Since the news lately has been so full of the story of Ferguson and then, today, about a grand jury in New York deciding not to indict a case there, it seems that law enforcement folks are having a tough time. Likewise, citizens are doubting the people who have been tasked with keeping order.

There are race and discrimination issues at play, and I have been appalled at some of what has been shared on social media. But I think that one way through this is to support and value our local officers for the job they do.

I appreciate them on several levels. As a parent of kids at the high school, I was glad that officers were on campus as a presence after a student had made threats. As a pastor, I have had the chance to watch (and help a little) one officer help a local homeless person with her struggles. As one who spends a great deal of time in Poulsbo, I respect the way that our police force goes about their business.

So, I was wondering if there might be something to do to show our local police force that we value them and the job that they are tasked to do? My hope would be that if a community and police force can work together and be supportive in times when we do not have crisis, then some crises might be averted, and when big events do happen, there is a base of relationship from which to begin.

Thank you, Poulsbo police and all of our local law enforcement people. Keep up the good work.

And community members, as our area continues to grow more diverse in many ways, let us work together to understand one another and to celebrate what each of us adds to this place.

Peace,

Kent Shane
Pastor
First Lutheran Church, Poulsbo