We Wish You A Merry Christmas
And A Happy New Year!

Once again, the Christmas holiday season is here and is a very special time of the year bringing to the majority of people, a time of hope, joyous occasions, family get-togethers, gift giving and excited children. However, for those of us in law enforcement, it's also a time of increased anxiety, tension and awareness, double duty with increased danger--a time to utilize both common sense and street sense, for those who "protect and serve" because Christmas is the worlds biggest holiday--and holidays inevitably mean a substantial rise in criminal activity.

The incidence of crimes such as burglary, assault, child abuse, drunk driving and family violence all increase during the holiday season. The police like the military are obligated twenty four hours a day, seven days a week...holidays, birthdays, sick days included. To some, it's just a job...to others it's a vocation.

It is particularly disheartening to encounter serious child abuse at Christmas time. Family violence in any form is devastating and deblitiating. It causes untold anguish, frightening our people in places and at times when they are most entitled to the security that ought to come from home and family. Home is a place where a child expects to find love and protection from the cruel world.

Sad, too, is the fact that this joyous season also becomes an extremely depressing time for so many others. Unpredictable behavior, results of high emotions, may be caused by our unstable economy, broken families, loss of a loved one or just outright despair. As a law enforcement officer it has been my experience to know first hand that the worst can be expected during the holidays, resulting in need for police response.

Our police officers, who continually see the negative aspects of our society by dealing with all the "bad" day in and day out are truly remarkable persons to be able to handle a bad auto crash or a violent crime or serious child abuse, then be able to gear themselves to the "Christmas Spirit."

It takes a well adjusted individual to be able to go home to his or her family and friends and enjoy Christmas following such incidents.

When you see your municipal police officer, state police officer or sheriff's officer this holiday season, extend your best wishes to him or her and remember that while you sleep behind your locked doors, the police officer may be called to put his or her life on the line to make sure your doors stay locked and you remain safe.

To all our police officers, you are the guardians of law and order and champions of the american dream---for without you there would be no Christmas, no holiday cheer---simply a lawless nation in constant turmoil and chaos. My message, then, is one of both thanksgiving and concern. Thanksgiving in that we can thank God that there are men and women who proudly wear the badge-a badge of courage, honor and integrity. Concern in that I want to remind all police officers that although sometimes it appears peaceful, a police officer must be prepared for the unexpected.