As a union representing tens of thousands of law enforcement officers within the federal and D.C. governments, AFGE is proud to celebrate this year’s National Police Week, which falls on May 12-18.
Our officers protect employees and visitors at federal offices, military facilities, and VA hospitals across the country. They patrol the borders, keep us safe from federal prisoners, and fight drug and human trafficking. Some of our officers have died in the line of duty, making the ultimate sacrifice to keep us safe.
“As we observe Police Week and Peace Officers Memorial Day we must never forget those that went before us and gave the ultimate sacrifice,” said AFGE Law Enforcement Committee Chair Gene Racano.
This year we continue to celebrate and uplift the voices of our law enforcement officers. We sat down with two AFGE members who shared their stories about what it means to be a government police officer.
Christopher Warren graduated from Alabama State University with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. He has worked in juvenile justice, corrections, and law enforcement. He has been a police officer for almost 13 years and has worked for the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) in New Cumberland, Pa., for three and a half years.
Why did you join public service?
I chose law enforcement because I wanted to protect America here at home. I wanted to make a positive change in my community.
Can you share with us your daily routine?
My daily routine consists of supporting the war fighters, patrolling the installation, responding to emergency calls, and enforcing federal, state and local laws. I safeguard government assets and protect government employees and visitors.
What is the best part of your job?
The best part of my job is interacting with the public and providing help to those in need.
What is the most pressing issue police officers are facing and what can your agency or Congress do about it?
The most pressing issues today would be the lack of pay, the lack of arrest authority for some federal police agencies, shortages in law enforcement officers, and inability to retire with full benefits after 20 years of service at the age of 50 for 0083 police officers [such as those working at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Department of Defense (DoD), Federal Protective Service, U.S. Mint, and Zoo Police.] If Congress corrects these issues, it would definitely help with recruiting and retention for police officers.
What do you wish people knew about your job?
I wish that people knew how hard the job is. Sometimes there are split second decisions that an officer has to make. Not all police officers are bad people, and the job can be very stressful. There is more negative information shared with the public as opposed to the good.
Demetrius is a police officer at the VA Medical Center in New York City. He has 21 years with the VA Police and three years with the Bureau of Prisons. Demetrius was a first responder during the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. He has recently been diagnosed with lung cancer from the collapsed World Trade Center.
Why did you join public service?
I come from a family of NYPD officers – three brothers, father, and brother-in-law.
Can you share with us your daily routine?
At this time because of my lung diagnosis, my routine is very much medical paperwork, and I am waiting to retire on disability.
What is the best part of your job?
The best part of the job was helping people and having a family-oriented workplace.
What is the most pressing issue police officers are facing and what can your agency or Congress do about it?
How the people in America have turned on the police. I see officers dying every day for people they don't even know and see so much hate towards us. Congress is a big problem. No care about the police or law enforcement officers. During 9/11, we were loved by the American people because we showed how we all loved our job. I am one of thousands that are dying every day from exposure at the WTC and then to have people hate me because of my job.
What do you wish people knew about your job?
I have a special job as a Veteran Affairs police officer. I deal with military personnel and veterans that are in need of medical benefits and we help to keep them safe while they are in care of the VA. We are a police officer and have the same power as the state, city and local police just on the federal level.
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