It is all too easy for us to knock the police for abuse and misuse of their power.
But back on February 12th when a young constable was shot in the line of duty, the daily life and death risk they face was brought into sharp focus. That young constable is Kevin Jacobs and the last time we saw him - he was in a coma at the KHMH recovering from a gunshot to the face.
Well it's been two months since those images were captured and PC Jacobs has returned from the hospital in Merida. Today Keith Swift visited with him at his home in Belmopan and has his inspiring story of courage under fire.
PC Kevin Jacobs, Shot in the Line of Duty
"If I would do it again? Well I love my job. I love being a police officer so I guess I would yes."
That love almost cost 24-year-old Police Constable Kevin Jacobs his life. Just two months ago we all watched him literally fighting to stay alive - tied to a bed with a bullet lodged in his brain. Constable Jacobs ended up in the hospital after a shoot-out with a notorious gang of Spanish outlaws who had just kidnapped the San Ignacio town mayor and were fleeing.
PC Kevin Jacobs,
"When I was looking for the guy I couldn't find and when I turned back that's when he shot me. But I didn't drop right away. I fired a shot and I only caught him in his leg because I couldn't get a view of him. And then they asked what happened to me and I told him that I got shot so they got me and they rushed me to the hospital."
Keith Swift,
"When you chasing this guy Portillo Del Cid - did you know he was a dangerous criminal and had just kidnapped the mayor?"
PC Kevin Jacobs,
"Well that was the report we had but I didn't know that he had a firearm because he was hiding in the bush when I was looking for him."
"I was shot in my face right here. The bullet was very serious where I got shot."
The bullet entered through his cheek and traveled into his brain. That bullet is still lodged there. There was a fear that Constable Jacobs would never be the same - that he would never be able to wear his badge again. Holding out hope was his mother Ruby Nikell who held a bedside vigil.
Ruby Nikell, Kevin's Mother
"Me personally know that God will heal him and I have faith. I serve a living God and he will walk again."
And more than just walking - at his home in Belmopan Kevin is just about back to normal. In fact a tiny scar on his right cheek - more like a dark spot - is the only reminder of his February 12th brush with death.
PC Kevin Jacobs,
"I recovered a lot and I am thankful for that so the bullet being there doesn't really bother me."
"I consider myself to be real lucky because when I went to Merida the doctors said it was very severe and they weren't sure if I would live. They said the longest I would live is two days but thank goodness to God I have a second chance at life."
And that second chance doesn't mean he wants a new job. Instead Jacobs is looking forward to rejoining the police department.
PC Kevin Jacobs,
"Yes of course I will return even though some friends of mine say why don't I just quit - why don't I just resign from there and look for a different job. I love my job and I love being a police officer."
Keith Swift,
"Do you think that when you do return to work you be afraid? You will like have flashbacks of that night?"
PC Kevin Jacobs,
"No I don't think that I will be afraid. If anything I will just be more aware of how to deal with people. I won't be afraid. I will just be more aware."
Keith Swift,
"Most people will ask - how can you not be afraid this might be happen again?"
PC Kevin Jacobs,
"How can I not be afraid? Well I put my trust in god whenever I leave my house I put my faith in him when I go out there to work."
Keith Swift,
"Do you consider yourself a hero?"
PC Kevin Jacobs,
"Well mostly people do but I just consider myself lucky to have been given a second chance at life and basically I am still the same like before the gunshot thanks to God."
So constable Jacobs will tell you he is no hero - he was only doing his job. A job, which he is looking forward to getting back into.
Jacobs is still receiving regular treatments in Merida and will return within the next couple weeks. He hopes to be back on duty by July.