To protect and serve

I want to take a moment to acknowledge our wonderful Warwick police.
On our way to the Greenwood Lake fireworks Saturday night, a kind officer came up to us as we were walking. He immediately became engaged with my children. He was kind and extremely patient with them. He let them climb inside his patrol car. He showed them the lights. He let them wear his police hat. He laughed with them and gave so many high fives I lost count.
What Officer Ed Mullins didn't know was that my five-year old daughter was having severe anxiety about the fireworks. But because this man in uniform was so kind, as we walked away my daughter informed me that she was no longer afraid because she knew the officer was there to keep her safe.
In a world where police are often stereotyped and labeled in unflattering light, I felt it was important for me to share my story.
I was born and raised in Warwick and I can honestly say we have the best police force out there.
A little kindness goes a long way and I am forever grateful to Officer Mullins and our entire Warwick Police force.
Shari Balk
Pine Island