I’ve been in the news business a few decades now, and I constantly marvel at what catches the interest of people.

Those of you not on the internet may not have heard about the debate over an audio clip in which a computerized voice says the word “Laurel.” It’s caught the notice of the public because some people hear it as “yanny.” Seems silly, but I’ve heard it both ways.

There’s a scientific explanation about pitch and frequency and speed and so forth, but none of that is my point.

My point is this — should this really make the news cycle? I suppose on 24-hour news channels, it’s tough to find enough to fill the space. (Here’s where I make the pitch — again — for reading newspapers instead.)

In a culture where the Kardashians are looked at as role models, I suppose it isn’t surprising. And the royal wedding. That’s nice. I hope Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are happy together.

Now let me tell you about something more important.

This week has been National Police Week. I consider myself lucky to count many police officers among my friends.

I want to let you in on a little secret — did you know police officers are people? It’s true. I’ve known some of them even before they were police officers. They were people then, too.

There’s something extraordinary about any person who, knowing the risks and the scrutiny and criticism coming their way, decides to pin on that badge and take to the streets to maintain the safety of the public.

I’m thinking of a few shining examples locally of when these men and women risked life and limb to help their fellow man.

I remember an officer running into a burning building to carry a woman outside; two officers crawling under a truck to comfort a child pinned underneath.

So many heroic acts; so few officers who get, or want, public acknowledgement of it.

I’ve seen a convicted murderer spit in the face of the officer who put him away; I know families of officers who have heard their loved one disparaged by others not because of his actions, but because of his efforts to uphold the law.

We all know the kind of person who blames every misfortune in life on another. “If it weren’t for that policeman, I wouldn’t be sitting in state prison right now.”

What we as a society should be saying is “No, if it weren’t for you selling heroin, you wouldn’t be in state prison right now.”

Why do we blame the policeman?

Granted, there are cases of officers going too far, making bad choices, or doing the outright wrong thing. Putting on a badge doesn’t make them less human, and humans are fallible.

Millions of police officers around the world carry on daily, protecting, serving, without acknowledgement for the good they do.

When they leave for work every day, it’s with the knowledge that this may be the last time they hug their spouse and children. Why?

Because they put their lives between the law-abiding public and those who wish to do harm to others. Why do they do it?

It’s a calling, I’ve heard officers say. It’s a need to help others, even without thanks or acknowledgement.

National Police Week is coming to end, but our thanks and support for those men and women who make the choice to stand in front of us shouldn’t.

Thank a cop today. It will only take you a second. But when that cop goes home tonight, takes off his bulletproof vest, rubs the exhaustion from his eyes and thanks God he’s back safely with his family, that “thank you” is going to help him hold his shoulders a little straighter. It’s going to help him know that his work isn’t in vain.

Thank you, from me and all of us at The Era, to everyone in law enforcement. Today and every day.

(Schellhammer is The Era’s associate editor. She can be reached at marcie@bradfordera.com)