Nolie’s Nook – Respect And Honor For Men And Women In Blue

Nolanne Rust

by Nolanne Rust

A little over a week ago, I started my column about how great our sense of community in Oskaloosa is.

This week, I want to bring praise to a part of any community that hardly ever goes unnoticed; but not always in a positive light, and rarely ever with full credit on a day-to-day basis.

That part is our police department.

Now, I don’t have a lot of personal experience with police departments. I was raised in a much smaller town that had 1 police officer, which means large portions of the days there wasn’t any patrol. But I do know that at some point in my adult life, respect and honor towards the men and women in blue (black and brown as well) has taken a horrible turn. I think it’s safe to blame media for part of it. I also believe a lack of responsibility for our own actions and disrespect for authority in general plays a large role.

But, regardless of anyone’s reasoning for ill feeling toward our law enforcement, I think it can be agreed that our Oskaloosa Police Department is giving an exceptional effort of getting involved in the community and bringing positivity to residents, groups, and our children that are doing good deeds and just being good citizens.

This is what our children need, to see praise for their good actions, but also respect from and for police officers. This positivity is doing wonders for a generation in a world that is forcing negativity.

Now, I know a ticket for free ice cream isn’t going to solve the world’s problems, but it can create a communication and an admiration that is so needed. We need our citizens to see the positive interaction. We desperately need our friends to know that they can go to the department for help.

The phrase “when you see something, say something” comes to mind often. We need to see that connection and feel secure in our voices being heard- but not only when we see bullying or abuse. We also need to speak up when we see acts of love and good deeds. I’ve seen so many “somethings” from our police department over the past few months especially. I’ve seen them taking the time to interact with our children. I’ve seen them show up at events to offer support and camaraderie. I’ve seen them do so many things outside of their contracts and even outside of their on-duty hours.

I think we, as a community, need to say something:
Thank an officer when you see them. Start at home by teaching your children to respect your authority so they don’t have a problem doing so later in life. Own your responsibility as a citizen and your consequences when you don’t follow them.

I don’t want to sugarcoat a situation that may be hard for some people, I wholeheartedly believe there are “bad cops” in America. And I am deeply sorry for anyone that has had to deal with that. But it’s not everyone. And we can NOT put blame and disregard on the people putting their lives at risk for ours.

Last week I stated that for every bad person in Oskaloosa, there are 10 good ones. We can’t hold the 10 accountable for what the 1 does. And our Oskaloosa PD is far more than the 10. Give them some credit.

Choose kind, spread love, and support blue lives.

Posted by on Jun 30 2019. Filed under Editorial, Local News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

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