Today, the law enforcement profession faces a profound tragedy. In Charlotte, eight guardians were gunned down, four fatally, in an act of violence that words can’t describe. My childhood friend and best-man is a sergeant in the CMPD. For a brief moment I panicked until I was able to get confirmation that he was ok.
Across the nation, we see similar stories of challenges, with officers on college campuses facing both verbal and physical assaults. These incidents raise serious questions about the safety and resilience of all who wear the badge.
As we witness these events unfold, it’s disheartening to see the predominant media narratives often focus elsewhere. The stories of these brave men and women should not be sidelined or minimized but rather highlighted as a critical societal issue that demands attention and action.
Recruiting the next generation of law enforcement officers is becoming increasingly difficult, a fact that should concern us all. Who will step forward to serve if the risk outweighs the perceived value of public service?
As I reflect on today’s losses and the ongoing challenges, we need to amplify a much larger conversation about how we can support and protect our officers while fostering a community that respects and upholds the safety of all its members.
#LawEnforcement #PublicService #EOW #USMS