Do we appreciate our police and firefighters as much as we should?

Question

Over the weekend two police officers in Odessa, Texas, were shot and killed while responding to a domestic disturbance. They are just two of the latest officers to die in the line of duty.

On this anniversary of 9/11 we remember the hundreds of firefighters who responded to the fires in the World Trade Center, many of whom were killed.

Yet each year many more firefighters risk their lives in less obvious emergencies, and some die in the line of duty.

Do we thank them as much as we should? Do we respect the risks they take? Could we do more?

For relaxedriley and any others who might question where this question is coming from: I'm ex-military and work in news media. My work puts me in almost daily contact with both firefighters and police. Many of the challenges they face are similar, and they often go unappreciated by the public. Many firefighters, of course, are volunteer firemen. Pay is nonexistent for them. Both firefighters and law enforcement take risks far beyond anything I took in military service. Unquestionably, they are human, and there are both good and bad people in both professions. But I put them together for a reason. Both are emergency response forces. Both protect a public that at times is unappreciative of the protection. I've gotten traffic tickets--didn't like it much. But the cops were doing their jobs. Firefighters saved my house about 17 years ago. Yes, I thanked them for it. I also thanked the cops who gave me the tickets. Both were protecting me.

This comment is for anyone who thinks police don't face dangers as much as firefighters. Domestic disturbances are one of the most common calls police get. When a cop responds to one it's like going to a fire. They don't know what they are getting into. Often they are extremely dangerous. I know of a case near where I live where a man called in a domestic disturbance and then ambushed the police who responded with high powered rifles and other weapons. He killed two sheriff's deputies and a trooper and wounded two other police officers who responded before he killed himself.

Going to any call where you don't know the people and where alcohol or drugs may be a factor is like responding to a fire in a bomb factory.

Good responses so far. Anyone notice some prejudice against police officers? So did I.

Answer 1

As the wife of a police officer, I can tell you that cops don't get nearly the amount of respect they deserve. I honestly believe that firefighters and soldiers don't either. Recently, in my hometown, which is teeming with drug and gang-related violence, the City Council has dismissed 2 firefighters and 2 police officers to use that money toward other things (City Parks, etc.). Can you believe that? Many people have no idea what police officers do. They think that their only job is to pull people over and write them tickets. They have no idea how many domestic disturbances they go to, how many drunk drivers they catch to make the roads safe for us to drive on and how they patrol our streets night after night making sure it is safe for us to sleep in our warm, cozy beds. Not to mention, who do they think solved the crimes that go to court? My husband was an Undercover Narcotic's Officer, and he has been in terribly dangerous situations where I prayed to God to please let him come home safe at night. If anyone is confused about what it is that cops actually do, they should ask their local police department or sheriff's department to go on a ride-along. Most places still do that. Most people would be shocked by what they see.

Answer 2

You stated your case very well. I agree with you that they aren't recognized enough. I live in a small town where the chief of police has instructed the police to be more friendly. When we are taking a walk and they are patrolling the neighborhood, they will stop a second just to say "Hi". During the summer they put on a free picnic at the park for anyone who wanted to come. They even had a dunk booth!
Most people are in fear of the police. But I thought that everyone loved firemen.

Either way you look at it, these men and women have chosen a profession that is to protect and serve their community. Without them, there would be total chaos.

Maybe we should have a special day of appreciation for those who serve us.

Answer 3

Do we appreciate rescue personnel enough? Absolutely not.

This question comes from the right place. Let us not forget the NYPD police officers who also responded to the World Trade Center and were killed. It is disappointing that it is mainly the firefighters who are recognized for the response. In addition to the police and firefighters, many other private citizens responded to help. They must too be recognized.

For a fire fighter, paramedic, or police officer, a heartfelt "thank you", at a call or in passing, is usually enough to keep us going.

Answer 4

I think this is a bs question. (sorry) First off throwing them in the same catagory is bs. Firefighters get tons of respect. So yes for them as far as i am concerned. Then again, is that emotional respect translated into the kind of respect you can see? I dont know. As for cops....it goes both ways. Some people give them no respect, other people give them way too much. But then again, speaking in generalities as large and indefined as these is bs in general.

Answer 5

Not nearly enough respect rescue personnel for the work they do. The fact that these brave guys and gals get treated so poorly by some, yet they continue to put their own lives at risk to ensure the safety of strangers (even those who criticize them) is truly awe inspiring.

These people don't get enough thanks, and sadly,many departments are stuck with small budgets & low pay, and have to put up with idiots we see on "Cops" everyday, or run into burning buildings; yet they still continue their work. Again, inspiring in my book.

Answer 6

The majority of firefighters in this world are volunteer. Thank them all and the police and maybe even the 911 dispatcher who sent them there and was the first to comfort you in your time of crisis.

Answer 7

I think that every job has its risks, and yes, I believe that they are recognized and appreciated. I think that they are paid well, because I know of a lot of people that have wanted to get in, but the waiting list is long to become a firefighter, and get paid,in our town and the surrounding area. I know that they make really good money and retirement. I think the police are paid different wages, depending on where they live, but in that situation , there are cops that treat the community like it is their enemy, rather than a group of people that they are hired to support. I have seen a lot of cops with really bad attitudes, and they are very devious, and crooked. But the Good cops I think are recognized and appreciated. I know that I always donate to the policemans ball and the firefighters ball. I think around here they have it pretty good.

Answer 8

Of course not. People usually think of them as nervous folks who actually never do their job. In our country, many firefighters died because of a big fire(no, not the one in Greece). They saved many lives. They r sort of soldiers. And we should appreciate them for risking their lives every day when on duty.

xoxo

Answer 9

No. I wish it were different. These particular professions enjoy very low wages, criticism that is over the top, and yet they are the front line protectors of the Bill of Rights.

Answer 10

I think we do thank and love our firefighters enough but police officers are not