Guidance

[Magnum440]

Everybody had a hero in their life. Mine was my father, a LEO for 25 years, Chief of his department the last twelve. I joined another department when old enough. Growing up, I guess we all have received guidance in one way or another from somebody. My father was not a demanding person, but someone who was rigid when it came to some things. He didn't talk much, but had little sayings he passed on to me. Tried my best to live up to them. Some of the tips were given in my growing years, others after I became a LEO. Bet everybody had somebody similar.

Pre LEO
1. Say what your mother says, do what your father says do.
2. When you grow up, the next man you meet will be as mean as you allow him to be.
3. Don't start a fight, but always finish it.
4. The man who is most afraid of getting hurt, will usually lost a fight.
5. If you have to fight, fight as if your life depended on it. It may.
6. If you tell someone you will do something, do it.
7. Take up for the weak when they are being picked on.
8. No such thing as a sucker punch.
9. When you shake a man's hand on a deal, the deal is done.
10. If you tell the truth, you won't have to remember what you said.
Post LEO
1. If you draw your weapon, use it.
2. You have a uniform, a gun on your hip, and a badge on your chest. True authority comes from your voice.
3. Police work is 90% bluff. Be ready to back up the other 10%.
4. Use the common sense God gave you.

[jmur5074]

Sounds like pretty sound advice to me.

[26Trainer]

Looked up to my Dad, I never understood some of the things he would scold and whip my backside for. That is until he died and had to think things through on my own without him there for advice.

Magnum440, your Dad has given you some great advice.

[Retdetsgt]

Looked up to my Dad, I never understood some of the things he would scold and whip my backside for. That is until he died and had to think things through on my own without him there for advice.

Heh, I don't think my Dad ever spanked me, he didn't have to. He had "the look"!

I miss my Dad everyday. He died in 1998, but I'm always thinking of things I wish I could call him and talk to him about. I believe I have that same relationship with my daughters. Both are in their 30's, but they call me all the time just to tell me some experience they just had.

[Autumn2009]

I love my dad, he is absolutely my hero, and luckily he's still here with me. I can not imagine my growing years, or now without him.

Other than my Dad I have an awesome person whos been a mentor in my life. I met him through our sheriffs department, a deputy there, our friendship slowly grew as I would assist him with his DARE program. As of now he isn't with the department anymore, 2 years ago, he suffered a brain bleed/seizure/stroke, that left his mental capabilities and his physical capabilities not as sharp as what being an LEO calls for. Also shortly after that, his wife left in a horrible, gruesome mess. Now he can't see his kids, been to jail (for "supposed" PPO violation, long story), lost his job, his house, his once known life, but damn to this day he is still loving ever second of life. He helped me find my love for LE, as before I was headed in a different direction, and has just been that person there for me whenever, wherever. I have his DARE picture in my wallet and in my car as a reminder that when life shits on you to stand up and take it and smile on.

Magnum, that is some awesome advice your Dad gave you. So true.