I saw this and could not find the original author but was the true esense of first responders and felt inspired to post it.
I have pulled dead, mangled bodies from cars.
I have lied to people as they were dying.
I said you are going to be fine as I held their hand and watched the life fade out.
I have held dying babies.
Bought lunch for people who were mentally ill and haven’t eaten in a while.
I have had people try to stab me.
Fought with men trying to shoot me.
I’ve been attacked by women while I was arresting their husband who had just severely beat them.
I have held towels on bullet wounds.
Done CPR when I knew it wouldn’t help just to make family members feel better.
I have torn down doors, fought in drug houses.
Chased fugitives through the woods.
I have been in high-speed car chases.
Foot chases across an interstate during rush hour traffic.
I have been in crashes.
Waded through large angry crowds by myself.
Drove like a madman to help a fellow officer.
Let little kids who don’t have much sit in my patrol car and pretend they are a cop for their birthday.
I have missed Christmas and other holidays more than I wanted to.
Every cop I know has done all these things and more for lousy pay, exhausting hours, and a short life expectancy.
We don’t want your pity, I don’t even ask for your respect.
Just let us do our jobs without killing us.