The Virginia Tech Massacre. It was,in my opinion,one of the most disgusting acts of violence in America.

One positive I think that came from the shooting was the quick response by first-responders. Virginia Tech Police, Virginia State Police, Federal authorities, Blacksburg Police, fire and emergency medical technicians.

They all responded with poise and professionalism. According to one news account, officers entered the chain-locked front door of the Norris Hall building, where 30 people died, within a minute upon arrival.

You probably saw the pictures of law enforcement officers carrying wounded victims from the building. You may have seen video clips of officers scurrying around the campus, making sure the scene was safe.

I believe it reinforces the tremendous work that law enforcement and first-responders provide to communities all around the country.

Here in Bourbon County, we have hard-working and professional law enforcement agencies. The Fort Scott Police, Bourbon County Sheriff's Office, local Kansas Highway Patrol troopers, EMS, dispatchers and anyone else I may have left out.

All serve the community with poise and honor, in my opinion.

I feel that if a similar situation occurred here in Fort Scott, God forbid, our first responders would act in a similar fashion: do anything to help people in need.

I know some are probably reading this and thinking that police are corrupt or lazy or whatever. They may have heard or read about a rumor.

Are some law enforcement corrupt. Yes. I'm not saying they all are, however. I don't know. I do know they do not get the respect or recognition they deserve.

What I am trying to get here is that, when faced with a serious situation, officers put themselves out there to protect the helpless.

I commend each officer who responded to the Virginia Tech school shooting on Monday. I also commend each law enforcement officer, as well as the support staff with each department, here in Bourbon County each and everyday.