Remember, Recognize and Support
Posted by Peter Holran
As you know from my earlier post, this week is National Police Week in Washington, DC and a time to remember the brave men and women of law enforcement who have given their lives in the line of duty. Law enforcement officers by the thousands, their families, and their friends have descended on our nation’s capital coming together to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
National Police Week is a special and necessary opportunity for officers and surviving family members to mourn their partners, colleaugues, husbands, wives, mothers and fathers. It is also a time to heal.
The mental stress and toll on law enforcement is also very apparent this week. During this time we should also remember and recognize the officers who struggle with thoughts of suicide. Law enforcement can be a difficult and lonely profession and unfortunately, officers committing suicide is a sad, but real issue confronting many agencies today.
Lt. Kristen Ziman of the Aurora (Illinois) Police Department wrote a poignant and insightful piece (“Cops trained to help, but struggle to help selves “) discussing this very issue. The column appeared over the weekend in The Beacon News. I believe it is worth reading.