Wednesday, May 21, 2003
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Wednesday, May 21, 2003 |
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God bless our 'protectors' By JOHN HATCHER If anyone is reading out there, especially those public servants that put their lives on the line for the citizenry, let me know something. Thousands of residents in Fayette County are so very proud of our law enforcement officials, firefighters, and 911 personnel. You are always there when we need you whether it's a fender bender or our love ones with medical emergencies. We are grateful to you for several reasons. First, we are grateful because you some of America's brightest and best decided to enter a field of service where pay is far too low. It's obvious you are not in it for the money. For one, I believe your bosses, the city and county elected officials, should adopt a plan to increase your pay significantly within the next 10 years. What is significant? I would say a rookie police officer should start out at no less than $45,000. Before the elected officials have a coronary and have to call 911, let me remind you that these men and women are our first lines of defense in case of a terror attack at our backdoor. Also, let me remind you that these same brave men and women are the ones who put their lives in jeopardy every time they knock on a door. America will have some tall explaining before the seat of judgment as the nations parade by. The Judge of the universe will ask, "You mean to say that you paid your ball players millions of dollars a year, but you paid your public servants in harm's way a minimum of $29,000? What was going through your minds?" That goes also for school teachers. Dirt movers make more money than our school teachers; yet, it is the latter who frame and shape minds that mark the future of America. Second, we are grateful to you because you take your job seriously. The public would not stand for a flippant policeman or policewomen. We never see it. Why? Because you guys take your profession seriously. You keep your heads when everyone else loses theirs. You realize that traffic, drugs, fire are life and death matters. You represent ably the very fulcrum of American life the law. I can remember that my father always referred to enforcement personnel as "the law." You with great decorum represent what America is all about: the rule of law and no one is above the law. Thank you for never being down on your guard and upholding the highest standards of the great country. Third, we are grateful to you because we can always count on your fairness and your keeping the law yourselves. I travel to East African annually for missions. I hear Ugandan citizens talk about their police. They say the police accept bribes and often want money to settle a matter on the spot. As I hear these tales, I just can't imagine such in the United States. When a policeman stops me and it has happened before even here in Fayette, I am assured the protection of the law. I know he or she will be following due process. And often times, I experience their grace and understanding. Therefore, men and women of our first line of defense, thank you. This does not sound much like a religion column. But, in fact, the Bible calls on us to give thanks for our public servants and those who have rule over us. It's very Christian to be thankful. Now, this is what I would like to know: how can we show you our thanks? Do we stop you at the grocery store and just say it? Do we write cards and letters to your superiors when you have served us? I mean, let us know. I recall one church that sought to express its thanks by giving a $1000 to each police officer. But the county made them give the money back. So, apparently, cash is not the way except through your pay check. But, how? Would you respond in a letter to the editor and let us the public know how we can express our gratitude? May God watch over you every day and over your families who share a whole lot of you with us. John Hatcher is pastor of Outreach International Center 1091 South Jeff Davis Drive Fayetteville, Georgia 30215 770-719-0303 |
