After writing probably a few hundred columns over the years, I never expected to write a column underneath a pair of photos of a cop cooking a meal. But here we are and I couldn’t be happier to write this column.
While perusing Facebook Wednesday morning I came across a post from the Middletown, Connecticut, Police Department that was not just touching, but demonstrably showed that overwhelmingly the police, contrary to the liberal anti-police narrative, are not just about arrests but take seriously their roles as both community protectors and community service.
The following was Middletown Police Department’s post from June 23 that has since gone viral on Facebook:
“There is no such thing as a “routine” call for service on this job!
This evening, Officers responded to a residence to meet with a complaint who needed to talk to police. Upon arrival they were met by a male and sole occupant of the residence. He made it clear to officers he was having a rough week. He stated he didn’t know what to or want to cook, but kept saying he was hungry.
Without hesitation, Officer Andrew Brooks utilized the male’s garden, and the food he had in the house and made this gentleman dinner.
Sometimes a hot meal and someone to talk to is all it takes to lift someone’s spirits and change their perception on things.
Thank you for going above and beyond Officer Brooks!!!”
The post was accompanied by three photos with Officer Brooks talking to the man and then preparing dinner for him. That one post and accompanying photos spoke volumes about the true character and heart of most police officers.
It truly embodied the idea of “community policing.”
While this may be an unusual example, it is an important reminder as we enter a weekend of celebrating our freedom that a significant reason we are able to celebrate is the service the police provide and their selfless acts that frequently go unnoticed but should never be taken for granted.
For every story that we hear about a negative interaction with the police, I can guarantee there are thousands of other untold stories of officers serving their communities in a positive manner and in many instances, risking their own lives.
We saw an example of such here in Tennessee in Erin where BJ Brown, who is a suspect in an execution-style murder of a New Orleans woman, was pulled over in the town 65 miles west of Nashville. Upon being pulled over Brown shot an officer and a manhunt ensued. Brown was captured in a wooded area. Erin Police Chief Mark Moore placed Brown under arrest and used the wounded officer’s handcuffs. The wounded officer has since been released from the hospital.
Earlier in the week, Hendersonville Police Officer Cameron “Cole” Ferrell attempted to initiate a traffic stop on a van driven by Samuel Edwards. A chase ensued onto I-65 into Davidson County when Edwards began firing shots and struck Officer Ferrell. Charges of attempted first-degree murder and evading arrest were filed.
Tuesday, in Louisville, Kentucky, Edwards, who had an extensive criminal record, was located and killed in a shootout. Thankfully, Officer Ferrell, who was hospitalized, has been released and is expected to make a full recovery.
These are reminders of the extreme dangers police face in protecting us. Thankfully, not all interactions are as intense.
About a month ago, in my suburban Nashville neighborhood, police had stopped a car in front of our house and soon there was a knock on our door. The officer wanted to know if it was OK if they parked the vehicle of the person who was pulled over in our driveway. It seemed unusual, but the officer explained it was being driven by a young lady who was not licensed and instead of impounding the car, wondered if we would mind if they parked it there while her parents were on the way to retrieve it instead of impounding it. Of course we had no issue with that and within an hour her parents retrieved it and thanked us. Such interactions not only made us feel neighborly but demonstrated the professionalism and caring of our local police department.
We need to remember these kinds of interactions. It is too easy to focus on the rare, negative instances. We have too many willing to condemn police or seem convinced the police are some kind of occupying force.
Here in Nashville I am often left shaking my head at the so-called Community Oversight Board, which seems to be made up of police-hating social justice warriors intent on exacting harsh punishment on the police for any perceived misstep. The COB appears to view itself as experts on community policing and with a duty to exact revenge for perceived past misconduct. Thankfully, they only act in a quasi advisory role.
Obviously, the police aren’t perfect but we need to keep perspective, be mindful and appreciative of their willingness to selflessly serve and protect. Even if it means cracking an egg or two and providing a comforting and reassuring voice.
Dave Ruthenberg is a multiple award-winning columnist and Main Street Nashville opinion editor. Contact him at druthenberg@mainstreetmediatn.com.
