January 9th is National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day (L.E.A.D.).

I admit a degree of bias–my late husband served in law enforcement for many years. I know how dedicated he and his fellow officers were to protecting and serving the public.

These men and women risk their lives for the safety of others. Of course, I recognize there are bad cops, just as there are bad writers, bad teachers, bad doctors, and bad fill-in-the-blanks. And when a bad cop–or a bad anything else–is discovered, they need to lose their job and be held accountable for their actions.

However, the vast majority of law enforcement officers are conscientious and dedicated. They make personal sacrifices for the benefit of those they serve. They care about everyone they protect, regardless of race, ethnicity, or anything else. They want to stop crimes, and when a crime occurs, police officers want to catch the perpetrator and see that person punished.

Today, show your support for law enforcement. You can follow some of the suggestions on the L.E.A.D. webpage. You can thank police officers, and you can pray for them.

O LORD God of Hosts, stretch forth, we pray thee, thine almighty arm to strengthen and protect the law enforcement officers of our country. We humbly beseech thee to bless them and give unto them the spirit of wisdom and understanding, that they may discern the truth, and impartially administer the law in the fear of thee alone; through him who shall come to be our Judge, thy Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen. (Adapted from the 1928 Book of Common Prayer)

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