So many cop bashing threads........

[MudPumper]

Thought I'd post this for my fellow brothers working away from their families this Christmas.
A Police Story.. The writer is a former police officer.
In 1974 when I first joined the police department, I
knew there would be special occasions my family would spend without me.Knowing that fact didn't make the task any easier. The celebrations I
missed those first year's depressed me and sometimes made me feel bitter. Working on Christmas Eve was always the worst.On Christmas Eve in 1977, I learned that blessing can
come disguised as misfortune, and honor is more than just a word.I was riding one man patrol on the 4-12 shift.
The night was cold. Everywhere I looked I saw
reminders of the holiday: Families packing their cars with presents,beautifully decorated trees in living room windows and roofs adorned with
tiny sleighs. It all added to my holiday funk.The evening had been relatively quiet; there were
calls for barking dogs and a residential false burglar alarm. There was nothing to make the night pass any quicker. I thought of my own family and sunk further into depression.Shortly after 2200, I got a radio call to the home of an elderly, terminally ill man. I parked my radio car in front of a simple Sunset style home. I walked up the short path to the front door. As I approached, the door opened and a elderly women about 80 motioned me into the house and said " he's in here", leading me to a back bedroom.
We passed through a living room that was furnished in a style I had come to associate with older people. The sofa had an afghan blanket draped over it's back and a dark solid Queen
Anne chair was next to an unused fireplace. The mantle was cluttered with an eccentric mix of several photos, some ceramic figurines and an
antique clock. A floor lamp provided soft lighting.
We entered a small bedroom where a frail looking man lay in bed with a blanket pulled up to his chin. He wore a blank stare on his ashen, skeletal face. His breathing was shallow and labored.He was barely alive.The trappings of illness all around his bed. The nightstand was littered with a large number of pill vials. An oxygen bottle stood nearby. Its plastic hose, with face mask attached rested on theblanket I asked the old woman why she called the police.She simply shrugged and nodded sadly toward her husband, indicating it was his request. I looked at him and he stared intently into my eyes. He seemed relaxed now. I didn't understand the suddenly calm expression on his face. I looked around the room again. A dresser stood along
the wall to the left of the bed. On it was the usual memorabilia, ornate perfume bottles, a white porcelain pin case,and a wooden jewelrycase.
There were also several photos in simple frames. One caught my eye and I walked over to the dresser for a closer look.The picture showed a
young man dressed in a police uniform. It was
unmistakably a photo of the man in bed. I knew then why I was there.I looked at the old man and he motioned with his hand toward the side of the bed. I walked over and stood beside him. He slid a thin arm from under the covers and took my hand. Soon, I felt his hand go limb, I looked at his face. There was no fear there. I saw only peace. He knew he was dying; he was aware his time was
very near. I know now that he was afraid of what was about to happen and he wanted the
protection of a fellow cop on his journey. A caring
God had seen to it that his child would be delivered safely to him. The honor of being his escort fell to me. When I left at the end of my tour that night, the temperature had seemed
to have risen considerably, and all the holiday
displays I a saw on the way home made me smile.
I no longer feel sorry for myself for having to work
on Christmas Eve.I have chosen an honorable profession. I pray that when it's my turn
to leave this world there will be a cop there to hold
my hand and remind me that I have nothing to fear.
I wish all my brother's and sister's who have to work this Christmas Eve all the Joy and warmth of the Season.

[396_WAYS_TO_SPIT]

Hey where ya been lately pumper??

[MudPumper]

Working my ass off. :cry: :rollside: :)

[Hal]

Hard to read that without tears.

[Kilrtoy]

Thanks for making me cry....
10-7

[BigDoug]

A very touching story................keeping things in perspective. :)

[H20 Toie]

dud e that is amazing makes me cry

[THATJEFFGUY]

What a great story ! And thanks to all the LEO's who risk their lives for us every day. Be safe brothers !

[Kachina26]

You shoulda put some sort of warning on that story, it's too early to cry. Touching indeed.

[badtaste]

thanks mudpumper... keeps the perspective... luckily I'm off this Christmas, first time in a long time. I also hope everyone one that has to work stays safe.

[DRMCAT]

Very nice and timely post!

[TRIMM MANN]

Can't not get tears on that one.
Great story.

[Tittie Chaser]

What a great story ! And thanks to all the LEO's who risk their lives for us every day. Be safe brothers !
Pfft. That's what they'd like you to think. You're better off thanking the guy that caught the crab leg you're about to chow down on. One P.O.S. internet story, and you forget about the dickhead cops that write you tickets for going 40 in a 35.
http://money.cnn.com/2003/10/13/pf/dangerousjobs/

[WaTchTheGelCoat]

Pfft. That's what they'd like you to think. You're better off thanking the guy that caught the crab leg you're about to chow down on. One P.O.S. internet story, and you forget about the dickhead cops that write you tickets for going 40 in a 35.
http://money.cnn.com/2003/10/13/pf/dangerousjobs/
MERRY CHRISTMAS!

[Tittie Chaser]

Merry Christmas is right, and I just gave everyone here a reality check for a present.

[disco_charger]

Merry Christmas is right, and I just gave everyone here a reality check for a present.
Interesting thought. So to you, Crab legs is as big a service to society as what a cop does? You don't call the cops, right? Someone steals your car, rapes your wife, burgs your house, etc...You just go get them yourself, eh tough guy? You know where to get them at too? You know what to do to them, and how to make sure it was them? Enjoy your holiday. :)

[Tittie Chaser]

I don't beleive the issue is whether or not they are needed, it was the perception that they have 'the most dangerous jobs'. We are all out in the same society, and I don't wear a bullet proof vest or carry a gun; they do. I also don't get to retire at 55, still receiving 80% pay; all the while collecting money from whatever filler job I invented for myself, making cabinets in my garage.
Thank you, have a seat.

[badtaste]

TC, you don't wear a vest while you are out in society because you don't have people "gunning" for you just because of your job. Unless you're a gang banger, no one is "after" you for what you do.

[disco_charger]

How many people just randomly shoot at cabinet makers, or Crab Fisherman, or anyone other than cops? You ever seen a gang decide to kill a cabinet maker to prove a point? I think that just because cops aren't dying doesn't make the job any less dangerous. I think the stats on who gets hurt would be an interesting stat. How about suicide rates? The cops I know aren't looking for sympathy, or even special consideration from you. They love their job. Most of the cops I know are doing it, because it's their way of making the world a better place. I don't think you'll see a lot of police departments campaigning that their job is the most dangerous. But hazards come in all kinds of shapes. Thanks for the advice on sitting down, I already am, I don't need stupid one liners to make a point.

[Kilrtoy]

This is not the thread to debate if cops are needed or not or if they are assholes or not, Lets get back to the original thread....

[Tittie Chaser]

They're not after me for my job, they're after me for my wallet... or my car, or my boat, or my house, or to get a piece of my girlfriend's ass. Give me a break pal, crime would be cut in half overnight if crooks knew there was a good chance the guy they are about to rob was packin' heat, and that's a fact.
How many times do you see a cop driving around in his car talking on a cell phone? Lately, more times than not. Who do you think they are talking to? Last time I checked, there were still radios in the cars... so odds are that's a personal call. But cut them a break, because they are 'heros'. They get paid to do the job that they picked, so don't bow down to somebody who wears a vest and carries a gun; so they can show up thirty minutes after a crime has happened and fill out some paperwork.

[DCBob]

This is not the thread to debate if cops are needed or not or if they are assholes or not, Lets get back to the original thread....
Thats a 10-4 (cop talk) You can hope that while sad, the story is true........it kinda puts a human face on LE and that's a good thing ;) Merry Christmas

[MudPumper]

Wow Tittie Chaser, thanks for your distorted point of view. We are ALL much better people for hearing what you had to say. I know I'll sleep better tonight. ;)

[little rowe boat]

Pfft. That's what they'd like you to think. You're better off thanking the guy that caught the crab leg you're about to chow down on. One P.O.S. internet story, and you forget about the dickhead cops that write you tickets for going 40 in a 35.
http://money.cnn.com/2003/10/13/pf/dangerousjobs/
Im sorry but I have to say it. TC. you are the DICKHEAD.

[THATJEFFGUY]

How many times do you see a cop driving around in his car talking on a cell phone? Lately, more times than not. Who do you think they are talking to? Last time I checked, there were still radios in the cars... so odds are that's a personal call.
Or perhaps the officer is simply calling his wife and kids at home telling them all "goodnight", "good morning", or "I love you"....because he hasn't seen them or had time to call them at all during his 10+ hour shift. And (god forbid) he may not ever see them again because of some low life schitbag that has no regard for human life, much less, a cops life. So instead of worrying about the officer's "personal" cell phone call, maybe give him a simple nod or a wave...you know, just a little "thanks" for driving by your house while you slept, making sure no one was stealing your car/boat your of your driveway or trying to break in and rape your wife/girlfriend/kids.

[Kilrtoy]

Spend a day with me and you will really think again
Spend a day with Slink and you might get ill
spend a day with ******** and you will be sick to your stomach
The *** is protecting my buddy.
He hunts Child predators and nothing is worse than that....
Oh yeah Speeding tickets suck

[Old Texan]

They're not after me for my job, they're after me for my wallet... or my car, or my boat, or my house, or to get a piece of my girlfriend's ass. Give me a break pal, crime would be cut in half overnight if crooks knew there was a good chance the guy they are about to rob was packin' heat, and that's a fact.
How many times do you see a cop driving around in his car talking on a cell phone? Lately, more times than not. Who do you think they are talking to? Last time I checked, there were still radios in the cars... so odds are that's a personal call. But cut them a break, because they are 'heros'. They get paid to do the job that they picked, so don't bow down to somebody who wears a vest and carries a gun; so they can show up thirty minutes after a crime has happened and fill out some paperwork.
Well Mr. Rebel, you're coming across as a poster boy for gun control. The kind of guy neighbors fear because they know he is armed and doesn't have enough sense to be. Shoot out in the middle of the night with no concern for collateral damage type stuff. This point of view discerned from the cocky attitude expressed in your posts.
This thread was started as tribute to some fine people that cruise the streets making sure your tough little a$$ and cool toys are protected. If anybody on here needs a reality check, your fantasy world is the last place they'd look.
Hopefully you'll grow out of it. Maturity takes longer with some. :)

[H20Advantage]

TC do you feel the same way about the military also? Without these two groups standing viligantly everday and night protecting your rights and safety you would not even have the ability to post shitty posts as you have done.
People pay tribute to these groups because they are willing to make the ultimate sacrifice to protect your ass even if they have never met you or even like you.
Pull your head out of your ass and let this thread be what it should be... A tribute.

[Tittie Chaser]

Wah, Tittie Chaser doesn't like cops, Wah.
What a bunch of babies. At least I'm honest. Every single one of you curses the police and how screwed they are, but you'll get on here and pound your chest about how out of line I am.

[Old Texan]

Wah, Tittie Chaser doesn't like cops, Wah.
What a bunch of babies. At least I'm honest. Every single one of you curses the police and how screwed they are, but you'll get on here and pound your chest about how out of line I am.
No.
Your honesty is a perception of your mind, not ours. We happen to believe a lot differently and we our being honest to OUR thoughts, not yours.
Have your opinion, but in no way believe it is necessarily shared by others.
Live in your own world if you must, but don't come whining when you emerge in ours.

[Flyinbowtie]

To all the Public Safety folks out there working this hoilday weekend, and to all the active military retired and reserve military and fellow military families out there, thanks for what you have done and are doing, and enjoy the season as best you can.
TC:
Where to begin. I don't post much here anymore, but for you I'll make an exception. I did 25 years in law enforcement, my son is flying home on leave from the U.S. ARMY tonight, and I'm in a good mood. I could only do 25 years in the profession instead of the 32 I wanted to serve because of two crushed disks in my lower spine, a result of the career in general and what became a career ending injury.
Anyway, I was one of those people you have voiced an opinion about.
And, in my humble opinion, you're wrong.
You have my word that I don't want your wallet.
Lots of the wallets I reached into in those years had needles stashed in them.
I also don't want your car, boat, house or your girlfriend. I am sure they are all very nice, and you have a right to be proud of them. You mention them like trophies or other signs of self-worth or fulfillment, so I am sure you are proud. Most of the time you see cops on cell phones in my jurisdiction they are talking to folks on the phone trying to help them solve a problem, getting directions to a house or relaying other information so sensitive that it wouldn't be decent to put it on the air where scanner freaks could hear it. As an example, we put all our death notification detail info out on the phone to deputies.
I don't see any of my fellow cop types begging for hero status. If that is bestowed upon members of this professsion for acts they perform, it is usually done without our input, and frequently done so posthumusly.You're right, we get paid to do the job we picked, but we sure as hell didn't pick the job for the pay. Some people in this world simply find different reasons for choosing a career path than the monetary rewards it may offer. People who get into law enforcement for the money or whatever benefits they may be offering at the recruiting seminars usually don't stay to make a career out of it.
It just ain't that lucrative.
Your statements are some real sweeping generalizations that are as inaccurate as any I have heard, and demonstrate rather dramatically just how uninformed about this profession you are.
That, however, does not make you a member of an elite group. There are lots of people out there blissfully ignorant of the world we work in. We don't really mind that too much, because life on our world is much stranger and more bizzare than any TV show could even dream of making it. We don't talk about it much outside the cop shop, because even we can't put some of the things we must see and do into words. Or desrcibe some of the alleged human beings we deal with.
Feel free to continue to believe whatever you choose to believe about this profession, and we will continue to to the best we can as we go about our duties, which we take an oath to perform, every day.
Enjoy the holidays. Your wallet is safe around me...

[Tittie Chaser]

You obviously haven't seen my girlfriend.

[Flyinbowtie]

Married to my H.S. sweetheart for 26 years.
I'm sure your lady is beautiful, but it really doesn't matter to me...
Even I am smart enough to know that I don't want to screw this up...

[Tittie Chaser]

Kilrtoy sent me a pic of his ol lady's giant flesh puppies, and I have since changed my opinion of police officers.

[rrrr]

Great story, thanks. There are two families here, one in Dallas, one in Fort Worth. They have children, wonderful wives and mothers, a home, and a Christmas tree.
But they don't have a husband or father.
Officer Brian Jackson (http://www.odmp.org/officer.php?oid=17960)
http://www.odmp.org/photo.php?id=17960
Dallas Patrol Officer Brian Jackson was killed in the line of duty on November 13th while responding to a domestic disturbance call. He was shot in the armpit, under his vest, and died at a nearby hospital. His killer was an Mexican illegal alien and has been charged with capital murder.
Officer Henry "Hank" Nava (http://www.odmp.org/officer.php?oid=18064)
http://www.odmp.org/photo.php?id=18064
On November 29th, Fort Worth Patrol Officer Hank Nava was ambushed and shot in the head while looking for a suspect. He and his partner had entered a mobile home after a female occupant had given him permission to search the home. She alerted her boyfriend that the police were there, and the suspect leaped into the hallway firing his handgun. Officer Nava was struck in the forehead by a bullet. He clung to life for two days. His killer, a paroled methaphetamine addict and dealer, was arrested and charged with capital murder.
I don't understand how anyone could put down someone that selflessly gives their life to protect people they don't even know. These two proud men served me and you for the most noble of reasons.
Every cop has my respect. If I get pulled over and get a ticket, I deserved it. Only pussies whine about traffic tickets. The guy writing you up could get hit by a car and killed while standing next to your car. It's happened before.
Give the men and women in uniform respect. They have earned it, and they do something you wouldn't have the guts to do.

[maxwedge]

How many people just randomly shoot at cabinet makers, You ever seen a gang decide to kill a cabinet maker to prove a point?
Hey I used to work in a cabinet shop, and I can tell you it's damn dangerous. We would get bored and have nail an staple gun wars almost daily. Launch boards off the table saws at each other across the room, have belt sander races on the floor, hot glue peoples tools together. It's no picnic. OSHA would have been so proud of us too. :D

[NautiII]

What a great story!! I have been in L.E. for 18 years now. I wouldnt give it up for nothing! Thanks for all the support you all give us and the military!!!
God Bless, and have a Merry Christmas!!

[River918]

Very nice and timely post!
Gldd to see you knocked the dust off your keyboard and finally started posting!!!!!!!!

[termiteguy]

Pfft. That's what they'd like you to think. You're better off thanking the guy that caught the crab leg you're about to chow down on. One P.O.S. internet story, and you forget about the dickhead cops that write you tickets for going 40 in a 35.
http://money.cnn.com/2003/10/13/pf/dangerousjobs/
if you stop and think about what you are saying is that cops are aholes for doing there jobs well im glad im not a cop i would not want to be called an ahole for doing my job well every time i went to work.
dont speed and you wont get a ticket. :argue:

[Old Texan]

Kilrtoy sent me a pic of his ol lady's giant flesh puppies, and I have since changed my opinion of police officers.
Ya know TC, the more I read your posts, the more I pick up on your immaturity and lack of respect. I guess I'm just getting old.
The LE guys can take care of themselves and their character allows for guys like you. But one thing I get a kick out of is you posting the site with the dangerous jobs. I don't know what if anything you do for a living, but with that attitude of yours I seriously doubt you'd even be able to get a job on a Crab boat. Or any that require trust and team work.
Guys depend on each other to cover their backs and trust their lives to their crewmates abilities.
When you're sneaking back to your bunk to scale your minnow to visions of old hottie back home, someone on deck who was depending on you to be at your post could die.
Have fun and stay bullet proof.
The wonders of youth. :rolleyes:

[H2OT TIMES]

Im sorry but I have to say it. TC. you are the DICKHEAD.
I'll have to co-sign that statement.

[NuckinFutz]

It's to bad a great post fitting of the season is ruined by someone who has no clue what he's talking about. Sorry TC, I don't want your girlfiend, but with your attitude she is probably wanting a new boyfriend. I don't want your boat, I like mine just fine. I don't want your wallet either. Have a Merry Christmas.

[Old Texan]

To all the Military and LE and your families: A toast and salute for all the hard work and the efforts in keeping us safe and free.
And Merry Christmas to all!!!!

[little rowe boat]

You obviously haven't seen my girlfriend.
She must have run off with a cop.

[LOWRIVER2]

Great story MudPumper,
I remember an old Lieutenant during my academy talking of his desire to build a retirement home for cops. I'm not here on this thread to discuss the merits-problems of my profession, just to say the comraderie, courage, and intestinal fortitude of the officers I have had the privledge to work with over the years have been second to none. I have the honor of understanding and sharing that bond. It's a damn good feeling.
I'll be out there on the 25th too, it's part of the job I signed on for, but the twinge of the heart from being away from family is always near.
Good luck and God Bless the brothers and sisters walking the thin blue line every night. And watch your SIX
LR

[Miss Managed Assets]

Great story :cry: ! We support our L.E. every day. We appreciate all they do. I have friends and patients in the field. May god keep our L.E. that protect us everyday safe. Bless all of them and their families that will be without them for the holidays. Merry Christams all!!!

[code8]

I read the trend and felt like most people did. However, when I got to TC's response, it upset me. :mad: At first, I was just going to pass it off- No big deal. Everyone has their own opinions. However, every one of us in law enforcement got into their fields because they wanted to help others. That includes the people who may not like cops.
These people bashing on cops and saying they don't like them are the same people that call 911 for help when their house is getting broken into or there's a crazy man with a gun or your car just got stolen or any other critical incident etc.etc.etc.
I hope TC and others can keep an open mind about Cops/LE instead of hating them. Your opinion of Cops is based on a uniform, not the person wearing it. I agree there are some bad apples that may have caused you to dislike cops. However most are true and honest in everyway.
Going 10-8 on X-mas so my partners can spend time with there families.
Be Safe! :rollside:

[JAM]

I've always liked this quote as it relates to public safety and the military:
"People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf"
- George Orwell

[SB]

Stand back and consider this, I think it's amazing that a cop or a fireman will risk his life to protect your life or property. Imagine your dad was a criminal and stole all the money that is the source of your wealth. Or you committed a crime to get money to buy a house. As soon as you buy that house, these people are committed to protecting it and you, and will die or maybe kill to do it. You don't have to hire guards like in other countries. Amazing.

[Old Texan]

Stand back and consider this, I think it's amazing that a cop or a fireman will risk his life to protect your life or property. Imagine your dad was a criminal and stole all the money that is the source of your wealth. Or you committed a crime to get money to buy a house. As soon as you buy that house, these people are committed to protecting it and you, and will die or maybe kill to do it. You don't have to hire guards like in other countries. Amazing.
Additionally amazing is our armed forces have the same attitude. Volunteer to fight for freedom and democracy at the risk of their own life and limb. In a foreign land no less that many consider irrelevant to this country's well being.
Too bad a major segment of our society doesn't get it.
A giant salute and blessing to all in uniform.

[IN2-IN2MX]

:cry: Great story. Thanks for posting it and thank you to all the law enforcement that protect us everyday.

[GHT]

Hard to read that without tears.
Choked back some myself.....
Very touching.. There is a lot to be learned in this short story...
Thanks for sharing it Mud Pumper
Don