A Tribute to Eric's Law Enforcement Career & Our Nation's Finest

Today, Eric retired from the police department after nearly 26 years of service.   I am very proud of him for all that he has accomplished in those years.  He’s been a patrol officer, a detective, detective sergeant, and is retiring as captain; he’s “seen it all”, so to speak.  I am proud of him for all the lives he has touched and those he has helped throughout his time as a law enforcement official.  I’m proud that he’s “shown up” to do his job, with heart and dignity, no matter what the situation was or what was asked of him; mentally, physically, or emotionally.  I’m proud… because when he went into Law Enforcement, he wanted nothing more than to simply help people and “catch bad guys”.

To him, and to all of the police officers who proudly and diligently serve their respective communities, THANK YOU.

Thank you for working to keep our communities safer places.  Thanks to the patrol officers and deputies who help people in their times of need, safeguarding the streets or after getting dispatched to places or scenes that can prove to be horrific, scary, life-threatening, or heart-breaking.  Thanks to detectives whose phones ring in the middle of the night for call-outs when the unmentionable happens.  Thanks to the captains, chiefs, and sheriffs who hold it all together, especially through the difficult times.   Also, thanks to the dispatchers and admin who direct traffic and work behind the scenes.

Unless you’re a law enforcement officer, a spouse, child, or close family member, it's nearly impossible to realize all that officers go through on a daily basis.  The things they see, hear, and deal with can be shocking and astounding.   Until I met him, I truly had no idea the fortitude it takes go on after witnessing and doing what is asked of police officers.   The memories they have and the things they have seen stay with them forever.  They can be haunting or bring smiles.

In the world today, law enforcement agents seem to be under attack and their agencies are threatened with defunding.   In our country, 99.9% of officers are good people.  They simply want to help people and make the world a better place.  I celebrate them and their dedication to a profession that is under attack.  I appreciate you and I know there are a myriad of others who feel the same.    

 I know Eric (and I!!) won’t miss the calls in the middle of the night when emergencies arise (he’s had off-duty call-outs or 3 AM calls for the last 19 years).  He will, however, miss the camaraderie of his fellow officers and colleagues.   It’s a bittersweet day.   Cheers to his future endeavors in his new path (as a full time polygraph examiner) and a gentle wave goodbye to the years of his law enforcement career.