A NEW PERSPECTIVE

It almost doesn't seem real.

We are desensitized as we see it every day on television shows and in
the movies.

A typical scene shows police being killed in a fiery gun battle with
the bad guy in the climax of movie. But the guys who are killed are no
names -- likes the guys in the red uniforms on Star Trek, you know
they are doomed. In the end, the hulking star emerges from the
carnage, tattered, torn and bleeding, but still has the strength to
embrace the damsel who somehow breaks through the police barricade and
comes running towards the hero.

Unfortunately, there was no fairy tale ending to the tragedy in
Mayerthorpe last week where four RCMP officers were ambushed by an
alleged drug dealer. It was the worst mass murder in the history of
the RCMP dating back to the Riel Rebellion.

Although the disaster took place in northern Alberta, it should hit
close to home. These men were real, they had names, they had families
and they had friends.

This travesty could have easily happened to officers from the RCMP
detachments in Okotoks, Turner Valley or High River.

While we complain about speeding tickets and seat belt check stops,
cussing up a storm as we drive away, we should realize these people
put their lives at risk every day for our protection.

They are most visible on our streets, but behind the scenes they are
having to deal with uncovering marijuana grow operations (two in
Okotoks in the last five months) and concerning themselves about
dangerous crystal meth labs, break-and-enters and numerous other
issues which are, unfortunately, becoming more prevalent in our
communities.

Two days after the deaths in Mayerthorpe I had a meeting with two
local officers about a school program they were initiating at Highwood
High School in High River. I would have understood if they wanted to
postpone the meeting. They had other things on their mind. But no,
both officers were determined to carry on with business as usual (as
best they could anyway).

These officers know they have a job to do and, whether the average
citizen realizes it or not, they do it well.

If you see an RCMP officer this week, give them a wave. When they give
you that speeding ticket accept it graciously, wish them a good day.
As you pull away cuss yourself for speeding in a school zone and give
some thought to the risks these police officers take when you are snug
in your bed watching another re-run of NYPD Blue.

Speaking of TV, and to add some levity to the current state of
affairs, here is a thought: Why, if he is stranded on a deserted
island eating nothing but fish, has the fat guy on the hit show "Lost"
not, well, lost any weight?