It's probably better for everyone involved that I have been slacking on the posts lately. It would have been less humor and more griping. That being said, I feel I must say this.
There are few things in life that hurt me more than when I find out someone I trust or even try to emulate turns out not to be who they seem. I will not bore you with some of the more slightly traumatizing examples of this. However, lately at work this seems to be the trend. One of my formerly favorite sergeants is going to get fired for his off-duty conduct. My former partner from back when I worked the disciplinary segregation housing unit will probably be fired next. My best friend on the department, who I have known since before I became a deputy had to break the news to me.
Sarge is an idiot. His actions cost him his wife, his almost twenty year career and his friends who no longer trust him.
My former partner almost cost an officer his life tonight.
I think back to the "good times" of working the disciplinary unit with him. We would joke and tell stories, we were hired a day apart as deputies. I think of all the times I trusted him to back me up, and I wonder how I survived. Shortly after I was reassigned to the maximum security housing unit, his assignment was permanently changed. The reason was our captain thought he was a bit too chummy with inmates.
I wish our captain was still here. I want to go tell him he was right.
Tonight my former friend and partner placed an inmate above officers. "Friendship" above security. "Kindness" above the law.
My best friend was on the receiving end of his actions. He is the one who was forced to report the security breach.
I find myself reading my favorite Joseph Wambaugh books over again. For those of you who are familiar, they are cop books written by a cop. Where's the Oracle when you need him?
The inmates are not our friends. They are not officers. Never turn your back on your brothers.
HAPPY NEWS. Last week in front of his peers, HF was promoted to Sergeant. I
was thrilled to be able to pin on his shiny new badge. It was a wonderful
eveni...
5 years ago
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Unfortunately this is a sad reality in public safety, as I am coming to realize. You work with, learn from, and respect these people. Then you find out the morally deplorable things they do, and sometimes even the ethically and legally deplorable things as well. I really wish it weren't the trend in EMS & Fire, it seems Police isn't immune either. After all, stereotypes come from somewhere (*cough* Rescue Me).
ReplyDeleteWhatever the details, that is just sad. How do you turn your back on people and breach that trust?
ReplyDeleteAmen to that!
ReplyDeleteAmen!, I posted on another blog that law enforcement is starting to become a job, rather then a calling or profession. I am seeing more and more of this type of behavior and attitude amoungest the ranks.
ReplyDeleteThere are very few professions that you may have to die so others may live. We need to keep this a profession and a calling. We need to keep the "Blue Brotherhood" alive. If not I believe it will cost us all in the long run.