Our police officers are the cornerstone of our community’s safety. These men and women, who protect us every day, risk not only their lives, but the well-being of their families to serve us.

Yet, it has become increasingly difficult to find individuals willing to make such sacrifices, and departments throughout the state are struggling to recruit and retain qualified officers. For these officers, not only are the risks high, but the rewards remain low. The average Colorado police officer’s salary is roughly $60,000, according to Zip Recruiter. And as the number of police per capita continues to fall, the danger they face rises. In fact, violent and property crime rates still remain higher than they were before the pandemic.

For those who make the ultimate sacrifice on our behalf, their families receive only 70% of those officers’ salaries, often adding a financial crisis onto a personal tragedy.

That’s why I’m supporting Proposition 130, which directs the state to set aside $350 million in grants — not money from taxpayers — for local law enforcement agencies to improve police pay, recruitment, hiring and training — including training on the use of force and restraint — as well as bringing in additional officers to address specific types of criminal activity or focus on high-crime areas. Though the $350 million is a one-time set aside, the state would have to continue paying the $1 million death benefit into the future.

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Importantly, the measure also sets up a $1 million benefit for the family of an officer killed in the line of duty. Too many families, who lose their loved one in a split second, are faced with substantial financial struggles, which only exacerbate their prolonged and debilitating grief. Providing these families with some financial security is the least we can do when their loved ones sacrifice their lives protecting us.

To maintain a strong and effective police force, we must prioritize both recruitment and retention. The importance of keeping our most talented and ethical officers cannot be overstated. Staffing shortages are not just a budgeting concern; they directly affect public safety. Personnel shortages lead to increased overtime costs and decreased efficiency, which can hinder our officers’ ability to serve and protect.

Investing in effective training for our departments is equally crucial. Well-trained officers are better prepared to handle complex situations, make sound decisions under pressure and keep the public safe.

In recent years, Colorado has taken significant steps to reform law enforcement, aiming to improve accountability and transparency. Yet, these well-intentioned changes must include a balanced system that recognizes and rewards the risks and hard work of our dedicated officers.

I urge you to join me in showing our officers, deputies and their families we stand with them in support of safe and thriving communities.

Vote yes on Proposition 130.

Joe O’Dea, the 2022 Republican nominee for U.S. Senate, is chief executive of Denver-based Concrete Express. Inc.