Each year in May, communities throughout the country take time to reflect on the important work our nation’s law enforcement officers perform.
This week, as we observe National Law Enforcement Week, we find the annual event especially poignant, coming as it does so soon after the death of two officers with a combined 76 years in law enforcement.
Lowndes County Constable Willie “Hoot” West, 81, died from injuries sustained in May 6 car accident while on duty. West had served as constable for an incredible 52 years. The day before his accident, Biloxi police officer Robert McKeithen, 57, and a 24-year veteran of the BPD, was gunned down outside the Biloxi police station in a crime that shocked the entire state.
Those two deaths remind us that law enforcement can be dangerous work and, often, misunderstood work as well.
Veteran law enforcement officers will tell you that, for the most part, their work bears little resemblance to the depictions we typically see on TV or in movies. And when it does, it’s widely considered to be the worst part of their work rather than anything glamorous.
The truth is, most officers will never fire their service weapon during their careers. Furthermore, that’s just the way they like it.
The lion’s share of a law enforcement officer’s work involves the daily tedium of patrol or investigation or serving the public in general ways that doesn’t make compelling TV, but is vitally important to the health and safety of their communities.
In recent years, the image of law enforcement has taken a beating from some corners.
But each day, thousands of law enforcement officers serve our communities honorably, often in the face of mistrust and unfair criticism.
We salute our law enforcement during this special week for all the mundane yet important work they do, and the grim and dangerous work they may be called to do at a moment’s notice.
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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