 
| |
Subject: |
Grown To Be A Real Man - To Protect And Serve |
| Date: |
2009-10-30
|
|
Grown To Be A Real Man - To Protect And Serve
Dear Dr. Laura,
I wanted to share the letter printed below my husband wrote in preparation for a career change with our small town police department. I think the letter speaks for itself about what a GREAT man I married. I am so proud.
He has been unemployed now for the past 10 months and wanted the interview panel to know who he is today...even if he does not get the job. I know my husband will find a way to support his family, because he has GROWN to be a real man.
Thank you for all you do!
TO PROTECT AND SERVE
Admittedly, my view of the police force hasn't always been a glowing one. Not exactly the kind of admission to include on your resume when applying for a position with the police department. With that said, I never was much for reciting canned answers and rehearsed insincerity. When I was a younger person, I would routinely put myself before others. My impure motives usually came from any angle of how I could personally benefit a situation. I believed that he who died with the most toys won. To me, the police represented nothing more that a symbolic figure of authority. I had no respect for what they did nor who they were. I was convinced that there was no such thing as "good cop- bad cop", just two bad cops. My attitude was based on prejudice, which in turn was fueled by ignorance. This ignorance also had its roots, and its name was called, "FEAR." We fear that which we do not understand, that which threatens our sense of self. As a youngster, I was nothing more than a bully. I preyed on those who were physically weaker, and maybe the slow kid. I desperately wanted to everyone to see how tough I was, but the truth was that I was shivering inside. The sweet irony was that my struggle wasn't about others, but about my own persona. As if trapped in a "House of Mirrors" at a carnival, each mirror offered me a different reflection into my soul.
Fast forward to the present, and my identity is now well defined. First and foremost, I am a Christian man. My entire belief system is built on this fountain. It is to this end that I seek absolute truth in all things, willing to follow wherever the road may lead. Some people are comfortable in not knowing certain things. Their lives are somehow simplified by not having to be accountable, or having to make choices about their own behavior. The term, "ignorance is bliss" rules the day. I do not desire to live my life with one eye closed but rather with both eyes bright and open.
Today, my view of the police is one of respect and admiration. Their role is to keep the peace and provide safety for the members of the community and beyond. It is no doubt, a job that requires sacrifice, selflessness, and integrity. His judgment and decision-making will be called upon in a variety of circumstances and he must be able to respond in an intelligent manner. They are our gate-keepers.
Back
|
|
