You’re the exception to the rule my friend; most just watch or go the other way. Many people would not really know why you would risk it all for someone else but they’re not you. People always show up after the threat is over; I’ve even seen them show up and kick the bad guy after he was down. I call those people followers and people like you and Chris leaders.

Chris,

I realize many non-cops and non-military people would answer the “call of duty”, so to speak, if called upon. My essay wasn’t intended to insinuate that civilians would never do it, although I understand it came across that way to many people. What I was trying to convey was the difference between those of us who accept that duty as a normal part of life, and people who simply don’t understand it.

Thanks for commenting, I appreciate it. And thanks for being there when people need you.

To truly be a Soldier or a cop is to know that when the question is asked “Who here will do this hard and dangerous thing?”, your answer will always be “I will”.

That’s been true since we left the caves, and it will be true when we finally go extinct as a species. I suspect that the reason we’ll finally go down to that darkness will have a lot to do with how many we still have around who will answer that question with anything other than “Not I”.

That’s what separates the sheep from the sheepdogs, I’m afraid. The willingness to run to the sound of the guns, instead of away from it.

No offense taken at all, thanks Wing. You’re right, we cops tend to get a very skewed view of the public. Some of the most angry, bitter people I’ve ever met were cops who didn’t retire when they should have.