OT – The Real Thin Blue Line
No, I’m not talking about defense.
I’m talking about the real Blue Line, the one that keeps us all safe, secure, and accountable.
Our police constables.
This must be the toughest job in the world. You deal with murderers, thieves, sexual offenders all day. You witness horrific acts of violence. You witness the results of horrendous accidents. You deliver the bad news.
This is done at all hours, in all conditions, on every day.
For this service you are facing the possibility of violence every time you show up. And let’s be clear, these constables are not getting rich doing this job. In fact, more often than not, the wealthy they protect look upon them with contempt. How often are their livelihoods threatened by those with real wealth and power? How many late night traffic stops result in threats of violence and political interference?
I’m not trying to make Saints of these people, but let me be very clear in saying they are better than I.
Me deepest condolences go out to the family of slain Ottawa police officer Const. Eric Czapnik. My most sincere condolences go out to his brothers and sisters in arms, the Blue Line that defends us all, every hour of every day.
You are the finest examples of citizens in this nation, and I will never forget that, even late at night, when pulled over for a routine traffic stop.
GN
SenSay 
January 7, 2010 at 2:00 am
My condolences go out to his family as well.
January 7, 2010 at 12:03 pm
Good for you GN to say this.
My hear goes out to Czapnik’s family. Both his blood relatives, and his extended family of officers.
These people really are heroes. They could probably be a little more lax on the marijuana laws, if it were up to me, but there’s no denying that they put themselves in danger almost every time they strap on their gun & badge, and for that, I applaud them.
January 7, 2010 at 12:08 pm
Good post. Well said.
January 7, 2010 at 3:20 pm
THX all, I felt it needed to be said. I can’t tell you how much it bothers me when a const. gets killed, I’m not a cop, and don’t really know any, but having done some travel, I know how easily things can slip out of control, and they’re the thin edge of the wedge that protects us all from chaos.
In the grand scheme of things, our police service is absolutely incredible, and we are all VERY ucky to have them…although not perfect, the alternatives can be both brutal and destructive.
Rob, yeah, there are a lot of laws I’d like to have our politicians review, and change, drug laws one of them, but I don’t hold the police responsible for this, again, just like most of us here, they just take the crap for someone elses responsibility, the laws themselves.
GN