HARRIS COUNTY, Texas – For Harris County Sgt. Brian Brawner, the responsibility to serve and protect packs a lot of weight.
"It's a huge area and a huge responsibility," Brawner said. "Ready to do the job every single night."
Brawner works nights patrolling the streets of Harris County District 4.
He does it on a job often considered thankless.
"I'm going to hold the line as long as I have to," Brawner said. "They support us and we support them."
Support came to him by way of self-reflection -- through tragedy.
After five officers were gunned down last summer in Dallas, Brawner said he had to do something to improve morale -- especially among younger deputies.
"Thinking about how I can motivate the deputies, I see a blue light," Brawner said. "And I thought to myself, 'That's the kind of support from the community without one word being said (that) put the fuel back in my lanyard so I could keep charging on.'"
One night he saw a blue light bulb shining -- several blue ones, in fact, in front of houses where he patrols.
It was neighbors showing their support and backing the blue.
To show his appreciation, Brawner began leaving letters at houses with blue lights.
Amy and Jim Glenn got one and went out to find Brawner shortly thereafter.
"He didn't have to acknowledge it," Amy said. "They put their lives on the line every single day for us. Let's show them that it matters. That we appreciate what they do."
It's just one of many ways gratitude can be shown for those in blue.
"That's a simple gesture," Amy said.
It may seem like a simple gesture, but it means so much more.
"When I see the blue lights and when I get the support from the community, I know I'm doing the right thing," Brawner said.
