Our Salute to Law Enforcement

To our police officers:

 Your oath is to protect and serve.

 However, you do much more.

You create safer roads and stronger communities.

You provide spaces for youth to meet you, talk with you, and learn from you.

You are not meant to strike fear, but to stand as a resilient force in times of uncertainty.

You build relationships with local residents, businesses, and families.

You invest time into ongoing training and learning so you can better serve those around you.

You step into schools—not just as officers, but as mentors, role models, and trusted adults for young people.

These are the everyday moments of law enforcement that often go unseen. They are not always dramatic, and they rarely make the news, but they shape the foundation of safe and connected communities.

At the same time, you place your life on the line every single day.

Not every day is dangerous—but every day carries the possibility that it could be.

This year, many states have felt the weight of that reality more than ever, as we have mourned officers who lost their lives while protecting the thin blue line. Their service, sacrifice, and dedication will never be forgotten.

The courage it takes to accept a career that comes with inherent risk is admirable. Law enforcement officers run toward situations most people are taught to avoid. They respond to emergencies, calm volatile moments, and make split-second decisions that can have lasting impacts. They do so knowing that the outcome is never guaranteed.

Law Enforcement Appreciation Day gives us a chance to pause and recognize not just the badge, but the person behind it. Officers are parents, children, siblings, friends, and neighbors. Many grew up in the same towns they now serve. Some were inspired by a desire to give back, while others followed a calling to protect others. For many, the job is not just a career—it is a commitment to service.

For me, this appreciation is deeply personal. Growing up with a parent in law enforcement teaches you early what sacrifice looks like. It teaches patience, resilience, and gratitude for the small moments—like a safe return home at the end of a shift. It also teaches respect for the unseen challenges officers carry with them long after the uniform comes off.

Law enforcement officers serve every citizen in ways we may not always notice. They help keep traffic flowing safely so families can get home. They respond when someone is in crisis, frightened, or in need of help. They investigate crimes, support victims, and work to bring accountability where it is needed. Their presence at community events, schools, and local gatherings helps ensure that people can live, work, and celebrate safely.

Officers are also continuously learning and adapting. Through training, education, and community engagement, they work to improve how they serve and protect. Many departments prioritize building trust and communication, understanding that strong relationships are key to effective policing. These efforts help create safer environments not only through enforcement, but through understanding and connection.

On this day, we also recognize the families who stand behind law enforcement officers. They share in the sacrifices—the missed holidays, the late nights, and the constant concern for safety. Their support is an essential part of what allows officers to continue serving their communities.

As we honor Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, we remember those we have lost and express gratitude to those who continue to serve with integrity, courage, and dedication. A simple thank you can mean more than we realize.

To our law enforcement officers: thank you for your commitment, your compassion, and your willingness to serve. Your impact reaches far beyond the uniform, and your service does not go unnoticed.