COMMENTARY ON LAW ENFORCEMENT : Officers Sacrifice Much--Sometimes All--for Society’s Sake : They deserve more public support, appreciation and acclaim--and certainly more media coverage than criminals.

Recently, The Pond in Anaheim was the site of a celebration. Thousands came to honor and celebrate the life of fallen Newport Beach Police Officer Bob Henry.

Officer Henry lost his life while attempting to save the life of another. Bob Henry, a devoted husband and loving father, was an outstanding man. He was a person who possessed the finest qualities of a police officer--a man of principle, honor, integrity and compassion. A deeply religious person, his commitment to serve and his dedication to protecting others ultimately cost him his life.

The experience of being a member of a law enforcement family is unique and in many ways difficult for those who do not live through it to understand. The uncertainty of the future is like a cloud that forever looms over the family, never knowing where or when tragedy might strike. Many times the stress on the family becomes unbearable.

In addition to the ever-present fear of danger is the constant disruption of everyday family life. The nature of the profession is such that working schedules are never certain. Without warning, the phone call comes, an immediate response is required and personal plans are set aside. Holidays, birthdays, anniversaries . . . in general, family activities are missed or delayed, put on hold, rescheduled or canceled due to the professional demands placed on police officers.

During his eulogy for Officer Henry, Newport Beach Police Chief Robert J. McDonell spoke of senseless violence and man’s inhumanity to man. Certain segments of our society seemingly have no respect for the value of human life. Despicable violent acts deeply reflect a total lack of regard for the pain and suffering inflicted on each and every one of us. This tremendous personal impact is not limited to the law enforcement community. Everyone who shares the moral and just beliefs of a civilized society is violated.

Unknown to those in attendance at the funeral, the prophetic words of Chief McDonell were being lived through the unbelievable event that was unfolding in Oklahoma City before the eyes and hearts of a shocked nation. Not only did federal law enforcement agents lose their lives, but defenseless civilians and innocent children were also murdered.

President Clinton was quick to respond, branding the perpetrators as “evil cowards� and promising “swift and severe justice.� The law enforcement community is united in supporting the President’s feelings on this national tragedy.

Unfortunately, police officers and their families are all too familiar with the harsh realities of the American system of justice. These views are shared by overworked and understaffed prosecutors.

Defenders of justice must continually contend with unscrupulous defense attorneys, jurors with personal agendas and certain judges who refuse to exercise control over the courtroom.

As an example, one need only turn to the infamous Simpson trial. At one moment, defense attorneys accuse the Los Angeles Police Department of being so inept that the physical evidence should be considered invalid. In the next breath, they propose that the LAPD has an intricate plan to plant incriminating evidence, thus making the evidence pristine. Clearly, they would be well advised to re-evaluate this contradictory strategy.

It is devastating to the families of law enforcement to witness such unjustifiable ridicule. During these times, it is of utmost importance that those in a position of leadership step forth. Police chiefs are compelled to and must denounce those who would attempt to discredit their departments with fabricated interpretations of the facts. Unwavering support sends a strong message to the law-abiding public and to the criminal element that we firmly support and stand behind our police officers.

Another distressing issue to law enforcement families was touched upon by Father Stephen J. Duffin, the celebrant of the Henry funeral Mass. Father Duffin eloquently spoke of the noble deeds performed by law enforcement officers on a daily basis. He also spoke with a sensitive understanding of the risks associated with the profession. It was with sadness that he felt this aspect goes unheralded as the media chooses not to emphasize the positive.

We, as a law-abiding people, must insist that the media reassess its approach. More attention must be placed on the heroes, not the villains. One need only remember the 1981 incident that saw President Ronald Reagan and James Brady violently gunned down. There was an immediate frenzy of reporting on the assailant. No detail was too minute to be aired or printed.

This was unconscionable. More deserving of media coverage was the hero of the day, Secret Service Agent Timothy McCarthy, who took a bullet in the line of duty. Agent McCarthy was willing to lay down his life, if need be, for the American principles in which he believed. Fortunately, we are blessed with thousands of peace officers who share the values of Agent McCarthy.

If we are to survive as a civilized nation, we must unite and insist that the laws of the land are obeyed. We must continue to cherish the principles upon which this country was founded. This can only be achieved through public loyalty, support, commitment and compassion for our peace officers.

They are the thin blue line.