SHADOWS ON THE WALL: ONE POLICEMAN’S JOURNEY

I’ll never forget that July morning. It was almost ninety-five degrees at 11:00 am. As I walked into the Jefferson Township Police Department, I looked straight into the eyes of the desk sergeant and asked, Where do I go to take the test for a police officer? Six weeks later, I was standing in the office of the mayor with my hand raised, taking the Oath of Allegiance. As I looked around the room, my eyes caught my father. Tears were rolling down his face. He looked so proud as he held my mother’s hand, but there was a completely different look on her face. It was a look of fear and concern, with a hint of pride. I knew my life would never be the same again.

The world was a different place when the author began his career in law enforcement more than fifty years ago. Police officers were respected, life was simpler, technology was undeveloped, populations were smaller, and tactics were sometimes unconventional - but the community’s citizens knew they could depend upon the police when they were needed.

Beginning with the grueling days of police academy training and continuing through decades of dealing with fierce feral dogs and wild biker brawls, domestic disturbances and delivered babies, house fires and hostage situations, brutal murders and terrorist attacks, these stories are told with details that are indicative of a longtime police officer’s discerning observations. They illustrate the irreverent humor and strong relationships forged that served to ease the stresses of long hours, heartbreaking tragedy, infuriating injustice, and constant vigilance. They also reflect the respect he earned for his dedication and service amid the difficulties and dangers of law enforcement, and the impact those events had on every facet of his life for years to come.

This is a summary of the events and the people who, together, cast their shadows on the wall of one officer’s life.