A/N: I saw this video (above) over a year ago, and I've recently decided to make another version of it. This one is written from a LEO wife's perspective. Here's one I wrote from a citizen's perspective.
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Dear Officer,
I see you.
I see you regularly patrol my local streets.
I see you pulled over on the side of the road on what some may call a "routine" traffic stop.
I see the solemn look on your face as we drive past an accident scene, wishing the outcome would have been different.
I see you rush past with sirens blaring and lights flashing on route to a 911 call.
I see you get criticized by the media and people on the Internet all the time.
I see you go out into the community everyday to make it a better and safer pace to live, regardless of what many may think.
I see you put everyone else's needs above your own, giving the true defintion of what it means to protect and serve.
I see all these things, but some citizens don't see it. They don't see what it's really like as a first responder.
Little do many citizens know how much you would and have already given for me and them.
They don't see how you can go from sitting in your patrol vehicle, eating lunch to running down a dark alley in a mere second to help someone in danger.
They don't see you miss your child's birthday parties and family gatherings to protect the community.
They don't see the real, daily trauma you go through.
They don't see you desperately performing CPR on a precious, little child, as her parents watch her turn blue.
They don't see that life you tried to save, but couldn't.
They don't see you go home at the end of the day, truly thankful to be alive.
They don't see you hug you kids and kiss your wife, because what you saw today made you realize how short life really is.
They don't see you eating at a restaurant with your back against the wall, because you know anything can happen.
They don't see you holding back the truth from your family because you didn't have the heart to tell them how close you were to not coming home tonight.
They don't see the nightmares you have, after a close call.
They don't see that deep breath you take when suiting up in the morning.
They don't see you in silence, mourning the loss of your recently fallen brother or sister in blue.
They don't see all of the hard work you've gone through from the academy until now.
They don't see the millions of people you have contacted that have ended great.
They don't see the professional restraint you show when something turns bad.
All they saw is a viral police brutality video on the internet or news story that might not show all of the facts. And now they're the experts on the topic, prejudging every officer in their local streets.
Although many people don't understand the things you do, you keep going. I know you're not looking for recognition. You're just trying to make the world a better place.
Why? Because you care. You chose to protect me, my family, and my community. You don't have to wonder if you've ever made a difference. Even if you've never saved a life, you still make a difference. Because if your heart's in the right place, that's really all that matters.
I see you and every sincere police officer across America, trying to keep it together. You're a hero to me! Don't lose hope in society. Remember, there are many out there, like me, who still have faith in the police and what they do.
I'm praying for you and police officers all across the country, because now more than ever I know we need it.
I see you and the difference you make as a police officer. I care. I back the blue.
Stay safe and watch your six. And from the bottom of my heart I say thank you!
Sincerely,
A young, police-supporting citizen
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