Turning tragedy into a positive outcome

Editor, The Times:

On Oct. 31, a childhood friend of mine was murdered. Seattle Police Officer Timothy Brenton was shot to death, and his partner, Officer Britt Sweeney, was injured in a senseless act of violence [“Threat to cops made 9 days before slaying,” page one, Nov. 5].

The community is outraged and mournful. But instead of allowing this event to become a tragic distraction in our busy lives, we need to turn our distress into a call for action, to reflect on the work that officers do, and to support them and their families on a daily basis.

We talk about supporting our troops overseas, of the horrors they witness, and create assistance programs for them after their tours of duty. What we tend to forget is that we have heroes in uniform on our own front lines, within our communities.

They face horrors, hostility, fears and life-threatening situations every day — for years, for careers — so that we don’t have to, and they usually do it without recognition in a society that has historically prided itself in rebelling against authority in any form.

Imagine a shift in these officers’ shoes: First on the scene to a multiple-vehicle accident, or to a gang-related fatality, perhaps overworked or missing holidays with their children. Then maybe you will feel grateful that these men and women have chosen to do it for you, so you can rest safely in your bed tonight.

They deserve our appreciation, respect and compassion, and they deserve it every day, not just following a horrific event such as Officer Brenton’s death.

Take a moment, regularly, to appreciate our officers.

Support them with a thank you, a yes vote in a ballot box to increase their resources, a cup of coffee, or especially a smile. Look them in the eyes and smile, just as you would to your doctor, your child’s teacher, your neighborhood firefighter.

Make a difference in the lives of law-enforcement officers. They give their lives making a difference in ours.

— Nicole Setunsky, Tacoma