Saluting the 'upper classmen' of O/R

**countybear** · 03-18-08, 06:47 PM

Recently, there was a thread in the Squad Room where users were asked to select other members to show appreciation to them for their laudable traits and participation here at OfficerResource.com. Many users were named, compliments were exchanged, and pleasantries returned. I personally found the thread thought provoking, in that it posed a profound question as to who I really appreciate, both here at O/R, and in the professional realm.

I mulled over this for some time. Having a few years under my belt, I thought back to some of the men who have served as my mentors and role models in law enforcement. From my younger days especially, I remember the first cop I rode with, each of my academy instructors, the first senior cop who chewed my ass for screwing up, and the administrators that I have served under before. I took from each of them the benefit of their advice and experience, and I honestly carry a part of each of them with me every shift that I work out here. I’ve lost track of most of them. Some are now riding the streets of gold, and I seriously doubt that the ones still here even give me a second thought, but for the record, I cherish each and every one of them, even the ones who handed me my ass when I so desperately deserved it.

For you men here who have the time under your belts, retired, semi-retired, or still serving, Oldtrooper, narcodog, bayern, Car4, Armsmaster, PapaBear, keith720, cpltrahan, Trojan, cajunguy, jim dandy, and any others here who I might have missed who have ‘stayed the course’ over 25-30+, let me say that I personally salute each of you for your lives dedicated to the service of others. To have dealt with the evils of society for so long, and to have maintained your standards, your sanity, your humor, and your integrity is worthy of the highest praise that can be bestowed. You are the ones that younger cops carry with them on every shift. As if angels on their shoulder, your words of support, guidance, and even your criticisms will remain in their hearts and minds to keep them safe, efficient, and sound in their own judgment throughout their careers. The heart of a man is known by his service, dedication, and perseverance. The lives you’ve touched are innumerable. Your honor is unquestionable. Your reward in heaven will be great, gentlemen, for you have truly already served your time in hell.

/rant off

**kjlaw** · 03-18-08, 06:59 PM

I would like to add my sincere thanks to these and all members of this site who have given so many years to the job.

**BigDawg** · 03-18-08, 07:51 PM

Young grasshopper not worthy.

Thank you my Brothers for your service and dedication.

**Buttercup** · 03-18-08, 08:47 PM

Originally Posted by kjlaw

I would like to add my sincere thanks to these and all members of this site who have given so many years to the job.

+1

That was beautiful, countybear.

**Resident Smart Ass** · 03-18-08, 08:48 PM

Excellent post CB!..Thank you all for your DEDICATED service!

**gozling** · 03-18-08, 08:55 PM

lovely post...

and i would not be here if it werent for a man named Larry who was on my squad and saved my life...
not once
but twice....

24 years for him and he said he could recognize the officers who would find the shit... we hung out a lot and he is like my dad!
He saved me when I was trapped in my patrol car - hit by a hit and attempted run.. not only did he get me out of the car safely after being pinned in, but he also got the guy in the car trying to flee...

He also came up on me in a knock down fight with a subject check that surprisingly went bad and while I was fighting with the guy for my gun... larry came in and saved the day....

he would always listen out for where i was and pretty much hung out around the corner....

i truely love him as my brother but he has become more like my dad.
i wish him the best always and learned so much from him as a person and as a deputy.

**Lo523** · 03-18-08, 09:19 PM

Another excellent post CB!

You must spread some Reputation around before giving it to countybear again.

**Resident Smart Ass** · 03-18-08, 09:20 PM

Originally Posted by Lo523

Another excellent post CB!

You must spread some Reputation around before giving it to countybear again.

got it for you

**lewisipso** · 03-19-08, 02:05 AM

A virtual tip of the hat in true solemn respect.

**Just KC** · 03-20-08, 01:41 AM

Beautiful post!

**keith720** · 03-20-08, 02:25 AM

Thank you. I have indeed been fortunate to work with and learn from a lot of fine, young officers as well. When I think of the officers I learned from when I started, a lot of them were WWII or Korean War vets and are now gone, yet their legacy lives on in the lessons that they have passed down. I feel confident that the L.E.O.'s and C.O.'s of today will have their own legacy to pass on. Again, Thank you.

**Cidp24** · 03-20-08, 02:52 AM

I did not have any formal FTO when I came on. I had been a dispatcher for a couple of years and they just kind of issued me my gear and said "go to work". My first supervisor in those days was a major asshole. He hollered at me, threatened to write me up, stayed on my ass every day, picked apart every action that I took, and showed up at most of my calls looking over my shoulder.
I cannot thank him enough or explain the impact he made on me and as I became a trainer, other officers down the line. I think about him often and how, with all the correction and direction he gave me, he never made me feel stupid and he never belittled me. It seemed that his entire purpose for breathing was to make sure that officers under him went home at the end of the day and to teach them to do that for the rest of their career. He was one of those guys that could write you up and make you feel good about it. Today I call him a true friend and if I was asked what one person made the biggest impact on the officer I am today, I would have a very hard time choosing between him and my dad, a retired LEO.
It was a sad day when he had to retire medically at a relatively young age due to a progressive disease.