Saturday, January 9, 2016 is L.E.A.D. or Law Enforcement Appreciation Day. Due to the current realities in our society, stress levels of law enforcement officers are very high. I understand a small portion of the stress these fine law enforcement officers experience.

I am a Chaplain at the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office and an ordained minister. As a chaplain and minister, I help people to practice the laws of God; the law enforcement officers help people by protecting and enforcing the law of man. In both instances of rule keeping, people by their own human natures do not like keeping rules; therefore, rebellion and bad choices will often occur. Clergy encourages meaningful and purpose filled living as well as decisions concerning eternal life. The enforcement officer distinguishes between life and death also. His own life and others can be put into danger as they serve our community as the agent of law of the United States of America.

I am extremely proud of our local enforcement agents. I have had multiple opportunities to sit beside these officers in their patrol cars as they demonstrate their courage. They are always determined to be fair and courteous even when they are in situations where people have failed to practice the laws of the state and become rebellious. I have seen these officers go out of their way to defuse difficult situations while remaining calm.

I am not sure the last time you thanked an officer, but I am sure it is probably past due. Here are a few ideas you can implement into practice.

• See a police officer? Thank a police officer
• Send a card of support to your local police department or state agency.
• Share a positive story about a law enforcement experience on social media.
• Ask children to write letters in support to law enforcement agencies.

Most of all, please be courteous to these ladies and gentlemen as they enforce the laws of the State of Alabama.

Kindest Regards,

Chaplain R. A. Nix