A Lawrence County law enforcement officer walks into a potentially dangerous situation, answering a call for help.

Once there, he faces uncooperative individuals in an uncertain environment, with the ultimate goal of protecting those in need and taking alleged criminals to jail.

The situation is resolved without any tragic consequences, though not everyone agrees with the resolution.

As far as many in the general public are concerned the police officer should have minded his or her own business and is stereotypically judged on all the faults of any man or woman who has ever worn a badge.

Something is wrong with that picture. Very wrong.

We see this right here in Lawrence County on an almost daily basis as the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office, the Ironton Police Department, the Ohio State Highway Patrol and the village police departments put their lives on the line to make our communities better places to live.

Law enforcement is often a thankless job that costs these peace officers much in terms of personal sacrifice, peace of mind and even pay since most aren’t in it for the money.

Some cynics are quick to argue that this is the job these men and women signed up for, that is true — to a point.

The bottom line is that most police officers do it for the right reasons and strive to do the right thing.

But, of course, they are only human and not perfect. We cannot expect them to be.

Police officers have a tough job in the best of circumstances. It becomes impossible without community support and the understanding that the police are serving us.