15. May 2026
When You Say Thank You
Living in the Spotlight as a Police Officer
Anytime I pass by a copper, whether I’m in my truck or on foot, I observe how they’re doing. Do they need assistance? Is there a problem? Can I help?
Invariably the answer is no. They’re fine and don’t need anything from me, outside of leaving them alone and not doing anything stupid. And for the most part, I comply.
The one thing we police have come to expect is to be the center of attention, regardless of anything else. It’s rare for a cop to come onto a scene and not have all eyes focused on them. And in today’s society, they can expect to be recorded, also, whether it’s by cell phone or their own body cams.
It’s something we’ve had to get used to: being in the spotlight.
From Chicago to Bridgeview
I now work in Bridgeview, Illinois, just outside of Chicago’s southwest side, after 31 years on the job in the big city.
Our chief, also a former Chicago guy, likes to explain to the new Bridgeview coppers that we get waved at—but with all five fingers, meaning the residents still like the police. When we worked in Chicago, that was not the case.
Yes, for the record, I was flipped off plenty of times. More notably, gang signs were “thrown” my way.
But also, for the record, there were times when I was alone with residents and they would mutter under their breath, so as not to be heard by nearby ne’er-do-wells, that they appreciated all that the police were doing to free their neighborhood from the plague of gangs.
Why Saying “Thank You” Matters
In Bridgeview, the officers are recognized by an appreciative populace who like to wave and say hi.
And that is really what I wanted to express to everyone who might be reading this, who isn’t in law enforcement or a first responder—that saying thank you means a lot to us.
When you tell officers that you appreciate their service, it brightens their day.
We all make sacrifices, but first responders consistently make significant sacrifices, and more importantly, our families and loved ones make those same sacrifices right alongside us.
And let’s not forget about our children, who don’t have any choice in the matter.
The Family Sacrifices Behind the Badge
Yes, I’ve missed a boatload of birthday parties and other occasions, sports, school activities, and family moments.
Sure, it was hard on me, but more importantly, my kids didn’t have their father there during those times.
My kids are great, and I know they would tell you it’s no big deal, but is that because they got used to my not being there? Did they grow into not expecting me to be there?
I certainly wanted to be there, and I often explained this to them. But looking back, I imagine those words probably sounded hollow.
Nevertheless, they were true. So very true.
And I’m sure every first responder feels the same way.
The Weight of Choosing Law Enforcement
As I look back on things now, I’m sorry I missed all of those special occasions.
But if I had to make those decisions all over again, I’d probably do as I did before—with maybe a few exceptions.
I know my kids deserved better. My mom and dad and ex-wife, too.
It’s too bad that my wanting to help, to be of assistance to people in need, to be a first responder, required choices with such withering consequences for the people I love.
Does that make me selfish?
I’m sure there are those who would say it does. And on some level, I’d probably agree.
After all, entering law enforcement was a choice. I could have pursued a different career path.
But I didn’t.
And perhaps I was a little naïve when I made that decision back in 1986 to become a cop.
But even after nearly 40 years, I’d make the same choice all over again.
So the question still remains: did my choice make me selfish on some level?
If so, I beg those I love to understand and forgive me.
To Those Who Say Thank You
So remember, when you say “thank you for your service” to a cop, firefighter, or other first responder, you just might ease a little of the guilt we carry for the absences and worry our loved ones endure while we try to keep the lid on the chaos boiling in the streets.
Thank you for taking the time and making the effort to express your gratitude.
It is greatly appreciated.
— Dave Case
