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Police risk their lives to see that justice is served

We’ve said in this space before there is no such thing as a “routine” day for those in law enforcement and that even the most simple-seeming task — like pulling a car over for speeding — can quickly turn into a life-threatening situation.

Officers put their lives at risk every single time they put on the badge and what transpired Wednesday and Thursday in Philadelphia is further proof of that.

For those who don’t know, Philadelphia police were attempting to serve a narcotics warrant Wednesday afternoon when a 31-year-old gunman opened fire, wounding several officers. Other officers remained trapped inside the building during a standoff with the gunman, which didn’t end until early Thursday morning.

Many officers “had to escape through windows and doors to get (away) from a barrage of bullets,” Philadelphia Police Commissioner Richard Ross said.

Thankfully, no one was killed in the incident. Amazingly, no civilians were injured. Six officers suffered gunshot wounds, but have all been released from the hospital. And the suspected gunman is in custody.

Serving a warrant is something police officers do regularly. And most of the time, the police eventually get their man or woman and he or she is brought into custody without the need for violence.

But the risk is always there.

The men and women who serve in law enforcement know this and choose to do it anyway.

We are grateful to police officers everywhere who put their lives at risk every day to ensure the public is safe. Thank you for all you do for us.

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