It is absolutely amazing and wonderful how great the nation has responded to the tragic accident involving NFL player and McKees Rocks native Damar Hamlin.

His charity has taken in more than $6 million in donations since Monday night. It was initially set up to provide Christmas presents for underprivileged children.

Everyone who donated should be praised and commended for responding and giving.

We don’t know how well those GoFundMe accounts are protected from abuse, but we hope that the charity will stay true to its mission.

What is even more sad than this terrible injury to Mr. Hamlin, though, was the shooting death of Brackenridge Police Chief Justin McIntire while he was trying to make an arrest.

We have often heard it said that law enforcement officers know the risks and what they are getting into when they put on the uniform. That being said, isn’t it fair to say so do football players?

Mr. Hamlin’s injury took place on a huge stage with a large television audience. Chief McIntire’s took place in a neighborhood where he was sworn to uphold the law and while he was on duty.

Who do you think was earning a better wage for his employment that day — Mr. Hamlin or Chief McIntire?

We are glad to see the outpouring of support for Mr. Hamlin and pray that he will recover. No doubt he was well insured by his employer, the National Football League.

He didn’t deserve to be injured or to need CPR on the playing field.

While there was an onslaught of donations to Mr. Hamlin’s charity, a GoFundMe page purportedly established in honor of Chief McIntire was found to be fake by the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, only after the account appeared to have raised $540.

Once again, our worship of entertainers, such as football players, is on display. But so is our lack of the same for those who put their lives on the line every day for us. Those same ones who leave home every day knowing the risks they may face during their daily shift.

Nothing against millionaire entertainers, but people need to realize who real heroes are. Chief McIntire, thank you for your service and may you rest in peace.

— RV