Elisa Keener: Cops not heroes? Don’t tell that to my son

Re “Being a police officer doesn’t automatically make you a hero” (Letters online, March 30): To the gentleman who says cops are not heroes, their job is easy and crime is down – let me ask, are you an officer?

Maybe officers are not Captain America, with the heavy duty shield, but yes, they are heroes to many – especially their loved ones who saw your letter. They run to face the danger and threats to protect people like you. They have to do that while you get the “honor” of verbally tearing them down. Yes, our military is full of heroes, no doubt about that. Yet our officers are fighting a war over here. Believe me their job is not easy at all.

Crime being down? Well imagine if they didn’t leave their families to protect us how high crime would be. Do you want to do the job?

The next time you see an officer, ask their name. Ask about their day and shake their hand; tell them “thank you.” They might be saving your life one day.

I’m proud of MPD; they are heroes to many, and not just my son. Glad he has those amazing people to look up to!

This story was originally published April 5, 2016 at 12:56 PM with the headline "Elisa Keener: Cops not heroes? Don’t tell that to my son."