Officers, citizens deserve thanks

We are blessed to live in a community where we have differences, but we also have unity.

A further blessing, which is very important, is that we have a city and county government that cares for its citizens and a police force that polices our community with pride, respect for citizens, training and discipline.

There have been incidences in our community where authorities could have used deadly force but didn’t and brought the suspect to justice without injury. To the brave men and women on our law enforcement, thank you. Thank you for making our community safe. We salute you. We can thank Sheriff Peterson, Chief of Police Papania and their predecessors for these professional organizations that we enjoy today.

The taking of any life — and especially black lives right now — without cause by authorities is despicable and should be rooted out. We respect our law enforcement enough to comply when stopped, guilty or not, and settle differences in court.

To all citizens and law enforcement: Thank you for adherence to the process of law and the way it is dispensed in our community. Our prayers to the law enforcement lives lost, not only in Dallas but anywhere. Dallas proved to us that these brave people risk their lives for ours.

This story was originally published July 16, 2016 at 9:00 AM with the headline "Officers, citizens deserve thanks."