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All too often civilians think of members of law enforcement as automatons that exist only to hand out speeding tickets. On the contrary, they are flesh-and-blood people who are more than just their uniform and what that represents. An example: Thanks to their leadership, the Franklin City Police members are continuing to become involved in the community they serve.

If you require proof, then you need only participate in the local department’s campaign to collect new toys for Edmarc Hospice for Children. The police are working together with Franklin-Southampton Area United Way and the Armory Drive McDonald’s on this project to make the youngsters’ Christmas memorable.

As noted elsewhere in the paper today, if you also want to be a part of making the holiday a happy one for children, simply bring a new, unwrapped toy to the Police Department on Pretlow Street each day from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Friday, Dec. 13. Also that afternoon will be the “stuff the cop car” parked at the Armory Drive McDonald’s from 4 to 7 p.m.

We commend all three agencies for partnering in this project, especially the police for doing more than just their jobs.