Every Friday and Saturday night, you can rest assured my television will be tuned into Live PD.

The television series on A&E follows law enforcement agencies throughout the country, giving viewers an inside look at what the law enforcement officers encounter while on patrol.

Yes, I have become personally invested in the officers, know their names, and silently worry as they go about their shift. I am just a viewer.  I cannot imagine what it must feel like for a wife, son, daughter, mother, or father, of an officer to see their loved ones leave home to face the unknown.  Especially now, as tensions are high across the board, these officers must operate with a higher level of alertness,  calmness, and resolve.

Sunday afternoon, I was saddened to hear of two officers in Baton Rouge who were shot following a four-hour standoff with a homicide suspect.  One officer, a 21 year veteran of the force, lost his life.  The other remains in critical condition.

Today, a man opened fire on two officers in Chandler, Arizona.  One officer was shot and has since been released from the hospital.

Two acts of violence against our officers within 24 hours.  It makes you stop and think, doesn’t it?  I know I did.

On my way to work this morning, I saw a Ridgeland Police Officer, a Jackson Police Officer, and a Natchez Trace Parkway Ranger.  I see them every single day, but today, the feeling was a little different.  I felt moved to offer a small tribute to each one who serves to protect us.

As you go about your day, please keep our men and women on the front lines in your prayers, and when you see an officer, thank them for their service.

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