At his retirement reception Thursday, former BrookhavenAssistant Police Chief Nolan Jones spoke of the missedopportunities with family that police officers face because oftheir jobs.

While most families can enjoy holidays, graduations or otherspecial events, the men in blue often spend these occasionspatrolling streets or pursuing criminals in an effort to keep theirfellow man safe. These times away from family are not limited tojust police, but also can impact those in other emergency servicesprofessions.

The dedication to duty displayed by these professionals – andvolunteers in some instances – is the reason the rest of us arefree to enjoy our lives as we see fit. And we can rest assured thatwhen there is a call for help, they are ready to answer.