National Police Week occurs every May to honor America’s law enforcement community, with special recognition to those law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others.
We extend a sincere thank you to our law enforcement officers and the work they do to protect our communities and help keep us safe. It’s our privilege to humbly say thank you—for standing behind the badge and going beyond it, helping us all make every moment matter.
Police officers must often interact with the public during moments of crisis, during some of the most difficult times in a person’s life, for example, when an officer has saved a life, located a lost child or worked tirelessly to bring closure to a family and bring a perpetrator to justice. Most go into policing to help make a difference in our world.
Reflecting back
As I reflect back on my own law-enforcement career in the eighties and nineties, I appreciated the positive attitudes from the public toward policing in general, and especially toward me as an officer. I confess I did not have, like some, a lifelong desire to pursue a law-enforcement career. At a very young age, I recall telling those who asked that I wanted to be a policeman, but honestly, I think that may have been a popular answer at the time.
Michael McDonald in the academy, 1978
After a short stint at various jobs, I thought about applying for the State Police in Delaware. I didn’t consider other departments as my interest was generated by friends and acquaintances from high school who had chosen that department and seemed to enjoy it.
It wasn’t until I was out one evening with my wife that my casual interest turned more serious. Driving to a restaurant in Pennsylvania while running a little late for a dinner reservation, I ran a red light and was stopped by a Pennsylvania Trooper. The Trooper treated me politely and with respect and was empathetic to my situation. Even though he gave me a summons, he continued to be courteous and respectful. He even helped me find my intended destination. After the encounter, I recall thinking that he made an unpleasant situation a learning and growing experience. I thought to myself that I could do a job like that and shortly thereafter decided to apply for the next State Police recruit class.
I wasn’t hired the first time I applied. I recall the anxiety of waiting to learn if I was hired or not and, more specifically, the disappointment of learning I was instead an alternate for the 39th recruit class. I thought that perhaps this was a message that this job was not something I should pursue. I decided to try again, but also decided that if I didn’t make it on my second try, I would pursue another career. I later learned some officers would try up to five times to get in.
Fortunately, I made it into the next recruit class and had a very rewarding and enriching career. I always felt I was helping to make a positive impact. I was especially appreciative of the personal letters I received, recognizing the work I had done and the impact I had on those I dealt with. I felt enormous pride in wearing the uniform and serving my community. I never forgot the encounter with the Pennsylvania Trooper and tried to follow his example when dealing with people, especially teens and young adults. From my own experience, you never know whose life you are going to impact.
Would I do it all over again?
My response is always the same -“Absolutely, in a heartbeat!” I admire and appreciate the decision of those entering law enforcement today. I hope they love the job as much as I did and can answer that they, too, would do it all over again.
During this important week, let’s show our support for law enforcement officers in our community. Thank an officer for their service when you see one today. It’s a small gesture that goes a long way, demonstrating our appreciation to those protecting our life and liberties on a daily basis. While police officers and other first responders will always be heroes in my mind, it is important to recognize they don’t seek such a title.
Moving forward
We should be hopeful for the future because of our law enforcement heroes. We should be grateful for their service, not just during National Police Week, but every day because we benefit from the security of their priceless protection.
To all officers everywhere – thank you for making law enforcement your chosen profession. We honor and appreciate you and encourage you to continue the good work you do. Our wish is that today’s and tomorrow’s officers have a safe, rewarding and enjoyable career, just as I did.
For more information visit the National Police Week site.
