Most of my 26 years in law enforcement, I was a “street” detective, Army (many places) and Texas. I guesstimate, my patrol time is only 7 years. I started there and I ended there. In Texas, I was happy being the “consummate patrolman” as I envisioned/defined it. I was very happy on the streets in Texas in patrol until my police chief (Hugh Lynch) asked me “do you want to be a detective?” in late 1980.
I of course said yes, having been one in the Army, but I really was happy at that very time concentrating in patrol. Patrol is in the true trenches. A detective has its own, other kind of deep, deep trench.
I was always influenced and inspired by many things. Many…heroes. We all are, or should be. I am so old that “Adam 12” was a prime time show while I was on patrol. But another show was…Joe Forrester. A lost show in your young time. A one year show in the 70s. I watched this. I got it. Joe was a street cop. He knew his beat people and beat businesses. He cared for and worried about all them. It didn’t matter who or what you were. It was “his beat.” It was deeply personal, admirable commitment. He was a protector. He was a hero I watched on TV as a tireless inspiration. He pushed me when I needed pushing.
People all need this steady push. I know…I know…It was just a “show,” but folks, stories are our inspiration in life, be they from the bible, fiction or non-fiction, or from wherever you can find inspiration.
See the hero.
Be the hero, no matter your life situation.
Stories true or otherwise teach us heroism.
In your life.
In your trenches.
Be open to inspiration.
You know what a hero says.
You know what a hero does.
You are the hero of your life story, big or small. You matter!
And then be the hero, the inspiration for someone else too.
To me, good cops will always be a hero.
