Across the country on January 9, citizens take the lead to show support on National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day (L.E.A.D). (www.nationaldaycalendar.com)

Law Enforcement Officers of every rank have chosen a job that puts their life on the line every day for their communities, the City of Manteca’s Local Government Facebook page explains. These jobs are often thankless and it takes them away from their families for long hours. They barely know what their days have in store for them.

The Facebook page for Ghetto Rescue FFoundation (GRFF) tells us that “we have an opportunity to thank them for their service and offer a token of respect.”

Considering the events over the last year, this day is perfect for sharing gratitude on social media. A more personal approach would be to send actual Thank You letters to the police department.

Other options include paying it forward and paying for a police officer’s coffee or meal, or organizing and hosting an event to honor police officers. Making a donation to the Contributing money to support fallen officers through the Officer Down Memorial Page (https://www.odmp.org/donate) or National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (https://nleomf.org/ways-to-support/individual-giving) are two ways to make a lasting legacy of gratitude and National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day is a great time to start it.