Even when law enforcement officers are not under direct fire, they still face dangers each day that many people never even consider.

Take, for example, the case of a Fostoria, Ohio, Police Division officer who was conducting a traffic stop and had probable cause to search the vehicle. In the passenger’s purse he discovered a bag containing white powder.

But, according to a report by WTVG, during the search enough of the powder became airborne that the officer collapsed and is believed to have suffered a fentanyl overdose. Thank goodness other officers on the scene were able to administer doses of Narcan and perform other life-saving measures.

Officers are at risk when they have vehicles pulled to the side of a road and other drivers do not slow down or give them enough space. They (as are the drivers of other emergency vehicles such as ambulances or fire trucks) are at risk when drivers fail to adhere to the most basic etiquette, and have their faces buried in their phones at stopped traffic rather than scooting over to make room for them to get past.

They are put at risk when bad actors in other departments create a feeling of ill will toward even those who are truly on the job to protect and serve.

There are any number of ways an officer or other emergency responder might put their life at risk during a shift that most of us never hear about. In the case of the Fostoria officer, he was taken to a hospital where he was treated and eventually released. The outcome could have been much worse.

When we are able, each of us must remember the simple things we were taught: slow down, move over, stay focused, follow the rules and be respectful. Perhaps we can make ourselves one less thing for dedicated, good men and women in law enforcement to worry about each day.