Civil Society

The other day, my dogs were barking incessantly as they often do when someone dares walk past their house. I took a look and saw a woman, obviously homeless, who had her bike and probably everything she owns with her. She had stopped and sat to rest near my side yard. I thought nothing of it … she was causing no harm and my heart went out to her. Well, apparently, someone in the neighborhood had called the police, because the next time I took a look from my upstairs balcony, I saw two patrol cars and two officers talking to the woman. This is when my heart was really tugged. Both of these officers were so kind and compassionate to her. They offered to put her bike on the back of the truck and take her somewhere where she could have a meal, clean up, and get the help she so obviously needed. She refused their help, even though they were trying to persuade her. Eventually, she got back on her bike and rode down the hill, and the officers left.

I am writing this because I want our community to know and appreciate the good officers that we have securing our safety. Both of these gentlemen were so obviously genuinely concerned about this woman’s welfare, it warmed my heart.

So the next time you see one of our SBPD officers out and about, how about saying a simple “thank you” for the job they do, which unfortunately does not get the recognition it deserves. These men and women put their lives on the line every day for us, much like our firefighters, much like our soldiers in the military. Unsung heros.

In this world we live in, where everyone is so quick to complain and criticize, how about we start being just as quick to say a simple thank you, give a smile. it goes a long way. Thank you, SBPD, for all your hard work, for your courage, and for the compassion and kindness I witnessed just the other day.