"Usually He'd Receive An Elbow . . . " But Not Tonight
Anonymous Author
Courtesy of NZ Herald
The wife of an AOS officer involved in a recent call out to an isolated rural house where two women had been brutally murdered has spoken out. She, of course, in this case is the "other half" . Her account reminds us of the old adage, penned by John Milton, "They also serve who only stand and wait".
An open letter to the public of New Zealand
The next time you sit behind your keyboards and decide to s*** on our Police Force, spare a thought for who is reading your thoughtless speculation and comments.
Today my husband braved an unpredictable gunman. Along with his colleagues, they were the first responders who ran in to attempt life saving support for two beautiful women, all the while very aware they were being watched and most likely about to be targeted themselves; a situation that would have most people in flight mode. Tragically those ladies never made it home to their loved ones despite EVERY effort and determination on behalf of our emergency services.
Don't be mistaken, they love their job with every fibre of their being and would chose this over and over again. They don't ask for recognition, they certainly don't expect a thank-you, and you can rest assured that if the need arose, they would give their life for yours, every time, just as they swore they would.
What people fail to forget are those men (and women) dressed in black (and blue) from head to toe, are regular people. They have partners sitting at home refreshing every media source possible for updates. Often the first we hear of our men being at a job is via the internet.
They have children asking when Daddy will be home, a question which is impossible to answer with any certainty. They have homes with DIY jobs half completed and friends and hobbies they enjoy just like everyone else.
When they come home we are thankful it's their vehicle and not the headlights of a patrol unit coming to inform us they've been taken too. They're often cold, wet, hungry and absolutely shattered, not that you will hear any complaints, for they are finally home and often victims are not.
So tonight as my husband snores gently beside me in the darkness, I'm lying here fuming. My heart is breaking that two women went to work and never made it home to their families, and angry that senseless lowlifes have the nerve to say my husband and his colleagues could/should have done more. I'm listening to each breath and slowing my own to mirror his. The thought is not lost on me that had he not returned home I would not be able to conjure up this sound. Usually he'd receive an elbow but tonight he can carry on just how he is.
This probably won't reach the people it's intended for, and even if it did they're probably not the kind of people who would care. If anything it has been therapeutic for me. When you put down and question the actions and efforts of these men and women you are not only insulting them but their families who work hard behind the scenes to support these unsung hero's from keeping you safe.
They train for situations like these, and they spend their days off exercising to ensure their endurance is top notch. Please remember that what you read and hear is often not the entire story, for many different reasons.
The next time you see a member of the AOS on the news, the Police, or any other emergency service for that matter, spare a thought for the families at home waiting desperately for news. Our family are out there on the streets serving and protecting your family, so please show some RESPECT.
From one very thankful Police Wife.
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