We had a minor supervisory crisis last Sunday night and I was asked to fill in for the Evening Shift. Okay, I hadn’t been in a street uniform in over a year, but I offered to help out. My equipment was mostly right where I had left it. I would be the only sergeant for the shift, but, hey, I’ve been there many times before.
Sunday afternoon arrived. I had borrowed the keys to a fellow sergeant’s marked Chevy Tahoe. When I parked at the PD, I loaded my equipment: admin files, statute book, traffic vest, spare flashlight, plate carrier with 2 rifle mags and med kit, AR-15, and shotgun. I fired up the truck’s computer. And I stared blankly at it for a few minutes before I coaxed it into full operation.
After preparing the day’s roster, I sat at the read off table and awaited my fifteen officers. Their reactions to my presence at roll call were amusing. Since this was a very young squad, most knew me as one of the detective sergeants, but they had never seen me in blues. The rest were new when I last worked the road. A few looked puzzled as they took seats.
I introduced myself and covered the assignments and officer safety issues for the day. I sincerely told the officers that I though they had the most important job at the police department. I thanked them for their efforts. Finally, I made a couple of snarky inside jokes to those with whom I had previously worked. “All right, let’s go out and have a safe shift and some fun.” Continue reading →
I would like to thank all veterans of the United States Armed Services for your honorable commitment, dedication, and service to our Country on this Veterans Day. Last weekend, my wife and I were able to attend the unveiling of veterans’ memorial in a local park. There were hundreds in attendance, to include many of those who have served.
