Ask the Chief

While the news buzzes with COVID-19 statistics, executive order, and promises of a vaccine, there is a silent danger that is growing worse every day.
I have spoken with many front-line workers in policing, medical care, mental health care, social work, and more. I am hearing that many of these front-line workers are suffering from the increased demand for their services. As the public struggle worsens, the need for these front-line workers becomes greater.
The frequency and nature of serious calls increase and the damage to front-line workers caused by such calls takes a toll. This is especially true in rural Minnesota where a few individuals (with limited resources) are providing services to a large number of people.
What can and should you do? These first-line workers don’t want or need medals or special recognition. What they need is understanding that they are people just like everyone else and rather than dealing with only their own struggles they are dealing with other people’s struggles as well. The best thing we can do for everyone is to slow down, take a deep breath, and try not to add to the drama, stress, or difficulty we are faced with.
Small changes can have a big impact on our lives and how we treat others. Try to understand that people are doing their best during this crisis and if they fall short of your expectations that is okay because, while it may not be perfect, it is the best they can give you at this moment.
Judge others like you would like to be judged. Treat others like you want to be treated. Give to others like you would like others to give to you. When this is over, and I believe it will eventually end, will we come out stronger because of what we did now or will we be disappointed in how we acted and treated others?