Ahead of this National Police Week, law enforcement officers from across the Mid-Ohio Valley traveled through our communities as part of Operation Blue Sky. It was a recognition of officers serving now AND those who have sacrificed their lives while protecting the rest of us.

It is a local reflection of a nationwide effort to honor officers — not just in the U.S., but around the world. Many of them will head to Washington, D.C., for Police Officers Memorial Day and to participate in other Police Week events.

Organizers of the national event say “We are dedicated to honoring the service and sacrifice of law enforcement officers and providing support to their families and colleagues,” as they ask others to join in the mission to “show appreciation and gratitude for the men and women who courageously protect our communities.”

A look at the Roll Call of Heroes for 2025, bearing the names of those lost in recent years, reveals it is horrifyingly long, but is able only to scratch the surface. Included from Ohio are Jacob Derbin, who was killed at about this time last year; Rex Emrick, killed in 2021; Andrew Lansing, killed in 2024; Rodney Osborne, killed in 2024; David Reynolds; killed in 2021; and Jamieson Ritter, killed in 2024.

West Virginia State Police Sgt. Cory Maynard, killed in an ambush in 2023 is not on the list, nor are any others from West Virginia, this time. They will no doubt be remembered this week, anyway.

The men and women working in our law enforcement agencies carry out a responsibility most of the rest of us cannot understand. Certainly, a few bad actors grab headlines that stain the reputation of the whole, but by and large these officers are dedicated to protecting and serving — knowing it could cost them their lives.

Ahead of Police Week, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost asked Ohioans not to wait until an Ohio peace officer is killed to thank them for the work they do.

All of us can take those words to heart, and say “thank you” when we see police officers out and about — doing their jobs — so the rest of us can take for granted that we are safer because they do.