Things We Sometimes Forget

Earlier this week I was the keynote speaker at an academy graduation in Southern California. While doing my research for the presentation, it occurred to me how sometimes we become so wrapped up in our careers that we tend to forget some of the things that we really enjoy about being a police officer. So with your indulgence I would like to share portions of my speech with you.

"Now I would like to address these remarks directly to class 135.

Why are you here? Why did you just spend 6 months of your valuable time socializing with the Recruit Training Officer's of the Academy staff?

NOW I HAVE QUESTIONS: Was it worth the many sleepless nights wondering if you made the right decision in choosing law enforcement as a career? Was it worth getting up at O-Dark 30 for your physical training and classes? Was it worth doing push-ups and pull-ups until you felt your arms were going to fall off? Was it worth giving up any social life you may have had prior to the academy?

Well you tell me, and let me hear it - WAS IT WORTH IT?

You bet it was. You demonstrated the TENACITY, INITIATIVE and GUTS in sticking it out during the hard times when you felt like there was really no tomorrow and all for what? For the PRIVILEGE of wearing this (pointing to the badge).

In the classroom we discussed issues regarding the tarnishing of the badge and you all know how passionate I am about our badge. I want to take a few minutes to reiterate what the badge stands for.

The badge that each of you are going to receive tonight is the culmination of all of your hard earned efforts. It is something you should be very, very proud of. But remember, it is a privilege. It is not a right. As you will recall, many candidates started out in this Academy; but only the strong remain.

Let me tell you a little bit about this badge. This is a symbol that is very special to law enforcement officers, and it is not something that we take lightly. The story behind the badge is that in ancient times when gladiators went off to their wars, they all carried a shield and used it for protection. Protection against the striking forces of evil, protection to save their bodies, to save their friends. With all the shields together, they could form barricades, which was another form of protection. If a warrior was hurt, the shield could be used as a stretcher to carry their warrior off the battlefield to safety.

So you see, there is more to it than just the shape. There is something behind it. There is something it really stands for. This badge or shield, whatever we wish to call it, demonstrates that we, as Police Officers, are now given the responsibility for protection and safety of our citizens who rely on us.

Paraphrasing an ode written by George H. Savord, a former Police Chief of Cypress:

This badge started out as a piece of lifeless metal; it was stamped, shaped and inscribed with the words, Police Officer.

Now it is yours. A symbol of Americanism, law, order, justice and freedom.

The Badge lives. It is a courageous defender. Possession of it transforms you from citizen to sentinel. Guardian of the safety and welfare of others.

Display it with dignity. Wear it with pride. Treasure it, polish it, and keep it gleaming. The reflection of the badge is one of hope, peace and security.

Respect your badge and others will too.

I have been asked to give a couple of words of wisdom regarding what you should expect, and I guess this is due to the length of time I have been in the business. I'll give you a few vignettes.

One thing that I can tell you is "the only certainty about law enforcement is the uncertainty". Where else can you have a job where you don't know what to expect from day to day, minute to minute? One minute you're riding in a car doing nothing, and the next minute you're flying by the seat of your pants in a high-speed pursuit. Where else can you get out there and work and help people in their daily lives? Where else can you be appreciated so much by citizens? And feared so much by the bad guys? Where else can you go and have fun interrogating the crooks, get them to cop out and tell you about all the stuff they didn't want to tell you to begin with?