Stripped of the Uniform

March 21, 2009. To some, this date is like any other date. But, to others, its one of the most traumatic experiences one can ever go through. The death of four officers in Oakland, CA has made me realize how much of an important impact they are to not only our society, but our lives as well. They put their lives at risk “to protect and serve”, as many of their motto’s may say. The truth is, one never really admires how much of their time and passion goes into making ones life run smoothly.

The police officer is here to watch over and intervene when needed. But most of all, they are ones friends. And this, I do believe.

It was a typical day in Oakland. The streets were busy; people were out because it was a Saturday. Others, like those police officers, were just doing there jobs. Who would have thought that one person could change the fate of those four officers. Never did they imagine loosing their lives all at once, or even at all.

The day has made me realize that it can happen to anyone. I feel more for this because I have family members who are in the line of duty, the closest being my brother. Knowing that he too was in the area when the day grew long; and knowing that he too was affected by the killing of his sergeant. Not only was he affected, but everyone else was too.

Many believe this deserved to happen to them simply because they do not see how rigorous the job of a police officer is. And although many refuse to admit it, they first person one calls when one is in need of help.

From this experience, I have taken only the positive, but I have also learned from the negative. I have come to realize that beneath their uniform, stripped from all equipment, officers are just like anyone else. They are people with families, and friends. They are people who have hobbies and like to enjoy themselves. They are human.

So before you begin to think they are not important, and before you begin to doubt their necessity, think twice, and realize that they are sincerely involved in making the world a better place for everyone. And most of all, even when one is feeling weird about approaching them, just remember: a police officer is a friend.