Your Roll Model(s)?

Frank Borelli Editor-in-Chief Officer.com Awhile back there was a poll question generated - but never apparently used - on which television or movie police character was closest to your role model.  One of the reasons it may not have been used is that not everyone would know every character.  There were 9 listed and I am only familiar with 6 of them.  Heck, one of them was from the show "Adam-12".  Remember that?  But the unused question got me to thinking: what role models do police today have? I've attended presentations by LtCol Dave Grossman (ret) where he addresses role models to a certain extent.  One of his comments is that officers shouldn't select role models who break the rules.  That reminds me of a line from the movie Billy Jack: "When policeman break the law then there is no law; just a fight for survival." More thinking... and that can be hard for me to do sometimes.  What role models exist in the movies or on television today who are good?  I'd love to hear your responses, and I'll share some of mine, if for no other reason than to give each of you a good laugh. Cordell Walker:  Yep, "Walker, Texas Ranger".  Why?  The character is a military service veteran (commissioned officer), and a sergeant with the Texas Rangers.  His background has led him to believe in realms beyond our "real" world, and he's not shy about sharing those beliefs.  He values loyalty, honesty and keeps his word. Buford Pusser: the sheriff from the movie "Walking Tall".  If we can believe the movie, this man almost single handedly cleaned up his home town at significant cost to himself and great risk to his family.  His commitment to his job was more than impressive. Jesse Stone: the Chief of Police in Paradise, Mass. from the books and made-for-television movies.  Played by Tom Selleck, Jesse Stone is a flawed character (an imperfect human, can you believe it?) who always tries to do the right thing.  He may not always succeed, but he constantly demonstrates that his heart is in the right place.  He sometimes walks a fine line between legal and illegal, but it's clear that he's always serving the interest of public safety and justice. Jim Street: from the television show and movie "S.W.A.T.".  I was a bit young to remember the television show very well, but I remember being impressed with the character Robert Urick portrayed.  Colin Farrell reprised the role in the movie version and I felt he did it justice as well.  The character was dedicated to his job; skilled; backed up his partner and stayed true to the brotherhood, but ultimately was driven to do the right thing - even when it wasn't the right thing. That last one borders on what Dave Grossman was talking about.  Does Jim Street ever actually break the law?  Not that I can recall.  Whether or not he acts in an immoral or unethical fashion is a matter for debate.  He backs his partner and doesn't "give him up" to the brass.  In my opinion, his partner, Gamble, was a jerk and Street should have walked away from the partnership - even if he didn't do it in a way that hurt Gamble's career.  Early in the movie Gamble demonstrates that his commitment to the job isn't as high as Street's. So the question I pose to you is this, and I do hope you'll take a few minutes to leave some answers: Who is your role model?  Which police television or movie hero do you admire?  Please share some answers with a few comments on why.