FROM THE EDITOR

FROM THE EDITOR 

Just a day before Thanksgiving, I received an email from Diane, a member and parole agent out of Region III. She wanted me to know that she enjoys reading my From the Editor columns. "You help inspire," she wrote. I couldn't have been more pleased to read those words.

It's all any writer could ever hope to hear from a reader. Believe me, it means as much as the paycheck in the envelope.

But, truly, if I do inspire, it's only because I've been inspired - by you. All of you. All of the professional peace officers of the world who take a new vow every work day, every shift, to protect the good people of the world from the bad people of the world. On the streets, in correctional facilities, on the highways and byways. There is just no finer call to glory - save for our selfless, brave soldiers protecting our freedoms from points all over the globe - than to put your precious life on the line to ensure the safety of perfect strangers. Every day of your career.

We really cannot thank you enough.

And it got me to thinking about inspiration - in all its many forms. At this, perhaps the most inspirational time of the year, take a few minutes to look around your little piece of the world and think about what inspires you. Your family? That's an easy one. Your job? Your coworkers? The quiet, calming aura that welcomes you as you step into a house of worship? A long, lazy drive in the country on your day off?

How about a warming sunrise? Or a glowing sunset? The peace that radiates from a sleeping, cooing baby in warm jammies? The good, charitable work of others? Carving a golden-hued 16 lb. turkey as the hungry, loving eyes of your family watch from their places at the dinner table? Or maybe the unmatched glow that takes over your living room as you turn off all the lights in the house - except the 700 tiny colored lights on your holiday tree?

Life is short. Embrace the moments that inspire you and you may find you're an inspiration to others. And no matter how negative the vibes are around you on a given day, don't lose sight of the important role you play in our society.

Especially now, as we struggle to grasp the breaking news of four Washington police officers shot to death, ambushed as they gathered to share coffee before a morning shift. That is the kind of moment that simply must catch your breath and nearly stop your heart from beating if you are a peace officer in any area of law enforcement. The bravery of those four and their horrific and untimely end inspires me to feel even more respect for the job they did, and to feel gratitude for all I have - thanks to them and others like them.

Please enjoy this end-of-year issue of PEACEKEEPER, with its several stories of inspiring community service joyfully displayed by our members all over the state.

As always, I raise my glass to your good health and safety; I tip my hat to your dedication and selflessness.

• volume 26 issue 6