LETTER
Chief Pruitt Urges Citizens to ‘Thank a Policeman’

May 18, 2015

DEAR EDITOR,

Today in the United States, approximately 900,000 law enforcement officers put their lives on the line for the safety  and protection of others. With great success, they serve with valor and distinction.

Federal statistics show that violent crime and property crime rates in the United States are at historic lows, thanks to the dedicated service of the men and women in law enforcement. The national Law Enforcement Memorial is ever-changing as new names are added to the memorial every year due to the selfless sacrifice of the men and women that serve our communities.

In 2014, 127 police officers were killed in the line of duty, leaving 159 children without a parent — and as of today 44 officers have fallen in 2015. These numbers are tragic on their own, not to mention the void that will never be filled.

In what other occupation is one expected to make correct, split-second, serious, and possibly life-and-death decisions while navigating complicated laws and procedures, in addition to having to lay his or her life on the line for total strangers?

The men and women of law enforcement are content in doing a difficult job, one most people in the world could not or would not do, and they do it well. It truly takes an extraordinary person to be a police officer.

CONTINUED FROM FIRST PAGE

In today’s society, law enforcement needs your support more than ever. National Police week is a time when citizens are asked to go out and thank the officers in their communities, as a simple thank you means more than you will ever know. National Police Week is a time to remember and reflect on the fallen officers and support those who continue to serve their communities.

As Chief, I would like to thank my officers for being upstanding citizens, honorable police officers, and officers that I am proud to have the privilege of working with every day.

JIM PRUITT
Chief of Police
Cape Charles Police Department

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Comments

5 Responses to “LETTER
Chief Pruitt Urges Citizens to ‘Thank a Policeman’”

  1. Bill Neville on May 18th, 2015 7:58 am

    Our police do an excellent job under very difficult conditions. They deserve our support especially now when it seems that the media goes out of their way to exploit their actions in some very trying situations which require split second decisions which could mean life or death. There are always a few bad apples but little is said about the overwhelming number of those who risk there their lives for us every day enforcing the law.

  2. Ed Taylor on May 18th, 2015 8:56 am

    I have been doing that for a while now. I get a lot of pleasure watching them smile in appreciation of a kind word showing my support. It makes a lasting impression on them. They need to know that there are many of us who appreciate what they do. It’s a very hard job with no margin for error, especially these days.

  3. Nioaka Marshall on May 18th, 2015 12:57 pm

    Thank you to the Cape Charles Police Department officers, who are always vigilant. Also thank you to all the police officers in Northampton County who answer the call when duty awaits. I salute you all!

  4. David Gay on May 18th, 2015 1:24 pm

    To the Chief and all of his officers a big THANK YOU. You all do a great job keeping us safe. You are part of what makes Cape Charles a wonderful place to live.

  5. Joe Vaccaro on May 18th, 2015 4:13 pm

    This is an extremely well written letter with great points.

    The “approximate 900,000″ law enforcement officers might seem like a great number to some people until you realize that law enforcement officers in America cover 3.7 million square miles (including 2.7 million miles of paved and 1.3 million miles of unpaved roads) over 19,000 airports and over 140,000 miles of railroad track.
    They also “police” over 105,000 major shopping malls and 1,800 plus stadiums that hold over 50,000 people or more — not to mention 1969 miles of southern border and 5225 miles of northern border. All of this while attending to the needs of some 312 million people in the United States.
    In addition to that, you’re a best friend to a lost child, sometime psychiatrist, domestic counselor, a careful listener, a split second decider in tactical situations, a diplomat, a minister, a guidance counselor, an information booth and unfortunately a grief counselor at times. The pay is short and the hours are long but the local police are the “thin blue line” that keeps us safe. Best wishes to the CCPD!