Why do they fly out halfway through dinner, green lights flashing, not knowing what they will encounter?

After less than year as the wife of the HCPF Chairman, ANGI ENDLEY has pride, admiration and heartache … …

“It is not easy to wait up for hours on end praying that they come home in one piece; not only physically, but emotionally.”

Less than a year ago my husband thought it a good idea to serve as the chairman of the Henley Community Police Forum; every day since he has come to realize the sheer magnitude of his decision.

I have stood by with pride and admiration watching a team of individuals selflessly protecting a community. But, let me tell you, it is not without sacrifice, sheer acts of bravery and, many times, emotional pandemonium.

If only the community could have a daily view of what I see, I do believe some opinions would change. They are not “wannabe cops” or “Neanderthal”, as many of you have quoted, neither are they “a clique of individuals who want to rule the roost”; they are victims of their own individual need to be a part of an organization for the greater good of the community.

They are individuals who find purpose in their efforts to assist their neighbourhood without considering their own safety and the emotional turmoil that goes with responding to domestic violence, robberies, home invasions, hijackings, fires and suicides, to name but a few.

Trust me when I say, as the spouse of a responder, it is never easy to watch them run out the door at all hours of day and night, not knowing what situation they are going to be met with. It is not easy to wait up for hours on end, when your only form of communication is a radio, praying that they come home in one piece; not only physically, but emotionally.

It is not easy when you are halfway through dinner or a family gathering and your spouse flies out of the door with green lights flashing, off to make a difference, without dinner or sleep, regardless of the situation.

Their endless quest to make a difference has most definitely earned my respect.

If only everyone was afforded the opportunity to listen in on the radio communication between responders, day and night, you would realise their commitment.

I am thankful that they are there for calls of home invasions and medical emergencies, to escort drunk drivers, secure crime scenes, and afford those who will inevitably succumb to their injuries the dignity and companionship to go peacefully, and to wait with a bereaved family until they are taken away. The list of scenarios these men and women have faced is endless.

No, they are not certified law enforcement officers, but they are members of a legitimate Community Police Forum that works hand in hand with SAPS and the entities that govern our policing policies. CPF MEMBERS ARE DEFINED BY THEIR COMMITMENT to establish and maintain a safe and secure environment for their citizens.

The difference that sets them apart is that they don’t get paid, or get overtime, or are offered spousal compensation if they are injured or worse during the line of duty.

They are normal citizens, with normal day jobs, some with law enforcement backgrounds, medical certification, and victim empowerment training, or just your average Joe with the need to serve the greater cause.

What people need to understand and appreciate is that we all have the ability or skill set to engage with the HCPF, whether by donating, organizing, responding, patrolling, or offering moral support to an exceptional team of individuals. We all have skills that are instrumental in making the HCPF an entity that heeds the call to protect.

The theory of strength in numbers is factual, but it has also been unequivocally proven that the small number of truly committed HCPF members wear their Community in Blue vests with determination and selflessness to protect a community that they hold close to their hearts, no matter what the challenge may be.

The look of achievement and fulfilment on these individuals’ faces as they stand down from scenes is priceless.

The disappointment and sometimes trauma of these individuals who give their all is heartbreaking, but their resilience is admirable. They get up and do it all again, day in and day out.

I salute you all. – H14