The Final Inspection The policeman stood and faced his God,which must always come to pass. He hoped his shoes were shining just as brightly as his brass. "Step forward now, policeman. How shall I deal with you? Have you always turned the other cheek? To my church have you been true? The policeman squared his shoulders and said. "No, I guess I ain't because those of us who carry a badge can't always be a Saint." I've had to work most Sundays and at times my talk is rough, and sometimes I've been violent, because the streets are awfully tough. But I never took a penny that wasn't mine to keep... though I worked a lot of overtime when the bills got too steep. And I never passed a cry for help though at times I shook with fear, and sometimes, God forgive me, I've wept unmanly tears. I know I don't deserve a place among the people here. They never wanted me around except to calm their fear. If you've a place for me here, Lord, it needn't be so grand, I never expected or had too much, but if you don't...I'll understand"  There was a silence all around the throne where the Saints had often trod. As the policeman waited quietly for the judgment of his God. "Step forward now, policeman. You've borne your burdens well. Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets. You've done your time in Hell" (Author Unknown )

Hopefully, we all teach our children that in times of trouble the policeman or woman is our friend, the one to turn to in crisis.  But how many times have you made a remark when seeing a police car at a coffee shop?  Did you ever cringe when an officer is riding in the car behind you?  What little ears hear -- they remember.  For the fallen officers in the World Trade Center and in your neighborhood, remember a good citizen is being made right next to you.

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