The Law Enforcement Wife

What It's Like Being a LEO Wife

I am proud to be married to a Law Enforcement Officer, and I always feel safe with him by my side. He is our protector and my life partner. His job is demanding, and often, I feel like a single mother. Being married to him requires doing a lot on my own. But it's for the greater good, for the safety of our community and our children. 

His schedule is complex and demanding. We never know when he will be called into work. Family dinners are almost nonexistent. My children cry sometimes, asking why they haven't seen Daddy in days. Often, he will get held over or forced to stay late. When this happens, my kids are usually in bed before he even gets home. It becomes a habit to look across our sheets at his empty pillow and pray to the lord above that he makes it home safely. I am always alone. But only physically. We keep in touch throughout the day. We send photos and memes back and forth. I always know he is thinking about us. I often get questioned about why he is always working. Sometimes, I get tired of talking about it. It's a life we choose every day and one I would never want to change. I am grateful for his sacrifices and the example he sets for our children. 

He is watching and on guard all of the time. He must be near the exit or facing the door anywhere we go. He always has a plan to save everyone. He is always prepared to step up and be a hero. He would never call himself a hero, but I don't know how else to describe it. He wakes up every day excited to protect and serve. His passion for law enforcement is greater than his fear of dying. He does not get enough praise for what he does, but I will be forever grateful. 

He internalizes everything, and learning to support him in the right way took years to figure out. He would never want to burden me with the stress of his job. He has seen things no human should ever have to witness. He has helped countless people and saved many lives. A typical day for him can sometimes be someone else's worst nightmare.

With the current reputation of police officers across the country, he has questioned if this is what he should do forever. We now live in a very supportive community, which has made a difference. He would never want our own son to follow in his footsteps. He would never wish this life on him or his future family. Sadly, I understand why, because the world is such a crazed and scary place these days. 

Having a plan to live without him is a constant reality. At any moment, anything can happen. I pray for his safety daily. We have prepared for the possibility of a tragedy to occur in our lives. His life could be taken; he is in dangerous situations daily. We have a living will, life insurance, and a trust for our children. Being prepared helps us relax and manage these fears better.

We have another family within the department. The men and women he works with would do anything for our family. We all support each other, and knowing we aren't alone in this is comforting. Being able to relate to similar families makes a world of difference. I will be forever grateful to these law enforcement families. Somehow, this has all been a blessing for our family, providing a wonderful life for us.