Celebrate Your Local Law Enforcement Officers

Southbrook Celebrates Law Enforcement Appreciation Day

Friday, January 9th, 2015 is Law Enforcement Appreciation Day.  Southbrook Church expressed its appreciation to area Police Departments, by providing Kringle and Apple Cake desserts along with a personal expression of thankfulness.  Pastor Jason visited Oak Creek and Cudahy Police Departments, while I stopped in at the Franklin Police Department and the Muskego Police Department.

I have had the privilege of serving as the Chaplain for the City of Franklin Police Department.  My main role is to assist the officers during some of the most tragic calls that they encounter.  When there is a suicide, an unexpected death, a fatal accident, or the need to make a death notification – my phone rings…

4 Things I have learned about Law Enforcement Officers

-They are just like us with real issues, family struggles, fears and concerns.  We have rough days with our kids, troubles in our marriages, and tensions with our co-workers…. Our Law Enforcement officers can identity.

-Most Police Officers I know are excellent and truly care.  Most are selfless and devoted to serving the citizens of their city.  Remember, that in every profession –Lawyers, Teachers, Nurses and even Pastors– there are those who are just punching the clock. 

-When they leave for work there is a chance that they may not return at the end of the shift.  The reality is that their job involves the possibility of death.  During 2014, 121 police officers killed in the line of duty.

-Law Enforcement Officers carry enormous levels of stress.  Even in suburbs like Franklin and Oak Creek, Police Officers have to treat each traffic stop, each interaction with the public as a potential threat.  There are no simple interactions; Police Officers don’t know if the person is mentally ill, wants the Police to kill them, or is just an innocent citizen.

What we can do…

1.     Love your local Police.

2.     Pray for your Police.  Every time I see a squad I immediately pray for that officer, for their safety and for their family.

3.     Recognize the level of uncertainty and stress that their family carries each and every day their loved one is on the job.