We were discouraged to read reporter Julie Riddle’s dispatch on Monday that Northeast Michigan law enforcement agencies are struggling to recruit young police officers.

They struggle to compete with agencies downstate that can often offer higher pay, more activity, and more specialty fields, such as computer forensics teams.

But, as every resident knows, Northeast Michigan offers a lot that communities downstate often can’t: beautiful scenery, natural splendor, the comforts of small-town living, and some of the best, most charitable people around.

And, while area law enforcement officials concede they can’t offer recruits the action of daily car chases and the like, police work is vitally important to our community, which struggles with drunk driving, drug trafficking, sexual assaults, and more.

Police leaders told Riddle they’ve made more concerted efforts to reach out to communities around the state to recruit potential officers, and we wish them Godspeed.

But, in addition to that, we encourage young people growing up right here to consider a career in law enforcement. We know that people who start their careers in their hometowns are more likely to stay, and we hope some of our youth thinking they’d like to strap on the badge will consider putting on the uniform of a Northeast Michigan agency.

Our community needs you, and we hope you’ll consider protecting your hometown.

(THE ALPENA NEWS)