Letter: Emphasize good about Nassau police

Let's not let a corrupt few taint the image of an honorable and brave many ["Violated their oath and the law," News, March 2]. Every day that each police officer, my husband included, goes to work, he risks his life for our safety.

The Nassau County Police Department has gotten nothing but negative publicity lately. Instead of sending the message that our police are overpaid and disposable, Nassau County needs to change its tune. Start thinking about what it must feel like to zip up a bulletproof vest each time you go to work, or to respond to a call with an armed gunman. Think about how, when the rest of the world is running away from danger, these men and women are running toward it.

And, frankly, for what? To be made to look like the money-guzzling bad guy who does nothing all day? To be threatened to be laid off every other month? To have his or her salary frozen at an amount that doesn't come close to what they should be paid for risking their lives? This message is a huge slap in the face, and an even bigger one following the recent and untimely deaths of Officers Michael Califano, Geoffrey Breitkopf and Charles Cole. Shame on you, Nassau.

It's time to stop talking about what the police aren't doing and start seeing what they are. It's time to start showing appreciation for our officers, the majority of whom continuously do right for a society that continuously does them wrong.

Julie Cardona, Massapequa