It’s the time of year when the spotlight is on Dad. Father figures exist in so many ways, contributing to society by way of not only their actions but also by influencing those of the children that they raise and sometimes setting the standard for the lives that they lead. For most of us, outside of the headlines and breaking news – when it’s often too late to help – we rarely have the struggles of crime victims sitting top of mind in our day-to-day comings and goings. But we know that people all over our great state are simply not safe in their own homes, and often times it’s at the hands of a parent or guardian. 

We’ve been making our way around Oklahoma over the past few weeks, either by phone, email or face-to-face, and Father’s Day has us thinking about how Dads shape future generations – and how many of the varying faces of crime victims and supporters that we speak with have all been influenced, for better or for worse, by the father figures in their life.

On the brighter side of this complex equation, we had the chance to catch up with one of Oklahoma City’s finest, Officer Sarah Foster, earlier this week and she was kind enough to share of how her father’s character and commitment to family and work has influenced her own profession in law enforcement, so much so that she followed in his footsteps and carries on his quest for keeping the peace. 

“He was my hero when I was growing up,” Officer Foster said. “And I thought he had the coolest job in the world. I used to go on ride alongs with him when I was a kid, he was such a strong male role model. I admire him. He has so much integrity and really set the standard for me, he’s pretty much the reason I became a cop.”

Officer Foster is a member of the Fraternal Order of Police, one of our earliest supporters. Our growing list of endorsers will tell you that Marsy’s Law will better equip them to do what they love to do, which is to protect and serve innocent victims of crime – and sometimes that protection does interject in the face of conflict involving the male head of household. Officer Foster acts from a place of a generational, ingrained passion for helping people during some of their toughest times.

We’re grateful that she was not only willing to tell us a little about her relationship with her Dad but also we’re inspired by their commitment, sacrifice and shared bond over protecting others and their families. Their hard work and service impact us all, contributing to the greater good of civility in our state. 

Happy Father’s Day to all of the Dads out there.