US President Barack Obama and Vice-President Joe Biden on 12 May honored some of the country's law enforcement officials, by recognizing their services at the White House.
While addressing the law enforcing fraternity, Obama praised not only the cops but also the families behind them.
"We know it takes a lot of courage to be a cop," said the President, adding: "But it also takes a lot of courage to love a cop - and to send them off to work every single day with a hug and a prayer for their safety. So, all of you are heroes in my book, as well."
"So heroism like this can come with great sacrifice. Some of the officers here today sustained serious injuries in the line of duty. They were shot or stabbed. Some lost friends, even a partner. Some are still recovering.
"The officials protect the people we love most in the world - our families. So we're incredibly grateful to them and to all the law enforcement officers who serve and protect families and communities across the nation every single day," Obama acknowledged.
The National Association of Police Organizations chooses top cops each year after they are nominated by their fellow officers for their notable service during the previous calendar year.
As Obama explained, all of the honorees - officers, detectives, patrolmen, special agents, and troopers - share one thing in common - taking risk with the danger.
"When the moment came - when the shooting started, or a bomb went off, or a hostage was taken, or a child screamed for help - they did not hesitate. They went into action. They ran toward the danger - not away from it. And they risked their lives to save the lives of others," the President pointed out.
Vice-President Biden stressed that the law enforcing officials take risks to protect the community, protect the people they don't know and the people they have never met. Putting on the police shield each morning by the officials is an act of bravery, he added.
