One Day Set Aside to Thank Law Enforcement Doesn't Seem Adequate

Plus a call to our elected officials on this Law Enforcement Appreciation Day

Policing is a thankless job. Officers stand between us and chaos, defend our God-given rights, save lives, and protect the most defenseless among us. We put so many of our collective problems on their shoulders and expect perfection from them. All while taking them for granted and doing relatively little to support them.

We need to do better by police officers year-round.

For Civilians

Please take a moment to send a letter of gratitude to your local police department today. And don’t be shy about extending your thanks to officers when you see them on the street. They do value (and need) your shows of appreciation and validation.

You might also want to consider purchasing a law enforcement license plate if available in your state, or working with your state legislators to get a bill passed to create one. That’s what we did here in Wisconsin. The proceeds from ours benefits the families of heroes who lost their lives in the line of duty.

(I’m updating my free e-book Defending the Defenders which is packed with vetted ideas on how to support your local police. I plan to make it available to you later this year.)

More importantly, I ask that you help me lobby for pro-police and -public safety bills in the coming year. Solid bills are already being introduced at both the federal and state levels (I had a productive conversation with a Utah state senator yesterday), which I’ll be diving deeper on in an upcoming post. We can change the trajectory we’re on but only if you get involved.

Concerns of Police Survivors (COPS) also has some ideas on how to give back to our heroes today.

For Elected Officials

While it’s great that many of you are showing your appreciation on social media today, we need more from you than memes and sentiments. At least some of you posting your thanks today never co-sponsored key federal bills in the 118th Congress.

I encourage you to read my new op-ed, which summarizes your lackluster performance on this issue and that urges you to perform better in 2025.

Some may argue that attempting to pass meaningful legislation while not in power would have been futile. This time, however, the party of law and order has no excuses. With both chambers soon to be led by Republicans, we’re in a prime position to ensure meaningful legislation is made available for the president’s signature.

- From my newest op-ed, Can Republicans Save Policing?

I also offer my prayers for the people, pets, and wildlife being impacted by the devastating wildfires in California. Our shared humanity should always be greater than politics. Nobody deserves this.

It’s also appropriate, however, to point out the gross incompetence of elected officials. The onus for this suffering is on them, and they deserve to be called out. Tragically, this level of governance occurs not just in California, but in pockets throughout the country, and it’s costing lives.

Much more to come in my next post. Please stay safe and keep the faith. We’ve got this. : )

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For the Blue is a solutions-based initiative. I’m just an American patriot asking questions. I don’t work with any political party and I answer to nobody. For me, the health of the nation, due process (including for police officers), the rule of law, and respect for individual liberties, will always transcend party affiliation. I welcome your thoughts, even if you disagree; though personal attacks will be ignored. You can reach me at fortheblue@substack.com.