What to do when the public takes the time to thank us

In the wake of the Dallas tragedy, public safety is once again in the spotlight, as it was after 9/11. After 9/11, if you identified as a member of the public safety community, strangers on the street would give thanks, baked goods were donated to stations, and there was a renewed interest in our safety and well being. Once that atmosphere faded, I heard many in public safety ask "Where's the love? Everyone's forgotten us again."

The thanks and baked goods are back. What can we do in the community to keep the good feelings going?

Create a dialogue.

Now I know, many of you are saying "I'm not in this for thanks or praise." But the reality is that in order to keep a lasting conversation and positive relationship with the communities we serve, we need to have a discussion on a regular basis. That means smiling when in the public eye in the context of the job, not ignoring the people that we serve. I realize that not everyone is good at or comfortable with talking to strangers on the street, but being pleasant, thanking for the wishes and making positive eye contact can go a long way. Almost as long as a scowl, grunt or turning your back, which can do infinitely more damage to the overall perception of public service in a civilian's mind. Those responses can do irreparable damage.

If you're not the gregarious type, get a name and way to contact, and have a member of the organization, like a PIO, to get back to them. Give the member some brief details of the encounter, and let them do the follow up. If there are children involved, a quick tour of a truck, sticker or kid fire hat goes a very long way to having a fan for life, and maybe even a future member!