As an Ocean Beach local, I am asking myself if everybody realizes what a great team of San Diego Police Department officers we have assigned to our little town?! Our summer beach team and the regular squad are doing excellent work day in, day out — at all the special events and the OB Farmers Market. Have we, as business owners and local residents, ever let these hardworking guys know they are very much appreciated in our little world? These cops have to take a lot of heat around here. OB is not like any other part of San Diego. OB is “special” — and so are the officers assigned to our town. As an officer in OB, you just can’t go by the book and rules only … (“I’m the LAW”…). They have to balance out a behavior of “friend” and “authority.” They cannot go and arrest everybody or handcuff them up on the hood of the “cruiser.” Most of our officers have known people and characters of this town for years — know their stories, know how to handle them. One well-known, much-feared, well-liked officer in particular — who has been in OB many years, mainly for the summer months (Officer R.W. — where has he been lately??) — who is always on top of his game, helpful, knows most people by name, always shows concern; is personable but also very strict when it comes to keeping things under control. He, as well as other officers, step out of their way to reason with people, talk to them and calm them down before they take any unnecessary actions. Even though people seem to treat the police too casually around here, it’s a fact that they (police) are much respected. OB is the ONLY part of San Diego where one can feel safe at night walking. Those cops are ever present, even when you think they’re nowhere around! They run a tight ship around here with long, long ropes attached. And people know that!! So, I would like for my fellow Obecians to recognize the good work of “OB’s Finest.” Unfortunately, some locals still dislike the thought of appreciating our police officers, based on past quarrels. Maybe you want to walk up to one of the day- or nightshift officers (some of them have patrolled the area around Newport Avenue on foot for years, greeting locals by name, checking in with bars and businesses to see if things are O.K. — we know who those officers are, right?) and simply THANK that officer for doing a great job!!! They always put OUR safety first. But keep in mind — once they take off that black uniform (must be so hot in it) — they are ONLY regular people like everybody else, appreciating a compliment!!! Do YOU have a favorite officer? I would love to get some opinions and feedback!!  B.K. Becky Ocean Beach business owner — Editor’s note: The Ocean Beach MainStreet Association honored members of the San Diego Police Department’s Western Division during an awards gala Oct. 28 for their ongoing cooperation and commitment.