The Price They Pay

I have just read the book, "The Price They Pay," by Karen Solomon and Jeffrey M. McGill. The book is incredible. People look at Law Enforcement officers as mean, out to get them, killers, etc. Let me tell you that is NOT who Law Enforcement officers are. They are here to Serve and Protect us from evil. Yes they give tickets, arrest those driving under the influence, murderers, thieves, hit and run drivers but did they cause you to do those crimes? NO! Our Law Enforcement officers see and experience more heinous crimes and murders than we can fathom. Consider these crime scenes: A dead child, an abused child, a burn victim, a shooting of one of their own. After awhile some, not all start seeing these incidents in their sleep, causing them to lose sleep and affect their thinking. They may have been shot or stabbed themselves. The book, "The Price They Pay," has stories of officers who now have PTSD or Post Traumatic Stress Injury (PTSI). At some point if not treated, the officer would probably lose his/her job and pay. And the possibility always exists that they may be kicked to the curb by their own Law Enforcement Agency, left to fend for themselves with no income. Some are able to seek help, others get worse and may commit suicide. What can remedy these situations? If you see someone whose personality or work ethic has changed ask, "Hey what's going on? Are you ok?" Stand by them and encourage them to get help. Contact SAFE CALL NOW,206-459-3020, an organization and hotline designed to help law enforcement and first responders in need. There are also many people who love you - SO, don't give up.