You are partailly correct. I happen to think that governemnt does way more than what it should be doing. If these people are not performing a task that can't be done by non-government workers they are essential (Cops, firefighters, judges, state attorneys etc.) On the other hand DOT, Social workers, food stamp coordinators etc. Should go find real work somewhere else where I can choose not to support them by shopping elsewhere
No, I'm 100% correct. I readily agree that many government employees are useless, but you are still reading way too much into the phrase "non-essential". Using your examples of "good" government employees, a judge or state attorney is non-essential by the government definition because if their workload is put off for a day or two because of a winter storm or other problem, it's no big deal. However, at least some subset of cops and firefighters have to be on duty during the same situation, and therefore are essential.
Anyone who would normally be in a crisis-management position (such as 24/7 on-call) is "essential", everyone else is "non-essential", regardless of the value added by their position.