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For me it was something I wanted to do as far back as I can remember. That's quite a few years, unfortunately. I'm an Academy Instructor now as well as a Police Officer. When I get to teach a basic Police Officers Training Course I always find a spot in the itinerary to tell the class what I feel it takes to be a cop in todays world. That if you do not have a calling to be a Law Enforcement Officer that is as strong as the one a preacher being called to the ministry, they should maybe consider another profession. Being a cop in todays world is not hiring the biggest guy in town to go swaggering around keeping everybody inline. Whether on the street, or for those that don't want to obey, in the emergency room. You have to be a Peace Keeper, for the safety of your citizens. A diplomat, to keep family and/or friends from each others throats. A negotiator, to bring a volatile situation under control or from getting out of hand. An advisor, to let someone know that you would or would not do in a given situation. Which hopefully will lead that person to a decision that could affect the rest of their life. A doctor, to either assist, or do it yourself, trying to keep someone alive until help arrives that is better qualified to be in the spot you are sitting/kneeling in. Or to assist someone, or do it by yourself, to get a little one into this world alive. A lawyer, to watch everything you do or say is within parameters you are allowed to have. This is to make sure your cases are not given the heave-ho out of the courthouse windows because of an "I" you didn't dot or a "T" you didn't cross. You have to be a human being that can work an accident involving a fatality. Someone who has to pull a small child's broken body out of the mangled wreck and possibly be the bearer of bad news to the family of that little one. To help them overcome the realisation that the joy and expectations they had are just floating away on those sad words being spoken by you, the Police Officer standing at their door or in the living room. You have to be able to offer condolences and possibly be a piece of stone for someone who, quite possibly, is needing a shoulder for a moment or two while they get themselves together. Remember they have to tell other members of the family what you have told them. There wil be plenty of time later on in your patrol car, when you are down the road a sufficient distance, that you can use the steering wheel as your shoulder. If you are fortunate enough to have a family, then you can go home to them, as I did when this was my assignment and take your little boy into your arms, thankful of the presence and the feel of him in your arms. The two of us sat in front of the TV and I rocked him into the wee hours of the night until my wife finally got him and put the little guy to bed. While I continued to rock, thanking God over and over and over again that our son was at home safe and in his bed instead of where the other one was that night. You'll probably get the chance to experience this yourself. God help you when it's your turn. The one mentioned was the first of several for me. My little boy was 4.... so was the little boy of theirs. The list goes on. The "job" is the most exhilarating, aggravating, frustrating and fulfulling on the face of this planet. It takes a person who can withstand the situations listed above, plus many many more. They have to be able to go home, raise a family, or have an outside life and then be back in time for roll call the next day. Day in and day out. Most of the Officers that I know fit that class profile, and can imagine no other field that would be as rewarding. I cannot imagine me doing any other and being as satisfied as I am today. Speaking of which, I forgot to mention earlier, you could expect to be paid on the lowest scale in the city/country/state that you represent. You can expect little or no support from the "powers that be" in relieving this situation at any given moment. But these same powers expect you to be on the front lines, between the citizens who elected them, and the lowlifes who threaten those same citizens that he would have to answer to. And let's not forget expected to risk your life and future, if you should f**k up. When everything falls into place, they will offer you a handshake, but only if and when reporters are present, with a camera. This is what you can expect on any given day while on duty...and to go home with a smile on your face. Some smile, some don't. But you keep on keeping on, Why? You wouldn't have it any other way, if it meant giving up that position of Shield Warrior for your streets. You are the Guardian of everyone who lays eyes on you.
Every Law Enforcement Officer has that engraved on their souls. If the situation was there I don't know of a one who wouldn't be posted in the "Officers Down List" the next day... A lot of those will say to people around them, "there ain't no way I would!" To some of those I've had the duty, the honor, of being part of the Honor Guard. One in particular in 1994/5 comes to mind. He had made the same remark while attending in-service class for that month. He had a 3 year old and another one due in 6 months. He never knew it was a boy. When he was needed, his ministry kicked in. That inner self that sees someone meeting an end that he could protect and he did, with his last breath. Instinct kicks in and the reactions are almost automatic to help when needed. These situations and many more go along with that shiny badge pinned on your shirt. These are the things I embraced willingly. I wanted to be one of those people who helped and protected. I could not imagine being anything else when I started, or now. That badge and the things it represents and my life's calling, my ministry, my pulpit. I've been accused of being a minister also because I preach this to the cadets when given the opportunity. But I strive to walk the walk and talk the talk each and every day. These are the things in my mind that make a Police Officer. The men and women in the THIN BLUE LINE take these things as just another part of the "job". They are drawn to that position like a bug to a light. And then they in turn become a light. A light to society, a safe haven that someone can reach for..... For protection or for help when it's needed. Ours is the position to PROTECT and to SERVE the citizens around us, twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. Regardless of the risk or danger involved...... I've mentioned a lot of the down side here. There are some situations that are not so bad. But it will be your job to find most of them on your own. Excuse the sermon, but that's what being a cop is to me..... From the heart
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