LETTER: Thank the police for all they do

Standing between the citizens and evil are the men and women of law enforcement who protect our citizens from those whose appetite for evil knows no bounds.

My heart is heavy for the families of Scotty Richardson and Sandy Rogers. I ache as well for the surviving officers and employees of the Aiken Department of Public Safety, many of whom I know on a very personal level. They serve with honor, bravery and distinction. My prayer for you is that there will be a brighter tomorrow filled with hope, healing and a renewed dedication to the service of this community.

While Scotty and Sandy are gone, they shall never be forgotten by the families, fellow officers, deputies and all the men and women who serve in this profession. While we are a family of many, yet we are one. We will cry together, laugh together and heal together. We should all honor them for how they lived as well as how they died, for they served well. They gave aid to those who were helpless, lifted those who had fallen and gave comfort to many who were afraid

I hope that we all learn from these tragic events and that the citizens of Aiken will humbly give thanks and honor to those fallen officers who gave their lives defending this community's way of life.

A simple thank you from you, the citizen, goes a very long way to lift the spirit of that officer who has just endured a tragic loss or witnessed a senseless act. I urge everyone from this day forward, to thank your law enforcement and public safety professionals every time you see one. For you never know when you may need their care.

Dwayne Courtney

Aiken