Dear Police Officers of Lincoln,

Thank you for your willingness to face danger to protect us all.  The goodness of our community, our rights, our safety, our very lives, depend upon your willingness to serve.

We are in a moment of profound national suffering.

Thank you for participating in the necessary conversation about preventing the horror of what happened to George Floyd, and for your calm amidst the understandable storm.

Public service is an honorable and high calling.  Undoubtedly, you went into this work for one reason: you want to help people.

No one sees the ninety-nine percent of what you do––the times you comforted grieving families, eased tensions before they escalated, and helped the elderly with basic needs.

I believe I speak for many who will remain silent, but quietly want you to be well, to protect us, and to do what is honorable.

I know you have a long tradition of community policing.  Ultimately, all of this depends upon holding both safety and compassion in a delicate balance.

Thank you for all that you do.

Sincerely,

Jeff Fortenberry

Member of Congress