Thoughts from Chief Sjolander... Youve earned em, wear em... Im now wearing stars on my uniform. If youve followed us here for a while, you know Im not a fan of the white shirt thing that a lot of admin do. I guess it makes me feel like Im showing off or come across like Im better than anyone and trust me, Im not. While at training last week, a lot of people addressed me as Chief. Ive never been comfortable with titles and even though Ive been a chief since 2007, I still feel like a patrolmen. I take calls, I drive a marked squad and Ive asked that everyone just call me Lee. Im visiting with a older officer and he asked why Im this way? I tell him Ive never thought of myself as better than anyone and titles make me uncomfortable. He replies with bull#¥&!, youve earned those stars and that title by working hard, standing up for your officers, your city, and your department. He said Collar brass is like grey hair, youve earned them, wear them...He was right. As I got ready for shift this morning, I looked at my uniform shirt and decided to wear my stars...The old guy was right, Ive earned them. I look in the mirror, see my wrinkles and graying hair and realized that Ive earned each one. The wrinkles are more laugh lines and Im ok with grey. The stars are gold, the badge is gold, the name plate is gold and has Serving since 1995 on it. Yes, Ive earned these stars and its time to realize that being the leader does not mean youre better than anyone...I hope my stars show that I have some wisdom and will always put the needs of my city, my co-workers, and my agency before my own. Oh, and the shirt is blue, just like my eyes. Stay safe, Lee
Posted on: Mon, 19 May 2014 13:02:26 +0000
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