One thing that comes across in the new Clint Eastwood movie "American Sniper" is the raw emotion experienced by Bradley Cooper, the actor portraying Chris Kyle.

The greatest sniper in American history, Kyle did not regret killing the enemy in war but he did agonize over the comrades he lost during his four tours in Iraq.He was consumed with protecting American freedoms and helping those who were physically maimed and emotionally scarred when they came home.Police officers who are on the front lines protecting us must also deal with the constant pressures and emotions associated with their jobs.Last year in Billings, Montana, officer Grant Morrison pulled over a vehicle driven by Richard Ramirez, 38, in a high-crime area of the city. Ramirez was well-known to officers in Billings before the incident and just the day before his death, he was a suspect in a drug-related robbery and shootings.Although ordered to put his hands in the air, Ramirez disregarded the policeman.When the suspect exited the car and was seen reaching for the waistband of his pants for what the officer believed to be a weapon, Morrison drew his sidearm and fired, killing Ramirez.The entire incident lasted less than 30 seconds.Officers who responded to Morrison's call for assistance found Morrison distraught.His police vehicle recorded the emotional scene as Morrison is helped by a fellow policeman.He gets to his feet before once again collapsing against the front hood of his squad car."I thought he was going to pull a gun on me," he told officer Brad Ross, who was giving assistance.Ramirez had enough methamphetamine in his bloodstream at the time of the shooting to kill a normal person.A coroner's inquest determined Morrison was justified in the shooting; no charges were filed and he returned to active duty.Last week, police in western Pennsylvania learned the sad news that Joey Fabus, an 8-year-old who had been battling an inoperable brain tumor, had died.The news was difficult for members of the Bethel Park Police Department who had given Joey the opportunity to realize his dream of being a police officer after hearing his grim diagnosis.On his special day as an honorary officer, Joey went on patrol with another officer and even wrote out a citation. He also threw out the first pitch at a Pirates' baseball game.The boy was buried in full uniform and officers from across the region attended the funeral.These kinds of stories, reflecting the compassionate side of police, are underreported by the liberal press which seems more concerned with covering police protests or a race-baiting charlatan such as Al Sharpton.By JIM ZBICKtneditor@tnonline.com