This is being written post-Orlando-nightclub-attack with not a rant but personal observation. One of my favorite statements about looming danger is ‘there are clouds on the horizon.’ Well, the clouds were on the horizon and we have had several strikes and where are we now?
I have spent my entire life devoted to emergency services in some shape or fashion. Although it was my occupation, it was also a civic duty (as volunteer at times) and more of a calling, therefore my vocation. I know I have spent far too many hours training and preparing not to mention countless dollars in equipment; most of which I have not had to use but always had there just in case. I have taught and trained hundreds (more like thousands) of first responders. This is my life. I chose my path and live it this way.
I have heard far too many law enforcement officers in the past few years that have sickened me with their lackadaisical comments on their personal preparation. I know too many that leave their gun in their locker or do not carry secondary weapons. Some do not even own a gun making the statement, “It is work tool and I don’t want one at home or the responsibility of owning one.” As one told me once, they have a kid and did not want a gun in the house. There are more who do not carry an individual first aid kit (IFAK) or commonly known as a ‘blow out kit.’ They come in, do their straight eight and go home; they punch a clock. Do they care? I am sure that they do in some way but they lack the inner fire in their gut to be the true protector. Some of my colleagues and trainers use ‘warrior’ or ‘sheepdog;’ all terms apply here.
I do not expect an off-duty doctor to rush over to someone with a nicked finger but I am sure most do attend to someone down. I expect our religious leaders to maintain their holy lifestyle during the week and not on Sunday only. I know you have had a friend come up and ask the cop question to you and you were off, so you do the job off-duty? Don’t even tell me you don’t turn down a police officer benefit when off-duty; recall that coffee when the waitress remembered who you were? So, duty calls us all now more than ever.
With terrorism dancing around our country, who is expected to stand up? It will be the police and within their roles our firefighting and emergency medical brothers and sisters will be joining in. I know some right to work or some union steward will tell me that if you want us to carry weapons and respond off-duty then we must be compensated. Bravo Sierra! I expect police officers to uphold their obligations that they took with their hands up in the air, to protect and defend. There was not a time slot and no subchapters in the fine print; we protect and defend!
I want all law enforcement officers to step up now; this is not a military response. We can’t expect the federal agents to be the first responder. It will be us and when we least expect it. I carry off-duty; always have and will do as long as I can. I want officers to be vigilant and be the professional witnesses we should be. I don’t care if you are going to the grocery store - be vigilant. Do you have a first aid kit in your car or truck? We are destined to be the first to arrive; we can’t run and be one of the victims but one of the leaders. If you are like me and in a constant state of preparation, I congratulate you and will be honored for you to stand by me to face the upcoming storm. If you are one of the non-carrying-and-don’t-want-to-get-involved-off-the-clock cops, get your head out of wherever it is now and get it on a swivel. I could not imagine how I could live with myself if something happened and I did not respond. I could not even fathom how I could deal with an event knowing someone, up to and including a police officer, was hurt or - even worse – they were hurt due to my selfishness and lack of preparation and maybe guts.
Yes, I know that we are having difficulty now recruiting (applicant numbers are down nationwide) and few want to be the cops. Well, if you are a cop, then be a cop. Now is not the time to be reluctant but now is the time for us to be the real protector that we are meant to be. It is my basic hope that no more violence happens here to us. I know this will not be the case. My real hope is that we as the law enforcement community, the true first line of defense for our citizens and family, will stand strong and do what is expected of us. Defend our streets and homes from terror that has struck and will strike again.
Be safe but be strong!
William L. Harvey | Chief
William L. "Bill" Harvey is a U.S. Army Military Police Corps veteran. He has a BA in criminology from St. Leo University and is a graduate of the Southern Police Institute of the University of Louisville (103rd AOC). Harvey served for over 23 years with the Savannah (GA) Police Department in field operations, investigations and completed his career as the director of training. Served as the chief of police of the Lebanon City Police Dept (PA) for over seven years and then ten years as Chief of Police for the Ephrata Police Dept (PA). In retirement he continues to publish for professional periodicals and train.
