I sent in my retirement papers yesterday... effective July 1st. It was a much harder decision to make then I thought it would be.
33 years in emergency services, 30 in law enforcement in three agencies (worked every rank and assignment up to Chief Deputy in the first and was Chief of Police in the other two - municiple and State) and simultaniously about 25 years as a certified Instructor and Instructor Trainer in various law enforcement subjects for the Wisconsin VTAE System which conducts nearly all LEO training in our State.
I've been blessed with great mentors, fine partners, fellow officers, good bosses and an understanding <span style="text-decoration: underline">second</span> wife.
I wouldn't change a thing. I've been shot at, shot, injured, spit at, sworn at, shit on and threatened... and loved nearly every minute of it. I've been able to save lives on medical calls, prevent suicidal subjects from making that final mistake, been able to bring those ass clowns richly deserving of prison or a good ass-kicking to justice (or at least what we call it) and been able to console and comfort the dying and help bring closure to grieving families. I've buried a partner killed on duty 2 blocks from my house on a simple vandalism complaint and... yes I have had to use force (deadly as well) more then once, but that's another story.
I remember every tragic accident and the result of violent crimes. I remember any number of cases that, if I think about them, still bring private tears to my eyes. I remember working with guys, and being one of those whose psychological defense mechanism created a twisted, funny situation even in the most horrible body recovery or death scene. I've been responsible for providing protective services for tribal spearfishing, KKK rallys, NWACP events, NAZI rallys, various anti-abortionists, abortion supporters and Presidential visits. You name it... it ain't about what you think... it's you job. It's the principle, I never cared WTF you were... you all got your rights protected. That's how it should be in this Country. Most importantly, when they were involved in controversy, when the chips were down, when they did what they thought was right at the time... I've always supported my officers.
I still will be involved in training officers and others... got some part time work as well in an area not even remotely related to what my training is. Nothing unusual here I guess, pretty much the story of hundreds of good coppers. Please excuse my rambling while I try to sort this all out.
33 years in emergency services, 30 in law enforcement in three agencies (worked every rank and assignment up to Chief Deputy in the first and was Chief of Police in the other two - municiple and State) and simultaniously about 25 years as a certified Instructor and Instructor Trainer in various law enforcement subjects for the Wisconsin VTAE System which conducts nearly all LEO training in our State.
I've been blessed with great mentors, fine partners, fellow officers, good bosses and an understanding <span style="text-decoration: underline">second</span> wife.
I wouldn't change a thing. I've been shot at, shot, injured, spit at, sworn at, shit on and threatened... and loved nearly every minute of it. I've been able to save lives on medical calls, prevent suicidal subjects from making that final mistake, been able to bring those ass clowns richly deserving of prison or a good ass-kicking to justice (or at least what we call it) and been able to console and comfort the dying and help bring closure to grieving families. I've buried a partner killed on duty 2 blocks from my house on a simple vandalism complaint and... yes I have had to use force (deadly as well) more then once, but that's another story.
I remember every tragic accident and the result of violent crimes. I remember any number of cases that, if I think about them, still bring private tears to my eyes. I remember working with guys, and being one of those whose psychological defense mechanism created a twisted, funny situation even in the most horrible body recovery or death scene. I've been responsible for providing protective services for tribal spearfishing, KKK rallys, NWACP events, NAZI rallys, various anti-abortionists, abortion supporters and Presidential visits. You name it... it ain't about what you think... it's you job. It's the principle, I never cared WTF you were... you all got your rights protected. That's how it should be in this Country. Most importantly, when they were involved in controversy, when the chips were down, when they did what they thought was right at the time... I've always supported my officers.
I still will be involved in training officers and others... got some part time work as well in an area not even remotely related to what my training is. Nothing unusual here I guess, pretty much the story of hundreds of good coppers. Please excuse my rambling while I try to sort this all out.
