Many of us think of our law enforcement as heroes, but that is not how they see themselves. They often shy away from the spotlight, but that does not mean they shouldn’t be recognized.

Most people are aware of the Police Week in May that includes Peace Officers Memorial Day, which was created by President John F. Kennedy. In fact, each May is recognized as Law Enforcement Appreciation Month. But not everyone is aware that there is a Law Enforcement Appreciation Day each year in January.

Thursday, Jan. 9, is the day to really make sure you say thank you to those who work every day to keep us all safer.

Started in 2015 by an organization known as COPS, or Concerns of Police Survivors, the purpose of the day is to both show appreciation for officers and to recognize the challenges of the career they have chosen. But most of those in the field are quick to say recognition is not why they do what they do, though they appreciate it when it comes.

“It really isn’t why we do this job, but it is nice to have a day of honor for our profession,” said Salisbury Police Chief Patrick “PJ” Smith. “It is important that people understand how taxing the job is for officers and for their families, who also make sacrifices, so I appreciate a day aimed at understanding all that is involved in the job.”

The Salisbury Police Foundation, which was formed as a non-profit to offer support to the Salisbury department, is hoping local residents will take note of the day, not just for Salisbury police but for all law enforcement and, as Smith said, for their families.

Sheriff Travis Allen agreed that police officers are not ones to be comfortable in the spotlight.

“The same person that runs into a building where someone has a gun without a second thought is the same person that, when you walk up to their table in a restaurant to thank them, doesn’t know what to do with themselves,” he said. “I am glad, though, that there is a day to recognize the job these men and women do, for so little pay, with such high standards. It’s not a job, it’s a calling, and that’s why we all do this work.”

Chief Cody Trexler of Rockwell said in his community “every day is law enforcement appreciation day, because we have such a supportive community, but of course it’s still great to have a day singled out.”

In a description on the COPS website, it states, “Law enforcement is a difficult career that often requires challenging decisions. Police brutality cases are appalling and important to address, but we can tackle those issues while also remembering that our police force is vital to the safety of our communities.”

“I know that over time, there have been moments that have led to calls for things like defunding the police,” said Allen.”But really, here in the South we have not seen much of that. The feedback that we get is that people recognize there are bad apples in every field. And of course issues like that must be addressed, but most of the people in this field do this because of a devotion to service.”

“We don’t do this for the glory,” agreed Chief Todd Taylor of the Granite Quarry-Faith Joint Police Authority. “But I think it’s good folks realize we’re out there doing all we can, because these officers are putting their heart and soul into this. So it is good for the community to say ‘we do see you, we do recognize you and we do appreciate you.'”

In information sent to members, COPS listed several ways people can celebrate the day, including wearing blue, sending a card of support or thanks to your local department, sharing a positive story about law enforcement on social media, organizing a Neighborhood Watch Program or donating to a local Crime Stoppers program, and most of all, thank any officer you see.