Police commissioners ask sympathy for officers

The Police Commissioners Association of Connecticut was formed, in part, with the goal of fostering better public understanding and appreciation of the role of law enforcement officers.

That goal has never been more important than in today’s society, where police are asked to do more than at any other time in our nation’s history. Police officers are tasked with enforcing our laws, but they do much more than that.

In many locations, police officers act as social workers, community organizers, counselors, protectors, mediators and even medical care providers. The police are there with us during some of the worst moments of our lives, and are then asked to clear out and move on to the next call.

This is not an easy job, and not everyone can do it. The work takes a toll on anyone who would endeavor to be a police officer, yet every year there is a new crop of recruits eager to help the communities in which they live and work.

When we hear of tragedies like the recent suicides of police officers in Connecticut, we think of how often we take our police for granted. We all expect to pick up the phone and have help arrive when we need it, without necessarily considering the person who is tasked with our assistance.

The Police Commissioners Association of Connecticut asks that we all take a moment to appreciate the officers who put themselves in harm’s way in order to protect us, and to please keep those who have sacrificed all in our thoughts.

Chip Rubenstein, first vice president Gary Canapinno, executive secretary Police Commissioners Association of

Connecticut