"I have pulled dead, mangled bodies from cars. I have lied to people as they were dying I said vou are going to be fine as I held their hand and watched the life fade out I have held dying babies. Bought Iunch for people who were mentally ill and haven't eaten in a while I have had people try to stab me. Fought with men trying to shoot me I've been attacked by women while I was arrestina their husband who had ust severelv beat them I have held towels on bullet wounds Done CPR when I knew it wouldn't help just to make family members feel better I have torn down doors, fought in drug houses. Chased fugitives through the woods. I have been in high-speed car chases Foot chases across an interstate during rush hour traffic I have been in crashes. Been squeezing the trigger about to kill a man when they came to their senses and stopped. Waded through large angry crowds by myself Drove like a madman to help a fellow officer. Let little kids who don't have much sit in my patrol car and pretend they are a cop for their birthday I have taken a lot of people to jail. Given manv breaks. Praved for people I don't even know. Yes, and at times I have been "violent" when I had to be. I have been kind when 1 could. I admit I have driven to some dark place and cried by myself when I was overwhelmed I have missed Christmas and other holidays more than I wanted to Every cop I know has done all these things and more for lousy pay, exhausting hours, and a short life expectancy We don't want your pity, I don't even ask for your respect. Just let us do our iobs without k*lling uS.