In law enforcement—and in life—it’s tempting to believe we got where we are because of our own grit, talent, and determination. And yes, those things matter. But Sherry Bass reminds us of a humbling truth: None of us got here alone.
Every achievement in your career, every skill you’ve mastered, every promotion or commendation you’ve earned—these are built on the foundation of people who came before you. The ones who trained you, encouraged you, corrected you, and believed in you. The ones who cleared a path so you could walk it.
In this way, you stand on the shoulders of giants—the leaders, mentors, colleagues, and even the quiet supporters who may never be recognized publicly, but who invested in you and your journey.
Who Are the Giants?
The field training officer who saw potential in you before you saw it in yourself.
The supervisor who gave you a second chance after you made a mistake.
The veteran who took time, during a chaotic call, to teach you something you still use today.
The partner who stood beside you in the worst moment of your career.
These giants are more than role models—they are the living proof that our profession is a collective effort.
The Virtue of Humility
Humility isn’t weakness—it’s strength rooted in perspective. Recognizing the contributions of others doesn’t diminish your hard work; it deepens your gratitude and keeps you grounded. Research shows that people who practice humility experience greater resilience, stronger relationships, and higher job satisfaction (Rowatt et al., 2006).
When you acknowledge your giants, you honor the investment they made in you. You make it clear that your success is also their success.
Why Gratitude Matters in Public Safety
Gratitude isn’t just “being nice.” Neuroscience shows that practicing gratitude strengthens neural pathways associated with well-being and resilience, lowers stress hormones, and increases optimism (Emmons & McCullough, 2003). For law enforcement, where cynicism can creep in, gratitude is a powerful countermeasure—it reminds you that you are supported, connected, and part of something bigger than yourself.
Your Turn to Be a Giant
Every day you have the chance to invest in someone else—just like your giants invested in you. The profession is strongest when we pass along what was given to us: mentorship, encouragement, and the belief that no one stands alone.
Call to Action: A Humility and Gratitude Practice
List Your Giants – Write down the names of 3–5 people who have shaped your career or life in a meaningful way.
Reach Out – Call, write, or visit at least one of them this week to express your gratitude. Be specific about what they gave you.
Pay It Forward – Identify one person you can mentor, encourage, or support this month. Become a giant for someone else.
When you remember the giants you stand on, you not only honor the past—you strengthen the future.
Works Cited
Emmons, Robert A., and Michael E. McCullough. The Psychology of Gratitude. Oxford University Press, 2003.
Rowatt, Wade C., et al. “Associations between humility, spiritual transcendence, and forgiveness.” Research in the Social Scientific Study of Religion 16 (2006): 233–252.