I have always previously exercised some restraint in sending a letter to the editor, either in response to another letter or some news story. I do feel compelled now, however, after reading the headline of July 14, to offer some thoughts on the implication. The headline “Incidents keep Sheriffs on their toes” seemed to imply that the two incidents being reported on were somehow unusual, or that the Sheriffs deputies were not normally “on their toes” on an everyday basis.
I think as average, law abiding citizens in our everyday lives, we tend to overlook the largely unheralded and sometimes unrespected role that law enforcement plays in our community and society. They are out there everyday, never knowing what calamity awaits them on their shift. When we are stopped and cited for a minor traffic violation, equipment failure, or a seat belt violation, we are reminded of the job that our deputies and officers are carrying out for the ultimate purpose of our public safety.
We sometimes consider this level of law enforcement a nuisance. We find ourselves complaining about the occassional traffic stop asking “Don”t they have better things to do than pull me over for a minor infraction? There are serious criminals out there committing serious offenses!” Yes, there are serious crimes being committed out there on a daily basis. Our law enforcement professionals must remain constantly “on their toes”, on a daily basis, ever vigilant for our protection and well being, as well their own.
The lives of our dedicated police officers and fire fighters are on the line everyday. We only need follow the increasing news stories about public safety personnel being lost in the line of duty. Not many of us get up everyday for work, say good-bye to our loved ones, and have to think about our lives being in jeopardy from a potentially violent work situation that could turn lethal in the blink of an eye. Even a “simple” traffic stop can turn into a potentially violent, life threatening confrontation. Sheriffs and Highway Patrol officers don”t need a couple of incidents happening in a 24-hour period to “keep them on their toes”. They wake up everyday “on their toes”.
Anything less than that thinking could result in loss of life, theirs or maybe yours, a loved one, or next door neighbor. The role and responsibilities of our police officers are undoubtedley a difficult challenge on a daily basis, to say the least. We expect them to be vigilant yet not overzealous, compassionate yet tough, and always “there when we need them”.
One significant problem law enforcement faces today is recruitment and retention of qualified individuals to meet the demands of a law enforcement career. This is a nationwide crisis according to recent studies reported in our news. I would suggest if you want officers out there stopping the serious crime in our community, get along with your neighbor, slow down, buckle-up, and fix that brake light instead of having an officer stop you, cite you, incite you, and cost you a sum of money.
What that demands of us as citizens in a free society is to “keep on our toes”. Oh, and the next time you have the opportunity, don”t forget to thank that officer or fireman/paramedic for putting it on the line, “keeping on their toes” everyday for your safety and well being of our entire community.
Gary Olson
Kelseyville
