In this edition there is a report on a large-scale, sweeping operation executed by law enforcement from the tri-county area, by some of the hardest working - yet often the least appreciated - of our public servants, the men and women of law enforcement.

We should applaud the efforts of law enforcement, every single day of the year.

Whenever we need them, we expect them to get there quick, fast and in a hurry, but if we are not calling for them, we would just assume not see them anywhere in our vicinity. And that is completely backward from the way it should be.

Our law enforcement officers are no less a hero to us then our military, firefighters, paramedics, nurses and doctors. They are there when we need them, regardless of whether they are tired, or busy with their own families when we call.

What we should be doing, but often choose to not to do, is thank them whenever we see them, and tell our public servants how much they mean to us, providing the safety and well-being of our families and loved ones.

One doesn't have to look far to see the accomplishments that our civil servants have made for us.

When we travel down a roadway, either on foot, bicycle or in a motor vehicle, we have safe traveling conditions, because our officers are enforcing speed limits, which contrary to popular belief, are not imposed to inconvenience us, but rather are based upon extensive engineering studies to ensure safe operating speeds with all in mind.

When we see them out on the roadways giving someone a field sobriety test, it is because they have recognized an erratic behavior in the way a person is driving, and they know, based again on extensive research, that this behavior could cause an accident, resulting in injury to person, property, and even cause tragic death.

If a group of officers conducts a raid to seek out and rid our streets and neighborhoods of drug peddlers, it is to make sure that our children are not subjected to chemicals and substances that could harm them. This too is based solely on extensive research by those that know.

And when law enforcement captures burglars, thieves and those who commit offenses of assault, it is for the good of the majority of law-abiding citizens.

Officers patrol our neighborhoods day and night, walk the hallways of our schools and public buildings to protect our children and other loved ones, and do things 24 hours per day to make our lives safer and better. They provide countless ways for us to live safer, happier lives, and yet never ask for anything in return.

So the next time you see an officer of the law, do the thing we should all do. Tell him or her just how much you appreciate them for making life, as we know it, better and safer.

Don't stick your nose up in the air or look the other way, tell them, "Thank you for being here," "I appreciate the sacrifice you make in your own life to protect mine," or just plain, "Have a nice day."

You would be amazed to find that they will smile back at you and greet you as well.

Anyone that is wearing a badge and uniform has taken an oath to uphold the laws of the land, for the betterment of everyone, above and beyond their own desires and needs.

It is those unsung heroes that we should thank and appreciate every day of the year.

Until next time, remember, if you want to find me, I can be easily reached. I am the one out there waving at you, out there in Deep Left Field.