It's National Thank a Police Officer Day

[XLFD]

Back in 2012, the inaugural "Tell a Police Officer Thank You" Day was held on September 13.  The initiative had been started by the Whole Truth Project, an organization with a mission to promote a pro-police message.  That tradition carries into this year, with a growing recognition of the day by the various media. 

Citizens are encouraged to take a moment out of their day to show appreciation for their local officers through small acts of gratitude or by saying “thank you," and businesses are urged to donate something to police departments, like breakfast or coffee.

People familiar with this website may get the impression that I am at least critical of the police, many may get the impression I have bad feelings towards them.  The former is most accurate, as each police officer, each police department, each police action, should be judged without bias for what it is.  I have actually defended a few officers who did the right thing, like a good cop should.

A police officer who goes outside of their authority, uses excessive violence, violates the law, and/or infringes on someone's rights, should be held to account.  A police department that allows such transgressions to occur should also be made accountable by the people they supposedly serve.  Yet, we can see such travesties happening daily, without the officer or his department being answerable to them. 

A day such as this is a good way for citizens to recognize the officers and departments that are making a positive difference in their communities.  They deserve the accolades, when the officers who do not deserve anything other than scorn, receive the press coverage-- and deservedly so.

And thus, to make this day meaningful, we must use our praise discriminately and thank those cops who have really made a positive contribution to our community, while restraining the urge to thank just any police officer that you see.  For all you know, they may be part of the problem. 

It might be nice also to have a day when one could frankly criticize those officers who have behaved badly, without fear of reprisal.  But until then, thank the police and/or thank the chief of a police department if those entities are doing their jobs, and doing so respectfully for the lives, property, and liberty of all of the people they serve.  Thank especially the good cops that have lost their jobs simply for trying to be good cops.  Here's a story of a good cop I recently caught in my news feed: 

This story was shared by a mom in Alabama, who had an officer go above and beyond the call of duty.

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Not by taking a bullet for her or protecting her from an aggressor, but by doing something just as helpful for this mom: mowing her lawn.  Of course, there’s more to the story.

Rachel Brindley, a mother to a four-month-old, wanted to help her husband. According to her, “He has been working hard on a work project and hasn’t had time to cut [the grass]. It was a nice day out so I thought I’d help my husband out and cut it myself. I enjoy cutting the grass.”

But it’s hard being a stay-at-home mom, especially to such a young child. Unable to leave her four-month-old alone, she carried the baby in her front-facing baby carrier.  Not an ideal situation, right?  So the mom was a little worried when a police car pulled up next to her lawn.

But the police officer wasn’t there to cause any trouble. In fact, he was just there to do what police officers are supposed to do—serve the public.  He insisted on mowing her lawn for her!

Of course, the mother was touched by the unexpected surprise.  She said on her Facebook, “Y’all I thought I was about to get in trouble or something for baby wearing while mowing but this sweet sheriff stopped and insisted on mowing my yard for me!”

When asked for comment, the Chief Deputy of the county said that the officer wanted to remain anonymous, and said “You get a lot more stuff done out of the car—and I’m not necessarily meaning yard work—but…sometimes the car’s a barrier to the public and we encourage our deputies to step outside and make some encounters with the community other than being called to a scene.”

http://www.mommypage.com/2015/09/mom-is-mowing-the-lawn-with-newbor...

[Jasper]

The fact of the matter is just because this officer mowed "mommy's" lawn does not necessarily make him a good police officer.  

In fact, it really is rather quite suspicious this officer stopped while supposedly on duty as evidenced by the police vehicle in the photo.  This officer mowed "mommy's" lawn on the taxpayer's dime.  

There really has to be more to this story.  Family friend? ETC.... 

Perhaps other "mommy's" out there should avail themselves of this officer's lawn care service at taxpayer's expense!

[Jasper]

After researching this "mommy story" numerous people in the area of Louisiana where this occurred are not exactly happy campers with this law enforcement officer.  Some of the comments replicate my sentiments on this rather bizarre situation.  

But, of course as evidenced even locally, law enforcement are idolized.  Hell, Physicians are not idolized the way cops are, and they save hundreds of lives everyday.  Further, they are not allowed to accept gifts under their oath!  

But, go and buy your favorite cop a cup of coffee, or pay for his doughnut today!!!  LMAO at the silliness of this "thank a cop day."  That same cop you purchased a doughnut on this day of worship for cops, might be the cop that will violate your rights tomorrow!  

[XLFD]

I was thinking some of my fellow cop critics might find something a little troubling about the 'mommy story'.  Most of us would presume that the officer was patrolling, saw the mom having some difficulty, and took it upon himself to help out.  Seeing the same thing, I probably would have done the same thing he did, as would many other noble fellows. 

We presume that if an emergency call came through he would have bolted to his car, but would he even be able to hear the call?  There doesn't appear to be any radio on him except possibly at his belt or neither do we know if it would pick up all communications to him, like via the phone or car radio.

A better "thank you" day would be devoted to all the volunteer fire fighters in the country, many who pay out money just to protect their community and their possessions and who devote much of their time in training and fire calls where they receive little or no remuneration.  Each and every one, is on call 24 hours a day; these are the guys who are true heroes and would work hours salvaging and overhauling a fire scene in full gear. 

I bet any one of the local volunteer firefighters in the Alabama town would have done the same thing this police officer did, but likely would have let the mother monitor his pager in the meantime.

[Jasper]

Nope,  Cops are not in the lawn mowing business.  Just view the home they live in.  

Husband Daddy Dearest of "Mommy" works long hours.  If he is not capable of taking care of his suburban lawn, hire a lawn care professional, so his stay at home wife does not have to cart the four month old baby on her chest.   

It appears cops these days are making an attempt to cover up the wrong doings of their fellow officers, by performing these type of acts. 

Rather, instead of covering for the "rotten apples" in the barrel they should expose those rotten to the core corrupt officers.

This cop who mowed "mommy's" lawn at taxpayer's expense needs to be reprimanded, as it sure is not in his job description.  If mowed on his own time and dime...no problemo! 

[XLFD]

I don't think the 'lawn mowing deputy' was staged in any way, it was something that this mother posted on Facebook that just kind of organically grew.  There are plenty of PR stunts that are done on behalf of the police that could be criticized as propaganda or performed to put a positive spin on police departments that are otherwise terrible.

The deputy looks a little on the beefy side anyhow, so a little exercise by doing an occasional good deed may save the taxpayers future medical costs.  Providing he is otherwise doing his assigned job and monitoring his communications.

Is there any local (Mason County) deputy or officer that you think might mow a young mom's lawn without seeking any recognition?  Is there any local deputy or officer that you think might deserve extra appreciation?  

[Jasper]

Fail to understand why there is a "National Thank a Police Officer Day."  

Police Officers' are not volunteers.  They choose their profession.  They know the risks involved with their choice. The taxpayers pay their salaries.  So, why do they feel the need for recognition?  Law Enforcement all across the USA need to perform their duties enforcing the laws of the land.   Why the need for recognition? 

[AQUAMAN]

You do make some valid points both Jasper and XLFD. I also would like to see the Firemen get their day for recognition, they really deserve it. During the last local election I learned that unionization and high pay/benefits for the MCSO was in play, didn't realize how powerful and strong that is until then either. It's "big business" in a way nowadays. Regarding Natl. Thank a Police Officer Day, I agree it's not the worst idea in the world of late. We have also witnessed many awards and plaques given by and to our local law enforcement, some with strong merit, some questionable imho.  

[XLFD]

We've pretty much discussed the issue before, but the job of police officer (#15) doesn't even get you in the top ten of the most dangerous occupations, nor does firefighter (#18).  These service providers pale in comparison to the dangerous occupations of logging workers and fishermen; loggers have a death rate about nine times that of cops. 

I sold hundreds of bundles of wood from my front yard that me and my brother harvested last fall, but do I need a day-- or nine days for that matter-- for people to give me a hearty thank you for defying death in providing them with firewood?  Does Aquaman get people coming up to him in public on a certain day and thank him for courting danger in his fishing operations?  Do people devote any day to thank their local taxi driver for going into harms way every day in their service? 

It's obvious that being a cop is not a thankless profession, the idolatry they foster in this area is clear evidence that many folks want to support them.   But most of our local cops aren't doing a very good job.

[stump]

We do not know that this officer was on duty or not. He might has been on his way home from his shift. But on the other hand mowing some ones lawn while on duty is not the right thing to do. Maybe changing a lady's flat tire would be more appropriate while on duty.

[shinblind]

If you see Ludington's Lawn Gestapo cruising your neighborhood and your yard is looking a little shaggy can you call 911 to have an officer respond and tidy up your lawn? Might be worth a try with a good sob story.   

[AQUAMAN]

Nope, here in Ludington the LPD will just write a citation on your property for the long grass ordinance, not help at all. That's how we handle such matters with pride, honor, and trusted efficiency. 

[XLFD]

Too true, Aquaman, but more likely the LPD officer would have stopped, noted the child endangerment issue for a report to CPS and the prosecutor, and have her stop her mowing-- then send the city contractor's over and mow it for more $$$ than you'd ever think of charging her.

The mowing season is just about over, I'll soon be doing a FOIA and some follow-up with property owners to find out how the city manager's new revenue-generating scheme is working.  There may be a class action due process bit of litigation coming out of it.