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police, the theme for this year’s campaign is “Connected to our Communities”. It’s an opportunity to emphasize how police officers are both members of the community they live in and members of the police community they work in. This year, CACP will recognize the connection between the police and the citizens they serve and the importance of understanding one another.
Our local police have responded to countless calls for assistance that at times put their very lives on the line. Our law officers have responded to 911 calls at all hours and in all weather conditions. Some of those calls were deadly serious. Other calls were for events that do not necessarily fall into the category of “Law Enforcement Responsibility”.
The dedication of our local police officers and dispatchers continue to serve our communities by handling every 911 and police service call in a professional manner until proper, and sometimes creative solutions could be found.
In our communities, some of us know our officers by name. They are family members or friends. Others of us can recognize our officers out of uniform in the store, at church or at a game. I know that sometimes there is that gut reaction of ‘oh no’, when you might see the red-and-blue lights of police lights in your rear view mirror. It is important to remember that if you are pulled over, to be polite and respectful, as that police officer approaching to speak to you is only doing their job. They are keeping you, and the people around you safe.
I have had the opportunity as media to see local police officers handle tactical and emergency training, and I have gained a respect and understanding for some of the dangers that these hard-working community members might face in the line of duty.
All of us live in peace because of the hard work and dedication that are put forth by law enforcement officers. It is important to be respectful of the laws that are in place, and ensure that we are doing our part to keep our community safe. That way, we can all go to sleep with the peace of mind that someone is always on watch if a crisis erupts in our lives.
