We would have written this salute last weekend, but the snowstorm was on everyone’s collective mind. Truth to tell, we also quite simply forgot that Monday was National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day.

How did that happen?

Probably for the same reason that people collectively seem to forget to periodically thank their local police officers or deputies. Perhaps as with electrical and VDOT crews, we’ve come to expect they’ll always be on the job. Indeed they are, but their services are all too often taken for granted.

That said, it’s still important for us to remember to show gratitude for what law enforcement does to keep us safe.

That work includes not only pursuing and arresting threatening suspects, but also enforcing rules of the road, such as keeping drivers under the influence of alcohol from damaging property or hurting and killing people, including themselves.

Further, as we has documented over and over through the decades, our police and deputies have gone out of their way countless time to save lives or help people with broken-down cars or by contributing to someone’s welfare during the holidays.

Suffolk quite fortunate to have such women and men willing to put themselves at risk to life and limb. We would do well to regularly make it a point to thank them.