Editor
I was in a car accident on Jan. 4 at 12:20 p.m., by the police station. An officer attended the scene. When he gave me my file number, I was shocked.
I was #179!
We were 84 hours into 2021 and our RCMP already have 179 files.
I asked him, how they could possibly keep up with 179 files in 3.5 days?
Sadly, I don’t remember the exact wording of our conversation, but I brought up the negativity that exists toward police and the work they do. How they do “nothing,” are lazy, and don’t attend calls. I stood there wondering ‘Why?’
Why would ANYONE want to be a police officer in this day and age?
It must be incredibly difficult to hear the negative comments, deal with the lack of respect, as well as witness some of the horrors their job entails. Nevermind, the mounds of paperwork, severe shortage of officers (43 to be exact), and a broken justice system.
Police officers put their lives on the line everyday, to protect and serve our community. I stood there looking at the officer, with a lump in my throat, knowing that he shows up for work everyday, despite the constant negativity. They are all heroes as far as I’m concerned.
I want to say “thank you,“ to each and every RCMP officer serving our community.
You are respected, valued and appreciated, more than you know.
Sue Austin
Penticton