After reading the recent article about the fire in Hallowell, I am glad everyone is safe and inspired by the actions of the rescuers (“Hallowell officer recounts tense fire rescue while identity of ‘civilian hero’ still a mystery,” May 25). But would someone please start reminding police officers that they are civilians, too?

Every time a police officer refers to a non-police officer as a “civilian,” it reinforces the ongoing militarization of our police, and their mindset that they are different from the people they are supposed to serve. This is profoundly unhealthy to a democracy.

Alex Irvine
South Portland

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