Every May, National Police Week allows our nation to pause and honor those who wear the badge, while remembering the officers who gave their lives in the line of duty. It is a time for reflection, gratitude and renewed commitment.
For me, this week is personal.
Before serving in the Michigan House of Representatives, I spent 26 years in law enforcement, retiring as a sergeant. I answered calls in the middle of the night, knocked on doors that no one ever wants to open and stood alongside officers during moments of crisis and tragedy. I’ve witnessed the profession at its most demanding ― and at its most honorable.
Policing is more than a profession; it is a calling that extends beyond the individual officer to their entire family.
Behind every uniform is a spouse who carries the weight of late-night shifts, missed holidays and the quiet worry that comes with the job. There are children who grow up understanding their parent runs toward danger when others run away. These sacrifices are rarely visible, but they are deeply felt.
What often goes unseen are the daily demands officers face ― the split-second decisions, the constant vigilance and the emotional toll of witnessing people at their worst moments. Officers are expected to be problem-solvers, protectors, counselors and calm voices in chaos, often all within a single shift. That responsibility requires resilience, discipline and extraordinary commitment.
Today, I have the privilege of continuing that service in a different role. As a state representative and chair of the Michigan House Law Enforcement Caucus, I remain committed to ensuring that the men and women in uniform have the support, resources and respect they deserve.
Supporting law enforcement means more than words of appreciation. It means advocating for policies that protect officers and the communities they serve. It means ensuring departments have the tools and training necessary to meet evolving challenges. And it means standing firmly against efforts that make the job more difficult and dangerous.
At a time when recruiting and retention remain serious challenges across the country, how we talk about policing matters. Respect matters. Leadership matters.
During Police Week, we honor the fallen. But we also have a responsibility to those who continue to serve.
We must stand unapologetically behind the men and women who serve with integrity, professionalism, and dedication every day.
We owe it to today’s officers ― and the next generation ― to ensure law enforcement remains a respected and supported profession. We owe it to the families who serve right alongside them. And we owe it to our communities that depend on their courage and commitment every single day.
The badge represents sacrifice, duty and service. This week, and every week, let’s make sure it also represents our unwavering support.
Rep. Mike Harris, R-Waterford, represents Michigan’s 52nd House District.
This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: National Police Week is about honoring service and sacrifice | Opinion
Reporting by Rep. Mike Harris, The Detroit News / The Detroit News
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