01/09/2012 14:49 PM
Kevin,
I just wanted to share a few thoughts about the January-February edition of In Service, particularly Eddie Rogge's article "One Old Head".
For reference, I'm quickly approaching my ninth year in law enforcement and still enjoy working evening shift on patrol. I've served as President in a local Officers' Association, been a part of removing and selecting a Chief, and have been to Federal Court twice. I'm familiar with the stress that our job can bring on us and our families.
I was a little disappointed to hear young officers referred to in the article as "young pups". I'm of the opinion that officers should be judged by the quality of the work they do, not by the number on their badge or the hash marks on their sleeve. As we all know, lazy cops come in all shapes and sizes and levels of seniority.....just like the good cops do.
I think that even though the "Old Heads" have put in a lot of years on the street, they need to remember that when the "young pups" leave home every night they kiss their kids, not knowing for sure that they'll return home. Young officers are doing the same job and making the same sacrifices as the veteran officers are. Let's not forget that when we put on our badge and gun we're all playing on the same team, regardless of how many miles we have under our boots.
I was only two years into my career when I first needed TMPA. Since that time I've never questioned TMPA's dedication to helping officers, regardless of their age or years on the job. I think it would be worthwhile to make sure that every young officer in TMPA knows that they're not viewed as just "young pups" but respected as brothers and sisters for the work they do.
The young officers in our departments need our support, they need the benefit of our experience, but most importantly they deserve our respect.
Eric Wise
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