We've added this design back to our site to show support for the good police officers around the country who are helping to lead peaceful protests and are fighting for change. This design now supports Campaign Zero, which is leading the fight for police reform nationwide. As they say, "No one hates a bad cop more than a good cop." Together, we can unite for change to our system to end discrimination of minorities and to ensure officers who go against their sworn oath are held accountable.

It’s 3am and my phone lights up. Usually, at that time I would roll over and go back to sleep, but this was different. When I glanced at my screen, it was filled with missed calls from friends and family asking if I was ok. Immediately, I was awake and very confused as I was safe in my bed at home. I responded to one of my friends reassuring her I was alright and asking why she was so concerned. She informed me that there had been a shooting at Borderline Bar & Grill, a place I had been many times to enjoy country music and dancing. I felt nauseous as I turned on the TV to see what had happened. People were frantically running out of the building, helping strangers with gunshot wounds and searching for missing friends and family.  I was in complete shock. Tears ran down my face as I felt as if the wind had been knocked out of me. I had no words. These were people my age, my peers, people I had gone to church with. This was my community under attack and my heart was breaking. Yet, in the midst of all the chaos were numerous police officers eager and ready to help. Many of which had run directly towards the shooter to save the lives of others. With no hesitation, they entered a horrific scene determined to do everything in their power to save the lives of so many innocent people who had no idea that this is how their evening would end up. 

 We often think, well of course a police officer would do that, it’s their job. But would you have the guts to run towards someone with a gun knowing you may never get to see your family again? I certainly cannot say that I would be able to make that decision easily, yet these men and women did. One of those incredibly courageous officers was Sgt. Ron Helus who lost his life as he ran to stop the shooter. He will always be a hero to this community and remembered for his honorable actions. I am in awe of the bravery police officers show every day. I am so proud to stand behind the men and women who risk their lives, so that I may keep mine.

Seyyar Tedorov