Cops on the Take 
First he takes ... the oath. 
Now look at all he takes: 
He takes... it in stride when people call him pig. 
He takes... time to stop and talk to children. 
He takes... your verbal abuse while giving you a ticket you 
really deserved. 
He takes... on creeps you would be afraid to even look at. He takes... time away from his family to keep you safe. 
He takes... your injured child to the hospital. 
He takes... the graveyard shift without complaint because it's 
his turn. 
He takes... his life into his hands daily. 
He takes... you home when your car breaks down. 
He takes... time to explain why both your headlights have to 
work. 
He takes... the job no one else wants--telling you a loved one 
has died. 
He takes ... criminals to jail. 
He takes... in sights that would make you cry. 
Sometimes he cries too, but he takes it anyway because 
someone has to. 
If he is lucky, he takes retirement. 
He takes... memories to bed each night that you couldn't bear 
for even one day. 
Sometimes, he takes a bullet. 
And yes, occasionally he may take a free cup of coffee. 
Then one day he pays for all he has taken, and God takes 
him. 
Please remember that the "he" in all this represents all 
police officers, both men and women who have served and 
are serving our cities and their citizens we have all sworn to 
protect. 
God bless ALL cops everywhere! 
(author unknown)