I Am A Police Officer

I have pulled dead, mangled bodies from cars. I have lied to people as they were dying. I said you are going to be fine as I held their hand and watched the life fade out. I have held dying babies. Bought lunch for people who were mentally ill and haven't eaten in a while.

I have had people try to stab me. Fought with men trying to shoot me. I've been attacked by women while I was arresting their husband who had just severely beat them. I have held towels on bullet wounds. Done CPR when I knew it wouldn't help just to make family members feel better. I have torn down doors, fought in drug houses. Chased fugitives through the woods. I have been in high-speed car chases. Foot chases across an interstate during rush hour traffic. I have been in crashes. Been squeezing the trigger about to kill a man when they came to their senses and stopped. Waded through large angry crowds by myself.

Drove like a madman to help a fellow officer. Let little kids who don't have much sit in my patrol car and pretend they are a cop for their birthday. I have taken a lot of people to jail. Given many breaks. Prayed for people I don't even know. Yes, and at times I have been "violent" when I had to be. I have been kind when I could. I admit I have driven to some dark place and cried by myself when I was overwhelmed.

I am a police officer.

I am a sheriff's deputy.

I am a state trooper.

I am a human being.