I usually use this time of year to take a look back and then forward. I like to see what has happened this past year—where I’ve made improvements; what training I’ve enjoyed; what threats have increased; what positive support the community has shown, etc. I like to have that fresh in my mind as I look forward into the New Year.
I remember New Year’s Eve 1999 and parking under a bank drive-through overhang because what goes up must come down and there were many people shooting their stolen guns into the air. Most of these people were also criminals and they were shooting what little ammo they had for the stolen gun they were shooting. Thankfully, this New Year won’t be as dread-filled as that of 1999 into 2000. But the New Year can still be filled with trepidation and uncertainty—if we let it.
The New Year brings resolutions for many. Few last past the first week and even fewer result in long-term and beneficial positive life changes. Even in light of that, I encourage you to make them. Aim for five positive changes you’d like to make in your life and prioritize them.
Here are a few that most police officers can benefit from:
Improve your health by eating cleaner and exercising more. This is something you can start today. All of you have heard that our body is our first and most valuable weapon. Keep it toned, tuned, fueled properly and in fighting form. Do the things you might dismiss due to the inconvenience or cost of them. Get your vision checked and update your prescription. Get a physical and blood work. Seek out health deficiencies and correct them. If you don’t have any, make sure you’re keeping your body in proper working order. Strength, flexibility and cardio all need constant maintenance or improvement.
Dedicate yourself to keeping your equipment operational. When was the last time you cleaned your duty weapon or your secondary/off-duty weapon? How about that shotgun you take each day but haven’t used in two decades? Is your knife sharp? Is your radio in good condition and working 100 percent? When was the last time you checked the expiration dates on anything in your first-aid/trauma kit? All those things can save your life, or the life of another. Stay on top of maintenance.
Learn something new. I don’t care what it is. Never let a month pass where you don’t take some training, attend a class or start a new college program. Improve your mind and keep it fresh. Watch less television and videos on YouTube unless they are educational. Listen to podcasts that teach something and read more.
Spend quality time with your family. Whether you’re married or not, have children or not, or simply have a group of friends you gather regularly with, focus on them a bit more. They are your support structure and they need support from you as much as you need it from them. Make the time to be with them and appreciate that time. Here’s why…
Remember the fallen. Come New Year’s Day 2019, we’ll all look back at some point and see how many officers made the ultimate sacrifice in 2018. The one message I’m positive they would all share if they could would be, “If there is anything you can learn from my passing that will help you stay alive, learn it.” We honor their sacrifice by maintaining our commitment to the profession and by doing our best to return home whole and healthy—mind, body and spirit—at the end of each shift.
Stay safe.
Lt. Frank Borelli (ret)
