In light of recent national events, I want to take the time to recognize my dad and his coworkers. This is not a post declaring a right or wrong or a display of evidence, but rather a time to give respect where respect is deserved.
For over 30 years, my dad has worked at the local police department. He has gone through the ranks to become Major Wallace, has graduated from the FBI Academy, and has become a man that his department will always respect. Since I can remember, my dad has worked odd hours, coming home exhausted only to get ready for his own shift. He has suffered injuries, accumulated scars, and toughed out excruitating days. He has sacrificed more than I will ever know to keep his hometown safe.
His day does not end after he punches his card. He then drives home, only to make supper or help me with my homework, all before Andy Griffith locks up Otis Campbell yet again. See, Major Wallace not only wears a badge, but also a worn out "dad" T-shirt.
A cop's duty never ends. No matter what the time of day, they are expected to monitor our safety. Many times, my family and I have witnessed a wreck on our way home from vacation. Though we were in a different state, my dad didn't hesitate to act. He stayed with those involved until more help arrived, even if it meant standing in the cold winter air. Whatever the cost, he payed it.
As I have grown older, I have realized just how little society values law enforcement officers. The moment we see red and blue flashing lights, we groan, wondering what exactly happened to that cop that made him pull me over. Truth is, we will never realize what they have gone through. What we see as a slightly higher speed, they see as a future accident. We see a small shoplifting, they see a future record of wrongdoing. We see a jail cell and a "busted" ad in the paper, they see a safer neighborhood. These officers, though seemingly "mean" and "unfair" are actually looking out for us, our safety, and our happiness.
We simply do not give police officers the credit they deserve. From responding to 911, running into Sandy Hook school, or being the first on the scene of a car crash, they never retreat at the face of danger. They don't throw their hands in the air, claiming that their shift is over. They run into the scene, leaving no victim unprotected.
As a policeman's daughter, it kills me to see my dad and his coworkers tormented for doing their duty. They are paid far less than their efforts are worth, see far more than we can ever imagine, and keep a smile on their face regardless. They miss their child's birthday parties, chorus concerts, and college visits to keep other people's families safe. They wear patches over their injured eyes, boots on their sprained feet, and casts on their broken arms. They do things every day that we aren't willing to even imagine.
Forget Batman. Forget Superman. Forget capes, fancy suits, and tights. My superhero wears a badge. My superhero is my dad.