From Enforcing the Law to Mending Wounds: Heroes Wear Many Hats

In my recent experience, I’ve come to witness firsthand what it truly means to be a superhero. 

We envision police officers as enforcers of the law, which is a fact. But there's so much more to their role—a side we rarely see or appreciate. 

Our company, Cognition, recently embarked on a project to train the Navi Mumbai and Thane police personnel in Medical Emergency Care - a CSR initiative by Atos Global IT Solutions and Services and supported by the Rotary Club of Satellite City Navi Mumbai. The project is halfway through, and I must say, it has been one of the most exhilarating and enlightening experiences of my career.

The Commissioner’s office, the DCP, ACP, and various Head PIs at police stations, I’ve had the privilege and honor to interact with some of the most dedicated and respectful individuals I’ve ever met. As a founder, I meet all sorts of people—some who challenge your patience and others who leave you in awe. On the same day that I struggled with a senior from a reputed institute who lacked basic courtesy, I also had the pleasure of engaging with police personnel who are often portrayed negatively on television but who, in reality, are incredibly respectful, optimistic, and even humorous.

Our police officers manage chaotic, high-pressure roles every day. Yet, despite their stress, not once did any officer show the slightest attitude toward me or my team during the planning and execution of these trainings. They welcomed us with tolerance, respect, and a willingness to learn—qualities that we should all strive to emulate in our own lives.

The public often sees only one side of a police officer’s job—a strict cop maintaining law and order. However, there is so much more to them and their service. When there’s a roadside accident, it’s the police, not medical professionals, who are the first responders. They do their best to help victims while bystanders often stand by, more interested in filming the incident than offering assistance. One of the topics in our training is the ‘log-roll method,’ a technique to move a victim with minimal discomfort. It ideally requires four people, but as one officer pointed out during training, it’s rare to find that many willing helpers. Instead, officers are often left to manage on their own or with the help of a single colleague, while a crowd gathers around, doing nothing to assist.

This was a sobering realization for us. We quickly adapted the training to demonstrate how two people could perform the log-roll method effectively. Another poignant moment occurred during a hands-on CPR session when an officer shared his experience of losing a prisoner to cardiac arrest despite his desperate efforts to save him. The pain in his voice was evident, a reminder that these officers are deeply human and genuinely care about the lives they are sworn to protect.

There are countless stories like these. Officers who take unconscious, intoxicated youths to care centers, staying with them all night until they are safe. Officers who, without gloves or protective gear, carefully handle dismembered bodies at accident scenes, ensuring they are shielded from the public until an ambulance arrives. And there are moments when an emergency calls them away unexpectedly, as happened during one of our training sessions when an oil tanker overturned, drawing officers away to manage the crisis.

Our police force does so much more than maintain law and order. They are our guardian angels, our superheroes without capes. They face unimaginable challenges every day, often without thanks or recognition. Through this training initiative, I’ve gained a profound respect for their service, and I believe we all have much to learn from their resilience, dedication, and humanity.

In a world where it's easy to judge and criticize, I hope we can all take a moment to appreciate the men and women who wear the uniform. They are our protectors, our healers, and our heroes—wearing many hats, all in the service of others.

- Sharon Lasrado