The Chief's Blog

3/31/14

Had a wonderful weekend, ending in a BBQ with family and friends.  I have continued to visit and talk with the town people and had meetings with supporters.  The encouragement has helped me sleep.  For a couple of nights, this was a problem.  

As I contemplate the possibility of a win, I have sketched out in my mind what priorities I will focus on.  I believe in my gut that we have some good officers -- good officers can become better with continuous training.  With any Chief, training should be routine.  But, the training without proper equipment can only go so far. So, with my ability to research and write grants, partner and collaborate with area agencies, I am confident that workable, reliable equipment will be forth coming if I am elected.

I read about a 22 year old police officer in North Carolina was shot in the face on Friday night, and died.  He was making a stop to question someone who was acting suspiciously.  He had only 7 months on the job.  Could this tragedy have been avoided?  I don't know, but I know one thing -- young, inexperienced police officers are the most likely to be killed or injured in the line of duty.  They are often vulnerable because of the combination of immaturity, inexperience, the bravado they possess from being young and "bad-ass" that sometimes makes them feel invincible.  

Physical training and fitness is no good if you don't have the ability or capacity of sound judgement and strategic thinking -- mostly born out of years of experience and maturity.