As a law enforcement officer...

I've been on the road for nearly five weeks now, and the job is challenging, overwhelming at times, demanding, and ten-thousand times better than even the high expectations that I had for it. I love what I do. It feels right, it gives meaning to my life; I actually feel like I'm making the community better each time I call 10-8.

A few nights ago I stopped and arrested my first drunk driver. The guy was very cooperative, and failed each test miserably. He was so hammered that he couldn't remember where he was driving to pick up his 11 year old daughter. A cold shiver ran down my spine when I pieced it together that his young daughter was waiting for him about two blocks up the road. God knows what their fate would have been had I not noticed the equipment violation and decided to stop him for it.

It is an inconceivably thin line.

The other day I assisted on a domestic. The wife was so scared of the husband that she was visibly shaking as she gave us her account of what had happened. Fearful to take action because of the possible repercussion. He was an authoritarian to be reckoned with; his two dogs had the run of the house and used the living room as their litter box. The place reeked of animal waste, strange food and stale air. I remained after he was arrested and transported, to help with statements and the other necessary paperwork. As the women of the house were writing, I found myself praying silently, Blessed Father, watch over this household, take the fear from their hearts and fill it with Your love, with confidence, with strength. Blessed Father, give them the resolve to get out of this mess while they can. Watch over them as they do. As if I could cast some kind of forcefield around the house to keep the evil that had left from returning.

St. Michael, keep whispering in my ear and guiding my hands and feet. Help me get to where I'm needed most, show me how to do your work. Keep all of my brothers and sisters in blue safe as they call 10-8.