Thank a copper

[Neko Bazu]

This was in one of the 'opinion' columns in the local rag today, and I think she raises a very good point:

Everyone's thoughts will be with the family of murdered policeman Jon Henry this week. Just 20 minutes into his shift and his life was taken. He was in the wrong place at the wrong time, and it seems if he had been stabbed just one centimetre in either direction he would have lived.

He's the fifth police officer to die in as many years and must make others in the force question whether it's worth it.

I'm sure most people in their life have thought about a job in the police force - I know I have - but unsociable hours, the uniform and the fact that I'm too much of a sissy put me off.

I have such respect for all those that have taken this as their career path especially since, like most high-danger and very important jobs, the pay is rubbish.

It seems that it's not until something bad happens that the country sits up and takes notice of these people. Our nation would be nothing without them - but the sad fact is that within a week most people up and down the country will have probably forgotten what happened in George Street this week.

But knowing this town like I do, I'm sure Luton will take stock and get behind the henry family.

It's true. We owe so much to the police (and ambulance and fire services for that matter), but they get shit-all in return. Fittingly, in a twisted way, Luton was planning a 'police appreciation day' this weekend anyway, but it seems so much more relevant now.

There's been a ton of flowers left as a tribute to Jon Henry (there's a brief article here), quite fittingly left by the town's war memorial (he died in service protecting a citizen of this country), but give it a few weeks, a month tops, and it'll all have blown over.

So here's my suggestion. Next time you see a policeman - or ambulance crewman or fireman - let them know they're appreciated. Even if it's just a smile and a 'hello', it's something. Maybe take the time just to ask how they are, if they're on the beat, or even thank them for the job they do. Let's face it, it's the least we owe them.

*~*~*~*~*~*

On that note, all police-related people on 606, thanks for all the shit you put up with keeping this country safe

[weallloveleeds]

Exactly the same with the army. 14k a year (for a private) to sit in an Iraqi hovel getting shot at.

RIP Jon, and all others who've died doing their duty

[Neko Bazu]

weallloveleeds said:

Exactly the same with the army. 14k a year (for a private) to sit in an Iraqi hovel getting shot at.

RIP Jon, and all others who've died doing their duty

Very true too

[ITFC Dudette6]

Mum had the local copper in, because she stopped her car to let a van by, it drove really fast and stratched her car badly (rural crimes eh?), absolutely brilliant bloke.

So thanks to all emergency service related people, you do a lot for the country and really do have to put up with a complete load of rubbish.

[officergroyman]

Chopper & I thank you all!!!!

Your welcome, by the way - glad to do it!!!

[CHOPPER READ]

Most of us do it because we want to make that difference. I have been stabbed myself and assaulted several times but it has never put me off pulling my uniform on.