Thoughts from Chief Sjolander... You see a cop, I see much more... When you look at me, or one of my brothers and sisters in uniform, you see a cop. When I look at me, or anyone else wearing the uniform of a public servant, I see much more. I see a husband, wife, brother, sister, father, mother, aunt, uncle, and friend. I see a person who worked three jobs to put themselves through college and lived on ramen noodles and coffee while pulling all nighters studying for the state peace officer test. I see someone who purchased a suit on a credit card so they had something nice to wear while going to test after test and interview after interview looking for a start in this crazy career field. I see someone whos discouraged after opening the mailbox, checking their e-mail, or listening to a voice message that says Thanks for applying, while we had many qualified applicants for this position, you unfortunately did not make it to the next level in our hiring process... But they keep on applying and dont quit because they know how hard theyve worked and this is their calling. I see someone whos the FNG when first hired and are getting drilled on policies, procedures, geogrophy, etc. by their Field Training Officer and are trying their best to do the job and make it off probation. I see someone whos scared and shocked at how cruel people can be to each other, and themselves. I see someone whos pumped after their first arrest, and then confused as to why the person they just arrested is out on the streets before the end of their shift. I see someone who eats crappy gas station food while sitting in their squad typing reports. I see someone who sends their family a Good night, I love you text from their phone because they didnt get a chance to see their family today because they had training and court. I see someone whos willing to pull you from a burning building, a mangled vehicle, or a raging river without giving it a second thought because Thats what we do. I see someone who will step in the middle of a fight with people twice their size and half their age and when the yelling stops and cooler heads prevail, everyone leaves feeling they won. I see someone who will bury a friend wearing this uniform. I see someone who will cry and hug their loved ones, and still have the courage to get back in their squad that night and take your calls for service because thats what we do, thats who we are, and while we all know the dangers, we also know the rewards. I hope the next time you see a cop, you see some of what I see. Stay safe, Lee
Posted on: Tue, 30 Dec 2014 15:25:55 +0000
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