A634.3.5.RB_StevensEric

When faced with dilemmas throughout life we often wonder what could have been done better or what should have been done better. Many in society see this challenge every day and they have become accustomed to making these decisions without much as a second thought.

 For example if we look at our public safety personnel they have become accustomed to making a decision on whether to take ones freedom and possibly their life. I have often seen the Monday morning quarterbacks who second guess a decision that was made in the field. This happens when a police officer shoots an unarmed man or a firefighter performed a risky rescue in an attempt to save someone’s life which unfortunately did not succeed.

Looking at face value of these decisions it is easy to say why did the police officer shoot an unarmed man? Why did the firefighter move the man when he could have gotten more help? In the media these stories are unfortunately all too familiar and the public in general likes to step up on the soap box and downplay the role of each of these individuals and say why did they make these foolish decisions? Well we can only ask the individuals why they made these decisions and try and gain further insight on what made them come to these decisions. Then and only then can we hope to understand the decision that was made. Looking at the term that you’re dammed if you do and you’re dammed if you don’t can without a doubt ring true. 

So what happens when the police officer doesn’t shoot the unarmed man? We can look at the response that society wanted and applaud the police officer for not shooting the man. In law enforcement the number one rule is to protect society. But the number 2 rule is to go home at the end of your shift and to your family. in the matter where the firefighter did not attempt to save the life of the man and he waited until others could arrive. The man dies and now society will ask the question why didn’t the firefighter help the man sooner? These are several ways that a dilemma can be introduced into your life and into society and the lives of others.