Wednesday, June 6, 2007

Decisions...

I've got a decision I need to make.

As I've mentioned, over the past couple of years I've been getting myself in better shape. I've lost a significant amount of weight (> 90 pounds); I've started exercising regularly; I've gotten myself off blood pressure medications. I've been doing it primarily for my kids - both so I'm around longer (there's a family history of heart disease) and also to set a better example for them (better a fit-and-trim daddy who eats healthy food and works out than a fatass who eats junk food and sits on his ass...)

But there was a secondary reason.

I want to join the town police force.

Police work is in my blood. My dad's a retired state cop. My grandfather was a town auxiliary officer for many years. I have too many aunts/uncles/cousins/etc. on various local and state police forces to mention. I didn't go into the "family business" as a young man because, quite frankly, I didn't have the temperament for it.

I think I do, now. And I'm in the best shape of my life.

There's no age limit to joining the town force as a reserve officer. I don't have any reason to think I couldn't handle the physical requirements. I know my record's clean (just renewed my LTC).

So... Officer Jay. Sounds kinda cool. I wonder if they'd let me carry my grandfather's Colt Official Police?

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Could you honestly swear to uphold the laws of MA and "support and defend the Constitution of the U.S."? I'm thinkin' this might be a better career in NH or even VT.

Ride Fast said...

I know exactly what you mean about temperament. I knew I wouldn't be able to handle police work until I was in my mid-thirties.

Well, my liver wouldn't have been able to handle it.

You know the down sides to police work, even as a Reserve. Good luck whatever your decision is, and be very careful out there.

AnarchAngel said...

Plus, automatic CCW for life everywhere that obeys federal law.

Ambulance Driver said...

I have your new nickname:

Officer Tackleberry. ;)

Jay G said...

Anon,

Don't think it hasn't crossed my mind. That's all part of the big puzzle of "should I or shouldn't I".

My small town, though, is pretty conservative and I don't think I'd be called upon to test the limits of Constitutionality.

fodder,

Believe me, just hearing some of my Dad's stories was enough to convince me, as a young man, that it would be best for me not to follow Dad into law enforcement.

I feel that I've matured (alright, stop laughing out there in the Peanut Gallery) enough to take on the responsibility. Having two kids will do that to you.

Besides... I want to give something back to the community. I also want my kids to know their dad as more than a pencil-pusher...

Chris,

I'd be lying if I said that hadn't crossed my mind. That and the town next to us just got M-16s. Yes, real, honest, full-auto M-16s. So I'd imagine we wouldn't be too far behind.

Not to mention we've got a Harley police bike and only one motorcycle cop. I'm sure he'd like a back-up... ;)

AD,

Heh heh heh. I've even got the right piece for that...

("My mom gave it to me!")