Police officer duties – protecting our communities and preserving our safety – have been ongoing during the COVID-19 emergency, so it is fitting that we honor our officers during National Police Week.

Police work during the pandemic demonstrates our officers’ devotion to doing whatever it takes to keep us safe.

“Unprecedented scenarios and situations have been met with exceptional bravery and commitment from the fine officers who serve Lancaster County,” District Attorney Heather Adams said this week.

We should take some time to recognize that police do far more than respond to crimes, make arrests and file charges.

Police officers often serve as counselors, mediators, and mentors – depending on the wide variety of dispatches they take on.

These statistics from Lancaster County’s 911 call center illustrate some examples; they are police responses in Lancaster County to categorized incidents during March and April:

Emotional distress calls: 310

Emergency overdose incidents: 145

Family/child incidents and emergencies: 237

Domestic incidents: 976

Protection from Abuse (PFA)-related calls: 58

Many of the overdose responses involved officers administering Narcan to save lives.

As with every profession, not every response is flawless. But consider the danger, stress, difficulties and emotional burdens our police officers take on each day.

And let’s extend our gratitude for their services beyond National Police Week.

Finally, a huge credit is due to the dispatchers at the 911 call center that help keep police response organized, timely, and precise.

We wish our neighbors health and happiness as we continue to navigate the pandemic with public safety in mind.

MEDIA CONTACT: Brett A. Hambright, 717-295-2041; bhambright@co.lancaster.pa.us; Twitter: @BrettHambright