I got into LE work in 1989, as a part-time deputy. It satisfied a 'need' that my teaching job didn't fulfill. It also opened my eyes WIDE to what my student's called 'life'.
I'll never forget the domestic that had me arriving to find one of my 4th graders bawling her eyes out on the front steps at 'o-dark-thirty'. The 'relief' in her eyes when she recognized me was almost immediately drowned out by the shame she felt when she realized that I knew her 'secret'...
Or what about the 2nd grade boy that's already a 'regular' in Juvenile Court because he LIKES to assault little girls at school? I arrested his dad one Sunday AM for Domestic Violence and possession of Schld. VI. On the way out, his dad says 'See what your mom's doing now? She's making me go to jail...'
Then there's the mental pictures that you can NEVER get out of your mind...no matter HOW MANY Long Islands you drink: She was 8 years old and a kid in my school. It was her first time on a 10-speed. She didn't know how to work the hand brakes and rode out in front of a loaded log truck. He couldn't stop in time, but he DID manage to lock up his brakes just at the moment of impact... I still cry over that one.
Or what about the skydiver whose chute didn't open? 16,000 feet onto the tarmack. Forget dental records OR finger prints......
And THEN there was the student I had a few years ago that committed suicide on Thanksgiving....
I quit LE work in 2004. The 'job' just wasn't worth $7.54/HR any more.
-- Edited by shooter at 01:02, 2006-05-02
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'When you guys get home and face an anti-war protester, look him in the eyes and shake his hand. Then, wink at his girlfriend, because she knows she's dating a pussy.'
-Commanding General, 1st Marines
$7.54!!!! If I had to write speeding ticket at those wages it wouldn't be worth it!!!
Welcome to Bumfuck, TN...population 6500.
__________________
'When you guys get home and face an anti-war protester, look him in the eyes and shake his hand. Then, wink at his girlfriend, because she knows she's dating a pussy.'
-Commanding General, 1st Marines
I wanted to take a moment and thank you for what you do. I thank God there are people who can. A lot of people [me included] often think of police work as glamorous and exciting and that the police have unquestioned authority, have exciting car chases, always get the perp, etc. How many times have people wanted to be a cop or a paramedic or in a similar profession without thinking what the job actually involves? Obviously, the truth is far different than that.
Although you must often see the worst in people, I hope you just as often or more see the good in people as well. I'm sure you don't get all the thanks and recognition you deserve but it is there. Too often, sadly, it is unexpressed. But it is still there.
I wanted to take a moment and thank you for what you do. I thank God there are people who can. A lot of people [me included] often think of police work as glamorous and exciting and that the police have unquestioned authority, have exciting car chases, always get the perp, etc. How many times have people wanted to be a cop or a paramedic or in a similar profession without thinking what the job actually involves? Obviously, the truth is far different than that. Although you must often see the worst in people, I hope you just as often or more see the good in people as well. I'm sure you don't get all the thanks and recognition you deserve but it is there. Too often, sadly, it is unexpressed. But it is still there.
Forgive me for bringing this thread back ....
I'd like to echo what Dorkman said.
One thing that surprises me is the pay-rate for some LEOs.
I make good money and can barely support myself. How you people support a family simply amazes me.
Once again, thanks to all those LEOs out there, especially those working for peanuts.
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"The statements and opinions contained in this communication do not necessarily reflect the official position of the Commission regarding these issues."
