The Final Inspection

I read an article on a news website. It talked about a county sheriff's department, and how they are once again facing a large amount of layoffs, and how they have come up with a possible solution to save 85 of those positions. The article itself was interesting, but a guest comment after the article caught my eye. He recited a poem. This poem was originally penned by a US Marine Sergeant, for his fellow soldiers. Over time, it became interchanged with law enforcement. I think it fits well with both professions. I post this because, as a result of today's economy, cities and counties try to do what they can to save money, and like any other profession, law enforcement is a target for those savings.

For those of you out there that think law enforcement officers "make too much money" or have "too high of a pension", I implore of you... the next time you see a law enforcement officer, stop and really think about just what responsibilities that officer has, and the types of situations they have to deal with. Then read this poem. Finally, ask yourself one last time... Are law enforcement personnel really overpaid?

"The Final Inspection"

The policeman stood and faced his God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining.
Just as brightly as his brass.

"Step forward now, policeman.
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My church have you been true?"

The policeman squared his shoulders and said,
"No, Lord, I guess I ain't,
Because those of us who carry badges
can't always be a saint.

I've had to work most Sundays,
and at times my talk was rough,
and sometimes I've been violent,
Because the streets are awfully tough.

But I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep....
Though I worked a lot of overtime
When the bills got just too steep.

And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.

I know I don't deserve a place
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around
Except to calm their fear.

If you've a place for me here,
Lord, It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't.....I'll understand.

There was silence all around the throne
Where the saints had often trod.
As the policeman waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.

"Step forward now, policeman,
You've borne your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in hell."

For all of you out there in the military, and in law enforcement... Thank You, and come home safe after every battle, or every shift.

A new author

Ok, so it's been quite a while since my last post. Quite a few changes have occurred. I am now the Chief of Police for my small town. I have held this position for just under two weeks. Not a whole lot has changed as far as my duties, but the increase in responsibility for not only myself and the rest of the department has brought an interesting aspect. The public has been kind so far, which makes me happy. Hopefully I will continue to receive their support for years to come.

Anyway, I took my son to the Border's store in Folsom on Saturday, and had a pleasant surprise. There was a newly published author there signing her new release. Her name was M.L. Hamilton, and she has released a new science fiction book entitled "Emerald". She was a very nice lady, and my son received an autographed copy of the book. It's about 590+ pages, so of course that means I get to read it first. Ms. Hamilton stated that she has 5 other books in the series completed, and is working on the 7th book right now.

What's really nice is that Ms. Hamilton is local to the Sacramento area, and she teaches high school not too far from where I attended. Nice to have a locally published author.

I have not started the book yet (trying to finish another one), but Emerald is next on my list. I will let you know what I think in the weeks to come (if I can remember that I have a blog). If you see it in the bookstore, why don't you grab it.

Oh, and could someone please bring back the Fall? I hate this hot weather.