The Beat

[CalHunter]

I received this from a friend and it really does make you think. Merry Christmas everybody.
CalHunter

Subject: For Cops, ex-cops, and cop friends[/align] [/align] Subject: The Beat I've never seen this before and thought you all might enjoy it also. 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 did not make the task any easier. The celebrations I missed those first years 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 hours I got a radio call to the home of a elderly, terminally ill man. I parked my patrol car in front of a simple cape cod style home. First aid kit in hand, I walked up the short path to the front door. As I approached, a woman who seemed to be about 80 years old opened the door. He is in here she said, 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 has a afghan blanket draped over it's back and a dark, solid queen Anne chair say next to a 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 facemask attached rested on the blanket.

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 did not 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 jewelry case. There were also several photos in simple frames. One caught my eye and I walked closer 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 limp and 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 onthe 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 is my turnto 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 brothers and sisters who have to work this ChristmasEve all the Joy and warmth of the Season.
[/align][/align]

[deernutz]

WOW, this really touches deep. Being in the military and law enforcement I understand. You form this bond that will never be broken. A piece of you will always remain. Your co-workers become like brothers & sisiters.Thanks!

[Tazman]

Calhunter Merry Christmas to you also bro., thank you for bringing a tear to my eye, comradreship amoung military members, police and firemen is very difficult for those who have not been there to understand.... what you just shared touchs brothers in arms very deeply.... it touchs those that are not also, it also helps to give them an idea of what we share.