Police deserve respect

LEGALS

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Police deserve respect

Thursday, March 3, 2005 is a day many Canadians would like to forget. But it is a day that we should all remember forever as a moment in history that brought together a nation in paying respect and gratitude for those who serve and protect us.

The moving two-hour ceremony for the four slain RCMP officers in Alberta just concluded and I will be the first to admit I shed a tear during the touching tribute that thousands, if not millions, of people witnessed around the world.

I, along with so many others, was moved and deeply affected by what happened to the innocent officers who lost their lives while doing what they felt their calling in life was. I had never met any of these people, but nevertheless I am proud of what they did for our country day in and day out.

I worked with police officers for a few years some time ago and at first it was an intimidating experience. After awhile I became comfortable being in their presence and didn't think of them as being bad people. One thing I started to think was that these were "just ordinary people" like me. I was wrong. They are so much more.

Many of us consider ourselves to be strong and courageous individuals. But would we put our lives on the line every day to protect people we've never met? I would think not. We commend doctors and other people who make a difference in the world.

All too often we forget those who make a difference in the lives of so many others by risking their own lives in the process -- police officers. And while most of these men and women take on this role as a way to serve the community, they frequently do so without expecting any public recognition for the contributions they make to society.

There are many ignorant opinions the general public has (or had, before this tragedy), and I include myself in that. However, this eye-opening incident should teach us one thing, and that is when we see a police officer on duty, we should not glare or squint our eyes or use a derogatory term like "pig" to describe them, but show a little more respect and give them a more appropriate title -- hero.