December 22, 2016 | TruthPR.com | –On average, one law enforcement officer is killed in the line of duty somewhere in the United States every 61 hours. According to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, to date 64 police officers died from a firearm-related shooting in 2016.
That number is up a horrific 68 percent.
Crimes against law enforcement officers have reached epidemic highs making it difficult for many cops to have a joyful Christmas.
Last week Georgia had six officers shot in as many days. In Americus, population 17,000, two police officers were killed in the line of duty this month alone.
To compound the declining morale of our nation’s law enforcement, President Obama recently appointed Debo Adegbile, attorney for cop-killer Mumia Abu Jamal, to the Civil Rights Commission.
With anti-police protests and violent demonstrations, its no wonder many officers are discouraged.
34-year law enforcement veteran and Blue Lives Matter National Spokesman, Lt. Randy Sutton, believes President-Elect Donald Trump will lift the spirits of our nation’s police departments.
“Once Trump gets in and turns things around, I think we will see some differences,” Sutton said.
While many hang holly and wrap presents to usher in the King of Kings for Christmas, officers across the nation will work hard during the holidays to keep our communities safe, and guard businesses from would be thieves.
During this time of year, it’s especially important to show support for our police and the communities they serve.
There are a few simple acts that can help make it a “Blue Christmas” in the communities we live.
- A simple handshake of gratitude or homemade baked goods delivered to your local law enforcement agency goes a long way in restoring hope in the hearts of our nation’s officers.
- When pulled over, respond politely to the officer. Keep your hands in full view until instructed otherwise.
- Standup for law enforcement whenever you can. That means not tolerating distrustful conversations that use degrading terms when referencing police.
Apparently, citizens across the country are making up for the lack of support from the Obama administration and various anti-police community groups.
“Many of the officers tell me they’ve never seen as many people thank them for their service,” Sutton said. “Those small interactions really do play a role in showing the police they are supported.”
Another way to support your local police department is by getting to know the officers. Introduce yourself when you see them out and about.
Whether its dough for cookies or the kind of dough that supports a police charity, be intentional this year in extending acts of support.
Indeed, Blues Lives Matter.
Founded by active and retired law enforcement officers, Blue Lives Matters now has a platform to support men and women in blue similar to other membership groups like the NRA.
Starting as low as $10.00, a Blue Lives Matter membership offers life-saving equipment, training and a $10,000 death benefit in the event an officer is killed in the line of duty.
Let’s do our part to ensure our communities are not only safe for its citizens but our law enforcement officers, too.
Have a very Merry Blue Christmas.
About Russ Jones
Russ Jones is a 25-year award-winning journalist, correspondent, media analyst, and media consultant. He’s traveled the world on investigative reporting trips and consultant major political and cause-oriented campaigns. He may be reached at [email protected] or http://truthpr.com/rjones. You can also follow him on Twitter @russjones and Facebook.com/russjones.
Hi there, I read through a few of your articles here.
I did have a question though that I hope you could answer.
I was wondering, When police officers are off duty,
do they, in general, like to carry their own personal firearms?
I’m training to become a cop right now and I also concealed carry.
I would really appreciate any help you could give me!
Those that I know and have worked with usually like their own personal firearms. It may be policy of the LE Depts too that no service ones are carried when not on duty!