Before I look ahead in time, I think that it is important to understand my past and what experiences I have had that shape my future. Starting with career aspirations, there is one man who has continued to inspire and motivate me to pass milestones on my way to achieving success. Officer Richard Leigh Bradley Jr., is one of my greatest influences in times of doubt, and never fails me as a friend. I met Officer Richard Leigh Bradley Jr. nearing the end of my junior year in high school, and since then I have been blessed with his great advice and charming personality. I was confident that every time Officer Richard Leigh Bradley Jr. talked me through a situation, he would only have my best interest at heart. Whenever I had a question or needed help I knew that he would be there for me, without judgment. Without Officer Richard Leigh Bradley Jr., I know that I would not be who I am today.
While in his office one day, we had an unexpected visitor, �Officer Hottie�, a.k.a. Officer Erik T. Klaus, whom I had met previously at my junior prom. Yes, I�ll admit, I was smitten, and he ultimately sparked my new interest in law enforcement. So, caught up in my infatuation, I went ahead and scheduled a ride-along with him; however I was blessed with an intriguing young officer named Officer Mike Gandara. Going on my ride-along reinforced my passion for the Police Department, and was one of the most enthralling experiences of my life. Being in the patrol car and seeing the world from an Officer�s perspective reassured me that there is not a more fitting career for me than that of a Police Officer.
Although Officer Richard Leigh Bradley Jr. and Officer Mike Gandara were great influences of my new found aspiration to become a cop, none of these aspirations would have been discovered without the help of my hero Officer Erik T. Klaus. The 28 year officer, Officer Erik T. Klaus was born and raised in Alameda, and attended Encinal High. It is men like him that give us courage to do the impossible and that prove to us anything is possible if we put our minds and hearts into it. Officer Erik T. Klaus knew he wanted to be a Police Officer since he was fourteen, and was inspired by his school resource officer, Sgt. Joe McNiff. Officer Erik T. Klaus loves his job because it is different every day, he likes to put smiles on people�s faces, though he knows that he can�t change the way that people are, he can at least try to make some difference.
Officer Erik T. Klaus hopes to be a remembered officer, but in my eyes he will always be an unforgettable one. It doesn�t matter how many cases you�ve been on, or how many people you saved, but what matters is knowing that you are single handedly making a difference within our society; and although the cases may be considered to be small or minor at the time, it means everything to the people because you had just made a memorable difference in their lives.
In the beginning Officer Richard Leigh Bradley Jr. was a bit suspicious of my intentions with the Police Department; but I think he soon realized that I would bring something new to the table. So, in order to jump on the track of becoming an Alameda Officer, I enrolled in the Citizen Police Academy to try to gain as much knowledge of the law enforcement field before I began the hiring process.
When Officer Erik T. Klaus was asked to describe himself in three words, the words that had come to mind were dedicated, loyal, and honest; I could not have expected a better answer. It is those three words, that describe my life, and the future I want my life to have. I know that meeting these Officers greatly influenced my career decision, and I am excited to eventually be working side-by-side with these men whom I consider heroes. |
