Through Blue Eyes

Photo valid under the Creative Commons License
November 16, 2016
When I was a little girl and people would ask me where my parents worked, I’d be the first to voice that my dad was a police officer. Nothing made me prouder than letting strangers and friends know that my dad got criminals off the street. But looking back, I’m relieved I didn’t know what being an officer actually entailed at such a young age. I’m sure I would have been worried every time he left for work; and with everything in the media nowadays, saying I’m not occasionally terrified would be a lie.
Today, I am just as proud of my dad as I ever was, however I am much more cautious in discussing what he does for a living. It seems no matter where you go, and who you talk to, there is something negative being said about police officers, especially in the media. As an aspiring journalist, I have no problem speaking out about this; biased media is the reason we have the misunderstandings we have today. I can’t even begin to explain the nauseating feeling I get in the pit of my stomach when I turn on the news and hear about another slain officer, or about events that evoke negative actions being taken against the people who keep our streets safe at night.
I come from a long line of law enforcement on my dad’s side, and that is something that will always make me proud. It takes a very dedicated, selfless person to put their life on the line for people they don’t know – and nowadays who may not fully respect them. Not a day goes by, nor a shift of extra duty, that I don’t fear for my father’s life knowing that there are citizens out there who are willing to harm him without even knowing him, solely because of the badge on his uniform. Up until two years ago, I never thought about the fact my father may not come home from work. And working in a rather close knit community, where people tend to appreciate their public servants, I don’t believe he ever really had to think about whether or not he should wear his bullet proof vest.
As an only child, my parents are my best friends. My dad has taught me too much about life to mention. He taught me how to catch, coached a multitude of (horrible and not so horrible) little league softball teams, helped me warm up before games and brought hot chocolate to winter practice when I was frozen to my core. He’s lifted my morale when it’s been in the gutter and always reminded me that a bad day isn’t the end of my life. He is one of the most loving, goofy, humble souls I’ve ever known, and has always had the best interests of my family at heart.
For anyone who’s not following my train of thought, I am trying to paint a picture of the man many, including myself, consider a hero and others are calling a villain. It’s people like my dad who will be there for you at two in the morning when someone breaks into your home and attempts to rob you. It’s police officers like my dad who are going to arrest the drug dealer and rapist who may be living on your street.
It’s officers like my dad who go into schools and educate students on the dangers of drugs and alcohol. It’s also officers like my dad who stop on their way home from work to make sure that you and your family, who just got into a crash, are okay, and that emergency crews are on their way. Because of my dad, and officers like him, everything in our city is safer.
Please remember that the majority of officers in America do not wake up in the morning with the mindset that they’re going to kill someone that day. But the nature of the profession indeed means that each officer, when faced with a life-threatening situation, must decide on a course of action. Every profession has a select few that take things to the extreme and make bad decisions in the heat of the moment. Across the country there are instances of preachers taking advantage of church members, cases of teacher student misconducts, and politicians cheating the system. Are we impeaching and putting targets on their backs too?
Before you jump on the media driven bandwagon and start to feel like police officers deserve your ire, think about this; the next time your life or the life of someone you love is in danger, who will respond to your plea for help?
So the point is, next time a police officer stops you for doing something wrong, remember how you got into that situation. It is your fault you are in trouble, not my dad’s. Before going off and getting loud and rude with an officer, be polite and speak like an adult. If nothing else please remember he is someone’s son, brother, husband, friend and dad. Remember he has a family, and what he does is out of the goodness of his heart. Stop the senseless killings America.
Kaitlyn Helsel • Jan 19, 2017 at 8:20 am
I didn’t know your dad was an officer. Blessings to you and your family and very well written article.
Lori • Jan 6, 2017 at 5:22 pm
As a Daughter and sister..2 brothers were police. Most of their friends did something, IN EMS~ POLICE OR EMT). (I was an EMT). One brother is still active..(upper manangement! ~.out of the dozen we know: Most retired now.
I have memories…we accidentally saw my dad close up putting down his riot face-shield plate! I was 5. Dad was in Riot gear! (WASH DC, late 1960s!) ,mom was in tears, I couldn’t get comfort from her.
We just believed the GOOD GUYS ALWAYS WIN…….
I wish that was still the way it was!
nancy • Nov 27, 2016 at 8:48 pm
I’m so proud of you and your article way to go. I am also proud of your father and very thankful that they are out there trying to protect us. everyone makes a bad judgement call once in a while we can only do the best we can at that time. I love you all and am proud to say I am a member of this wonderful, heartfelt family
Margit • Nov 26, 2016 at 2:01 pm
That was so beautifully spoken. Your father and so many thousands if other officers are Heroes. God Bless you all. I too worked in Law Enforcement for 30 years. I will never understand the hatred for Officers. Stay string Sweetie. ?
Marie Cavanaugh • Nov 24, 2016 at 6:19 pm
What an incredible vision, (goosebumps) you have. I am the mother of one of Newport News finest. He helps so many selflessly, bringing food, clothing and sometimes a hotel room to get someone out of the cold. Out of the kindness of his heart, and being raised to give back to your community. Your parents did a great job raising such an insightful and caring young lady. You will make a great journalist, with unbiased and factual reporting. Our family as well 5 generations, of police officers, we cherish and pray daily for our men and women in blue. God Bless you and your family
Gloria Wilson • Nov 24, 2016 at 11:36 am
Beautiful, professional, heartfelt article that brought tears to my eyes. Our son is a police officer and we share your sentiments. God bless and watch over you, your father, our son, and police officers across the country.
Belinda Langston • Nov 23, 2016 at 7:57 pm
A very well written article. I am sure your parents are very proud of you. I pray each day for all law-enforcement as my son is also in The law-enforcement field
Kathy • Nov 23, 2016 at 4:50 pm
Well said
I’m the daughter of a NYPD Officer
Your parents should be very proud of you
Kelly • Nov 23, 2016 at 12:49 pm
Very well written and heartfelt piece. Nice job!!
Scott Keller • Nov 22, 2016 at 4:08 pm
Very nicely written. I’m proud of your dad and others that have chosen to serve.
Heidi • Nov 20, 2016 at 8:44 pm
Kylee Baines, YOU ROCK! Your parents are just as proud of you!! Powerful article!!!