I am one of tens of millions of Americans who would not hesitate to help out our officers on the streets if I see them in need. This includes most veterans, most retired police officers, other law enforcement, and just plain old good people of this country.

I will not stop to grab my cell phone to record what is happening if you are trying to harm anyone minding their own business. I will be going to their aid. And I will be armed.

“I have trained for decades to use firearms to stop people like you.”

As a 35-year veteran cop who now teaches law enforcement recruits full time, I will not stand idly by and watch someone try to harm my former students and friends. I carry a firearm ALL the time, even when you think it’s not possible. I also have quick access to the same kind of firepower that you can try and get hold of. Most likely, it’s much, much better. I have trained for decades to use them to stop people like you.

And I like to think I am pretty good at it.

You see, many of us who used to mind our own business are not only now watching our cops’ backs, but also those of our fellow citizens as a result of recent ambushes by terrorists who murdered innocent people in both Florida and Texas. Just the other day, on my way to work, I saw two of my former students arresting a man on a busy corner in town. I pulled into the parking lot of the gas station they were stopped in, parked where I could see and began to watch those in the area — not the cops, but those around them.

Related: Wife Grieves Military Husband After His Final Journey Home

Nothing happened, thank goodness, and I made it to work about 10 minutes later than normal — well worth it to me.

To all of the other people out there who want to do something to help out the thin blue line, take a look the next time you see cops on the street. Do not bother them, do not approach them (they are busy), but hang out nearby and watch the surroundings for them.

If you see something that is of danger to them, let them know! If you happen to see a fellow citizen in need of help, dial 911 and do something about it. Stand up for what is right and what is good. If we don’t help each other, who will?

Related: Teaching Kids to Respect Police

Who do you think would win the Presidency?

By completing the poll, you agree to receive emails from LifeZette, occasional offers from our partners and that you've read and agree to our privacy policy and legal statement.

We have become a nation of cowards, and it’s considered OK to “stay out of it,” even if someone is being seriously hurt or possibly killed. Why? Are you afraid to get hurt? Then learn how to protect yourself and your family; it will be the best money you will ever spend.

Let’s show these cowardly terrorists that we will not stand by any longer and lets start fighting back. We will not run and hide. We will FIGHT!

Related: Bringing Police and People Together for Good

And when Americans start standing up for each other once again, these atrocities will subside, we hope.

It is true that good guys with guns stop bad guys with guns. Why else would cops carry them?

Chris Wagoner is a U.S. Army veteran and senior OpsLens contributor. He has been in law enforcement the last 35-plus years. He specializes in LE Firearms Instruction, and is in charge of a large police academy in North Florida. In his spare time he is a freelance military reporter and owner/founder of the largest military videos channel on YouTube, “3rdID8487.” This OpsLens article is used by permission.

Read more at OpsLens:
Learning to Shoot: How Much Training Is Enough?
Trying Juveniles as Adults: New Solution to Old Problem