Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!

May the time spent with family and friends during the Thanksgiving holiday be as sweet as your pumpkin pie.

During turbulent times we sometimes lose focus on what’s truly important in life. In light of the tragic events in Waukesha this week, it’s especially important to embrace our loved ones and let them know how thankful we are for them in our lives.

Growing up in a law enforcement family I always looked upon Thanksgiving — and all holidays — as a time in which I was thankful for seeing my dad come home after his shift ended. My dad was in law enforcement for over 30 years retiring in 2013 as a patrol sergeant with the Fond du Lac County Sheriff’s Office.

There were many days that I was concerned about my dad’s safety but the day Fond du Lac Police Officer Craig Birkholz was killed in the line of duty stands out from all other days. That day left a pit in my stomach because I couldn’t get a hold of my dad and I didn’t know if he was alive. I learned afterwards my dad responded to the scene with the shooter. I’m so thankful my dad made it home that day and we can still say "I love you.” It also reminds me not every family or law enforcement officer has the same experience. Some, like Craig’s family, will never get to say “I love you” to their loved one again.

I give thanks for all the men and women in law enforcement who sacrifice each day to protect our families. We know many of them are not with their families today as they keep watch over us as we celebrate Thanksgiving with our loved ones.

We must be thankful for our law enforcement and first responders.

We must be thankful for the rule of law.

We must also be thankful for the legal right to self-defense and justice prevailing in Kenosha, even in an atmosphere of misinformation and mob mentality.

And as we pray this Thanksgiving for those who were injured and the families who lost loved ones in Waukesha, we must be steadfast in making sure next November we elect officials that uphold the rule of law and believe violent criminals should be behind bars.

Last month I called for imposing stricter cash bail reforms and revisiting mandatory minimums for violent crime. I will continue calling for tougher sentences and needed reforms to address violent crime as it’s clear the current attorney general is more interested in playing politics than serving as our ‘top cop.’

But now is the time to look around the table, tell your family and friends that you love them, and rejoice in the bountiful abundance of God’s blessings.

Wishing you and your loved ones a blessed Thanksgiving,