FOR THOSE WHO PROTECT AND
SERVE.
I will start by saying if
I were 35 years younger, well okay and maybe taller and a bit more
fit, I would apply to a police academy. In my present state of
fitness and age, I suspect they would laugh me out of the station.
I wanted to do something
to show my support for our police and other law enforcement
personnel. No, I would not get a permit to carry. I don't even own a
gun. Don’t get me wrong. I totally support the Second Amendment. I
also believe you should never carry a weapon you are not prepared to
use. I don’t care if it is a gun, a baton or mace, if you are not
prepared to use your weapon effectively please reconsider your
safeguards. Also understand you must be prepared for the aftermath,
whatever it may be. If not, well, then don’t carry a weapon.
I chose something closer
to my abilities. I found myself in the local community’s citizen’s
police academy. I did this as a way to learn more about police
procedures. If I am going to write crime novels, I wanted something a
bit more involved than Internet research. This all came about after I
signed a copy of my book, “BLOOD DEATH AND SALT”, to our chief of
police. The book is dedicated to law enforcement. Even with his busy
schedule the Chief gave me a few moments of his precious time, and
the deputy chief suggested I look into Durham’s citizen’s police
academy (CPA).
The program was a six-week
course; meeting twice a week for two hours each session. This was one
of the most educational courses that I have ever taken, which
includes my college life. Some communities and cities have longer and
more in depth courses, but they all have the same goal in mind
educate the citizens. It is also a good way to determine if law
enforcement is a viable occupation for you.
Master Officer Steve and
Officer Laurence conducted our class, and it did not stop with just
classroom discussions. We had the opportunity to view such things as
the bomb disposal teams, armored vehicles, mobile command center, 911
center, even a three hour ride along.
Yes, the course did take a
commitment of time which is nothing compared to the commitment our
officers and other law enforcement agents undertake every day.
Again, being honest, I
think everyone should be required to take some course on police
procedures when they get their driver’s licenses. I would venture
to say 90% of the people out there who complain about our law
enforcement have no idea of the potential dangers these brave souls
put themselves into everyday on every call.
This isn't an easy job.
Every traffic stop, house call, robbery, or any act of misguided
people could subject them to serious physical harm. Think of that
when you are sitting at your desk in front of your computer, working
in a department store, or on a construction site, or even in a
director’s chair.
The six weeks in the class
left me wanting to learn more; however, I will have to rely on the
Internet and interviews for the remainder of my education.
I grew up next door to one
of the state police barracks; I had some idea of what they saw and
endured. Unfortunately, like so many of us, I have been living in my
own little a cocoon.
The dangers of gangs,
disruptive kids, angry mobs, and acts of terrorism make the job so
frightening only the best and bravest could even think of taking on
these occupations.
In my younger days, I
worked in a bank. We had instructions on how to keep ourselves safe.
Things such as varying your route to and from work, being mindful of
our surroundings even to the point of being aware of vehicles that
did not belong on our street. I can tell you I experienced firsthand
how these procedures could prevent unwanted results.
You will find an
occasional bad apple among the police, but also among bankers,
lawyers, dairy workers, stock brokers, bakers, and even our youth.
Please remember BLUE lives
matter. They reflect our country’s melting pot of every race, color
and creed, which includes my nephew Officer Corey. They do put their
lives on the line to serve and protect us all.
Sorry, this is a repost from November's blog. I deleted it in error.
