Within the last week, Bridgeport Police have dealt with the arrest of a fugitive, apprehension of two individuals wanted on multiple felony charges, a stabbing, attempted armed robbery and a hit-and-run accident which shut down Main Street for several hours.

 

But slipping by without a lot of fanfare was National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day.

 

At Monday night’s Bridgeport City Council meeting, Mayor Andy Lang presented Bridgeport Police Chief John Walker with a proclamation declaring Jan. 9 as Law Enforcement Appreciation Day and proclaiming the city’s gratitude for the service and sacrifice of our law enforcers.

 

“They put on their badge each day, knowing they may face dangerous situations while carrying out their duties and for that, we extend our sincere gratitude to our men and women in blue,” Lang said.

 

Pam Hotsinpiller knows all too well about those sacrifices. Her husband, the late Lt. Jim Hotsinpiller, served on the city’s police force, as did her son Dustin. Dustin and his younger brother Derek have served as Deputy U.S. Marshals; Derek fatally shot while serving a warrant in February of 2011.  

 

Growing up with a dad on the city’s police force had a great influence on the boys, Hotsinpiller said. They both started talking about becoming policemen when they were little.

 

Hotsinpiller - who for 45 years has lived with and loved law enforcers - said serving is not just a job.

 

 “I truly believe – as with all things – it’s a calling from God,” she said.

 

Police officers, she said, must be dedicated, determined, honorable and caring. But then each has unique gifts he or she brings to the table.

 

“They are all different. That’s why it’s a team, she said. “I think of those who have held my guys up in faith and the gentleman who, when Derek fell that day, pulled out a kit and immediately administered first aid procedures. The gifts some of these guys have are amazing.”

 

She remembers her husband – as he touched his forehead - telling his own boys, as well as his police officers, to always use their heads.

 

“They have to take risks, but still have to use their heads when taking those risks,” she said. “I remember Jim coming home one day upset about something one of the officers did, taking a risk. He had served in the armed forces and it’s a fact that what they do is limit casualties and Jim told him that with the police department, that’s unacceptable. We want zero casualties.”

 

When Lt. Hotsinpiller came home after a shift, he was present with his family 100 percent, but in retrospect, Hotsinpiller believes he was always in police mode, on high alert about his surroundings and those of his family members.

 

There are several ways to show our law enforcers appreciation, Hotsinpiller said. Even the simplest gesture will not go unnoticed. Drop off food, buy a cup of coffee, write a note of encouragement or just say “thanks.”

 

“When they are working, stay out of their way – unless they are calling for help,” she said. “And if you hear people talking badly about the police, kindly say that those people risk their lives for us every day.”

 

But Hotsinpiller said the best thing to do is to pray over them and their safety.

 

“Every single morning, I get on my knees and recite part of Psalm 191. I talk to God, asking him to surround them with legions of angels and I ask him to guide and direct them all day long and to lift them up,” she said. “I ask that evil fall at their feet and that if they do confront it – if they fall – that he carry them and send legions of angels to surround their families.”

 

At Monday’s meeting, Chief Walker said he feels fortunate to work in a community which is so supportive. On Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, residents showed plenty of love and support, he said.

 

“We do have a community that supports us and that makes us fortunate and what makes us even more fortunate is the men and women we have serving this community. They are second to none, truly the best in the country and we’ve very lucky to have them,” Walker said.

 

Lang encouraged residents to continue to show that support throughout the year, particularly during the month of January to commemorate National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day.

 

Back in 2012-2013, former Director of Bridgeport Emergency Services Laura Pysz took it upon herself to deliver holiday meals to members of the city’s police force. Now that she serves that capacity on a county level, she has expanded her act of appreciation to the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office.

 

“I started doing meals when I started volunteering (with emergency services). I just felt that policemen were working on holidays – Thanksgiving, Easter and Christmas – and weren’t home with their families and it wasn’t fair that they missed out on a home-cooked meal,” she said.

 

She, too, has seen first-hand what law enforcers give. They respond and serve - regardless of weather or personal circumstance.

 

“I can’t give enough praise to our police departments around the country,” Pysz said. “They do so much and go above and beyond and do not get the recognition and praise they deserve.”