TODAY: It’s National Law Enforcement Awareness Day, and City of Bradford Mayor Tom Riel has written today’s column with that idea in mind.

“The City of Bradford calls upon our citizens to support law enforcement and discourage the negative attention that has been given to officers across our nation,” Tom writes. “Police officers are public servants who have made a decision to pursue a dangerous career. They perform a duty that is difficult and sometimes almost impossible so that we might all be safer through their sacrifice, a duty which most of us could never perform.  

“Many folks may not understand the sacrifice these fine officers make for us each and every day,” Tom says. Police officers work around the clock, he reminds citizens.

“While we are at home in bed at night, celebrating Christmas with loved ones or attending a child’s soccer game, police officers are not. There are always officers on duty day and night who cannot do the same.”

Mayor Tom says he’s overseen the city police for 10 years, and his respect and gratitude for what officers do has increased each day. “To err is human, and yes I have been critical of some actions in the past when warranted,” he said.

“There is so much more to being a police officer than the little bit that makes the news in the court report or daily beat. Police officers have to be at scenes that can never be erased from their memory. Those mental images don’t just go away when a case is closed.

“Naysayers may say ‘But they signed up for it!’ There is some truth to that, but no police officer signed up for the constant negativity and disrespect that has been brewing across our country and even in our area,” Mayor Tom says. “Our police officers are our neighbors, friends, siblings and spouses who live among us. A kind word goes a long way for those who serve us.

“If your path crosses with a police officer, maybe consider sharing a kind word, friendly hello or even a thank you. They deserve it!”