Dear Editor,

My name is John J. Callarik. I was the former mayor of the village of Bridgeport for 16 years.

I want to show my support for the Bridgeport Police Department and all of the local police departments, sheriff departments and state patrols.

In my capacity as mayor, I worked closely with the police departments and understand and know what the job entails. I know what it takes to keep our citizens safe — especially in these trying times.

Our police departments are typically responsible for maintaining public order and safety, enforcing the laws of the land as well as preventing, detecting and investigating criminal activities.

Our police presence responds in emergency situations. They are the first to respond to us in case of crimes and offer support services when needed. Their presence also helps to prevent spikes in crimes.

They are entrusted with the duty of maintaining peace and harmony of society, enforcing the laws and punishing those who break the laws keeping the citizens safe and worry free about our property and lives.

The vast majority of our law enforcement officers are good, honest, hardworking and deserving people who desire to serve their community, friends and neighbors while risking their lives on a daily basis. Anyone in law enforcement knows that it is a dangerous profession.

Officers never know what even the routine basic traffic stop may lead to.

We need to show our support for our law enforcement agencies by supporting them through levies, friendly waves and hellos, etc.

If we do not have law enforcement, who will protect us and keep us safe and investigate accidents, robberies, domestic violence, missing children, etc.?

Our local law enforcement by having a visible presence in our communities help deter crime.

Community policing also helps to bring law enforcement and citizens together in a united front.

For all the right reasons, I personally support the Bridgeport Police Levy.

John Callarik

Bridgeport