“I can guess that during those eight years he has risked his life several times, most often without the slightest recognition by his superiors or the citizens he serves. “
______________
You might also guess that he has beat up prisoners several times, without being caught.
In his mind, he is THE LAW and an offense against him is punishable by him.
There are other people who have to put up with mouthy obnoxious teens - teachers, nurses, doctors and EMTs get handed insult and threats on a frequent basis by drunken, criminal or “entitled” patients, and do not respond with violence nearly as often police officers do - maybe because it would be too dangerous. But they manage to maintain professionalism, and so can the men authorized to carry guns and arrest on our behalf.
And most do!