We all say we’re thankful for police officers, firefighters, paramedics, etc.
However, human nature often dictates we really don’t think about them unless we are the ones who need them or when an event occurs like the one in Athens during the past several days.
It’s a shame we don’t appreciate them when they’re here. I know the families of the men and women in this line of work are thankful each day because they are the ones there supporting them as they perform their tasks without nearly enough in return for what they do.
A friend and myself often joke about having to force ourselves to gear up for another work week each Sunday afternoon. Often times the massive workload awaiting us can be daunting and even stressful. Yet, as the spotlight stays on Athens-Clarke County police office Buddy Christian, I couldn’t help but think what he went through every time he got ready for duty. It wasn’t a once a week ordeal for him or something he faced every now and then. Every day this man more than likely had in the back of his mind the danger he might face. How could he not?
And how must the spouse of a police officer feel each day when their partner goes off to work? I can’t imagine what’s never completely from their mind. Will my partner be safe today? Will my partner walk back through the door of our home after this most recent tour of duty is over?
While I can sympathize with what it must be like, I really don’t know. It’s similar to those who make their career in the military. Underpaid, underappreciated and not thought of enough by their fellow citizens is what they must deal with. Oh, we try to keep them in our minds but human nature dictates we never think about them enough.
The turnout Sunday for Officer Christian was massive. For a society which never gives people in this line of work enough credit, enough praise or enough in the way of a paycheck, it was nice at least to see such a massive outpouring of respect.
Our thoughts turn today to this policeman’s family and his wife, a native of Barrow County in fact. In addition to his wife, Christian leaves behind two small children, who I can only hope were able to develop some lasting memories of their father who risked his life every time he went to work. I know his family will let his children know just what a brave man he was.
Now that the alleged criminal has been captured and the bright glare of the media spotlight dies away, I can only hope we remember what this man — and his family — sacrificed to keep all of us safe. A man whose main purpose in life was to help people, numerous reports have indicated. In fact, one family member said the policeman would have helped the man accused of killing him, if the criminal had only let him.
We go about our business this new week, focusing on work and other duties which we deem stressful. Yet, that stress can never equal what people in Christian’s line of work go through. I’m thankful they are willing to do it, because quite frankly I’m not sure I could. It’s a noble cause to be sure, but one which does not reap financial awards or many benefits, except for those you take from simply doing the job.
We remember this brave man and his family today, but here’s to hoping a week, month, year from now, we still remember. In five years how many of us who followed this story will be able to recall his name immediately? It’s a side of human nature, which may never change unfortunately. Our priorities are simply not in the right place I’m afraid.
Chris Bridges is editor of the Barrow Journal. You can reach him at cbridges@barrowjournal.com.
