Behind the Badge
How many of us know someone who was injured on duty and was off of work for an extended period of time?
Now, think about how many times you called that person or sent them a text message to see how they were doing. Probably not often, or at all. Over the years, I’ve been guilty of not making that call also.
Recently I got to thinking about this and I wondered why we don’t call our fellow brothers and sisters in uniform when they get hurt. I’m sure a buddy calls, but what about the rest of us?
No one wants to be injured and away from work, but it happens to cops and firefighters all of the time.
More often than not, they sit at home frustrated with their injury, worker’s comp and the city. They do all of this alone, with no word from their chief, immediate supervisor or fellow officers. It’s as if they have been forgotten by everyone.
They deserve better, and we need to make an effort to show them they matter when they’re injured. Anything can happen on the street, which means you could be the next cop or firefighter injured while doing the job you love.
Just something to think about.
Editor’s Note: John Roman is a traffic officer for an Orange County police agency who writes a blog, Badge 415 (www.badge415.wordpress.com). His posts focus on the human side of police work and safety tips. Roman, a cop for more than 20 years, has handled more than 5,000 accidents as a collision investigator. BehindTheBadgeOC.com shares some of his columns.
