These are the stories of the American Police Veterans.
America made a promise to take care of those that have protected America. That promise wasn't broken. It was empty words. Some of those words were turned into laws, where they were ignored. America Thinks that retired and disabled law enforcement officers are living large at the expense of the taxpayer. Read their stories. Then decide for yourself. Who is paying the ultimate price for safe American communities.
There is an ongoing discussion among disabled police veterans that serves as the underlying theme of our fledgling American Police Veteran's Association. Should we tell our story? Should we tell America what really happened when we got injured in the line of duty? Should we warn current officers and their families of the peril and future that faces them? Shall we work to make life beyond the shield ... retirement, rather than the partnership of government and self imposed imprisonment. In my opinion, actions speak louder than words, but without words we are truly silent.
There is a real problem when we speak as individuals. We may be perceived as ungrateful for everything that our loyal and devoted public has done to support their law enforcement officers. The public thinks we are well taken care of with fat tax free pensions, free health insurance and other imaginary perks. They've given support of the police officers and firefighters that died on September 11. 1991 (or at least they know someone who did!) They know that our kids get free educations and we can make as much money as we want after retiring. Hell everyone wants that police or firefighter disability pension, so they'll be taken care of for life. Tax free pension, Social Security, ...ah life on the dole!
The only people that know the truth are afraid, reluctant or tired of the fight, the stress, or they have embraced the denial. The denial of the American Dream. Not only for them, but for their families!
I read the emails of former law enforcement officers that have battled themselves on the brink of suicide, but many still step back from the battle for life. I want to help them, but the truth is they posses the strength, the skills and the knowledge that will empower them. Everyone needs to make their own decisions and I respect that. However, everyone has to contribute something to making a different circumstance. Life beyond the shield is and will be what you make of it. The honest truth is that we've never really had a collective voice until now. We are a weak voice until we have a choir we will be heard. I'd urge you to look back to your days on the JOB and when we saw choir practice as a necessary and enriching experience. Explore your options. What do you want to get from your American Police Veterans experience and what will you give to achieve that result?
