The media, now that we are past the reporting every minute about Covid-19; has been having a field day. They're spending a lot of time posting every single instance they can find of police officers doing something wrong, so that they can smear the profession. In some cases it has worked, as mayors in some cities are acting very agreeable to defunding police, and other ridiculous ideas. They are caving to the pressure of groups of people who don't have a CLUE as to what their lives would be like without the police forces in their cities and states.
Here is a Facebook post created by my son. We support him in every way with his career choice and his tenacity! A lot of people NEED to understand exactly what officers do on their jobs. It is my humble opinion that most people in their jobs do not have to encounter such things, and frankly, could not cope. So, here is my son's post:
As I ponder the start of year 20 on the State Police, I feel very fortunate to have scored highly enough on the exam and had a clean enough background to make it into the academy, and enough drive to make it through 26 weeks without dropping out and resigning (as 56 of my fellow recruits did - a loss of 28% of the class). 15,000 people took that test in 1998, and only several hundred made it all the way. I’ve lost a handful of classmates so far who died from cruiser accidents, cancer, heart attacks and suicide. Another handful had to retire early due to job-related injuries. I’ve worked at a few barracks (Sturbridge, Middleboro, South Yarmouth, Dartmouth) and a couple units (Bristol County Detective unit-Homicide squad, and Crime Scene Services). Going through the Academy at age 27, I first worked some private sector jobs where I met some good people, but I have to say that, overall, the coworkers that I have met and worked with in the State Police and related professions (municipal police, campus police, Sheriff’s, State Corrections, Federal agents, firefighters, crime lab, and Asst. District Attorneys and their staff) thus far have been of the highest caliber in their personal and professional lives, more so than anywhere else I have been employed. It’s been a great 20 years. I put away a lot of murderers into prison, helped too many people to possibly count, and have seen terrible things that nobody should have to see. I’ve seen and put my hands on about 800 dead bodies, seen every manner of suicide, dead infants, toddler autopsies, people burnt beyond recognition, a kindergarten aged girl lying dead in a basement in a pool of blood with her throat sliced, a teenager’s brain in the street after a school bus ran over his head; I’ve been into disgusting hoarder houses, stepping over needles in heroin den apartments, and I’ve seen the worst of people. Been called every vulgar name you can think of by arrested subjects who were out of control of their emotions. But, I’ve also seen the best of people. Strangers helping others. Heroic efforts made by police officers and citizens alike. I’ve been hugged by family members of homicide victims who appreciated the measure of justice I helped them get with an arrest and conviction. I have always and will continue to treat all those I encounter with kindness and respect, but I will not hesitate to use the appropriate tools at my disposal to control those people out there intent on hurting or killing me or others, or infringing on all of our rights through their illegal behavior. However, by far, my greatest accomplishment in the last 20 years is this almost 3 year-old little boy right here.
Our lovely and sweet granddaughter, who recently participated in the Miss Massachusetts Outstanding Teen contest. She is a great athlete, student, daughter and granddaughter. She enjoys baking treats and selling them, for the benefit of our local animal shelter. One busy girl who seems to excel at just about everything. We are so proud of her!
Our new grandson, Wyatt, has slipped right into his family; and he appears to be almost a duplicate of big brother Westin at that age! Both blessings!
Dad was recently promoted to Lieutenant at the MA State Police Headquarters, with the whole family enjoying the tour of the main headquarters and the proud moment!
The Administrative Assistant gave Westin his very own campaign cover before the ceremony! Could this be a future trooper? Time will tell.
