Police Officers Are People Too—No Training Can Prepare Us For What We See

More Stories like:

“I didn’t enjoy writing tickets, but you didn’t know.

I cried when I found your daughter lying in a ditch, high on meth, but you didn’t know.

I was devastated when I found the 32-year-old veteran dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, but you didn’t know.

I missed my kids birthdays, school plays, and family trips because I had to work, but you didn’t know.

Advertisement

I had nightmares about the 2-year-old I found crushed under a truck tire while mom was inside buying dope, but you didn’t know.

I really struggled with EVERY death notification I made to a family about their loved one, but you didn’t know.

I was never comfortable at social gatherings because with the things I’ve seen, I can’t trust anyone, but you didn’t know.

I’ve seen things you could never even imagine, but you didn’t know.

Advertisement

I really didn’t like putting people in jail, but you didn’t know.

My job was hard on my family, but you didn’t know.

I had problems, just like everyone else, but you didn’t know.

I thought Whiskey and Jesus were the only two that understood me, but you didn’t know.

Advertisement

The next time you see an officer, or any first responder, remember that they are people first and there is no training in the world that prepares them for the things they see and do on a daily basis. SUPPORT THE BLUE.”

police officer sitting with head in hands
Courtesy of Mike Walley

This story was submitted to Love What Matters by Mike Walley. Be sure to subscribe to our free email newsletter for our best stories.

Read more powerful stories like this:

‘He got shot, didn’t he?’ I looked out the blinds, waiting for the police to pull up. Finally, 2 men got out.’: Wife loses police officer husband in line of fire on his day off

Advertisement

‘She held his hand and told him she loved him. It’s quite possible she’s the first person to ever utter those words to this poor man.’: Police officer comforts elderly man in his final days after lifetime of ‘poverty, loneliness’

Do you know someone who could benefit from reading this? SHARE this story on Facebook with family and friends.

Subscribe to our Living Better newsletter.

Your ultimate guide for actionable insights, evidence-backed advice, and captivating personal stories propelling you towards a more fulfilling life.

    Join our newsletter.

    Captivating stories. Actionable insights. Evidence-backed advice.

      Unsubscribe at any time.

      Join our newsletter.

      Captivating stories. Actionable insights. Evidence-backed advice.

        Unsubscribe at any time.

        Copyright © 2025 Love What Matters. All Rights Reserved.
         Share  Tweet
        Logo

        Looks like your ad blocker is on.

        ×

        We rely on ads to keep creating quality content for you to enjoy for free.

        Please support our site by disabling your ad blocker.

        Continue without supporting us

        Choose your Ad Blocker

        • Adblock Plus
        • Adblock
        • Adguard
        • Ad Remover
        • Brave
        • Ghostery
        • uBlock Origin
        • uBlock
        • UltraBlock
        • Other
        1. In the extension bar, click the AdBlock Plus icon
        2. Click the large blue toggle for this website
        3. Click refresh
        1. In the extension bar, click the AdBlock icon
        2. Under "Pause on this site" click "Always"
        1. In the extension bar, click on the Adguard icon
        2. Click on the large green toggle for this website
        1. In the extension bar, click on the Ad Remover icon
        2. Click "Disable on This Website"
        1. In the extension bar, click on the orange lion icon
        2. Click the toggle on the top right, shifting from "Up" to "Down"
        1. In the extension bar, click on the Ghostery icon
        2. Click the "Anti-Tracking" shield so it says "Off"
        3. Click the "Ad-Blocking" stop sign so it says "Off"
        4. Refresh the page
        1. In the extension bar, click on the uBlock Origin icon
        2. Click on the big, blue power button
        3. Refresh the page
        1. In the extension bar, click on the uBlock icon
        2. Click on the big, blue power button
        3. Refresh the page
        1. In the extension bar, click on the UltraBlock icon
        2. Check the "Disable UltraBlock" checkbox
        1. Please disable your Ad Blocker
        2. Disable any DNS blocking tools such as AdGuardDNS or NextDNS

        If the prompt is still appearing, please disable any tools or services you are using that block internet ads (e.g. DNS Servers).