“QUOTE OF THE QUARTER”
“God doesn’t love our future self more than He loves us just the way we are now.” David Crowder
Here is Sgt. Jackson’s Cookie jar. Just because it’s cute.
In Public
Sometimes when I ride along with the police officers, I advise them jokingly that – I’m kinda popular. I explain I’ve been blessed to live in this community my entire life, so a ride along for me usually includes seeing somebody that knows me.
I tell my partner not to be surprised if someone honks and waves at us. I remind the cop that a honk and a wave doesn’t always have a single digit and “up yours” gesture with nasty words – it can actually be a citizen sincerely saying hello and thank you 🙂
It’s All About The People
During a recent day in the patrol car, we were called to the house to help resolve a relationship dispute. I recognized the name on the call screen and had an idea of what we were getting into. I expected there would be a child present, and somehow they would be in the middle of it all.
When we arrived I was able to take the child away from the scene for a few minutes to take a “nature walk” and explore plants and other interesting outdoor things. We took the opportunity to take a funny picture together on the side of the police car too since we looked kinda crazy. These activities kept us away from all the “action” while the family and police took care of their business.
I am honored to be present and supportive during someone’s critical moment. Serving as chaplain allows me to be in unique places where I can serve in these unusual situations. These type of activities give me life.
Running For The Cause!
Every year San Diego County Law Enforcement agencies gather together in support of the Special Olympics. They raise funds and awareness by participating in the Law Enforcement Torch Run. The run for us kicks off at the Chula Vista Police Department and travels across the County ending in Oceanside.
Each runner chooses a segment to run with their department team. We ran again this year starting at Chula Vista PD for opening ceremonies and continued with a motorcycle escort through the city streets into National City and then completed our leg 5.2 miles later at 32nd Street Naval Station main gate where others took over the run.
Chula Vista PD 2023 Runners
This is a high profile and high energy run. It’s always fun to see the glistening smiles as we run together and support the Special Olympic athletes. Everyone running gets a moment to go up front and run with the torch. I had mine.
Not Always Good News
There are difficult calls that are “bad” due to the subject’s foolish actions or outright rebellion. The sentiment is sometimes – well, they kind of received the natural consequences of their behavior. These calls may be frustrating but usually don’t stick to an officer’s soul.
There are other calls extremely difficult because the victim did nothing at all wrong. Those are harder for cops to absorb because there is a true innocent victim. The memories of these calls and the terrible details can stick like super glue to a cop’s soul causing lasting hurt if not dealt with thoroughly.
On the Fourth of July my partner and I were called to the scene of a 3 year old. The dispatcher said the child had been pulled from a swimming pool but there was no pulse or respirations. No words could be spoken as we rushed to the scene.
In that moment the earth seemed to have slipped off its axis… how could this have happened with all the people around at the house party? Fire and paramedics arrived on scene and began life-saving measures and hurried to the hospital.
Officers fear the worst but want to believe the best for the sake of compartmentalizing the call. We heard later the hospital was able to get a pulse. We filed the incident in the “it all worked out fine” file. It would be too much to hold onto it and worry.
Because you might be curious… I found out 2 days later from the child’s father that the boy died. I did not share the bad news because there was no need to stir things back up.
The reality is, cops are human with a soul just like the rest of us. They see the worst of the worst and go home to their families just like we do. Please remember to pray for our cops and the things they encounter every day.
Self Care
It’s critically important for cops to take every opportunity to give attention to themselves. They need to work at keeping a healthy mind, body and spirit. Spiritual care is the easiest to neglect because it takes time to sit and pause in the quiet. I will speak more about this dynamic in the next newsletter.
Paraclete
I was sent to get fitted for a new kevlar (bullet proof) vest to be worn during my ride alongs. When it arrived last weekend, I unboxed it and took it apart. Inside the velcro (pulled out for you to see) I located the stab plate. It’s the thick rigid “plastic” body armor that sits in the center of the chest in front of the kevlar to protect you from knives or sharp objects. Check mine out.
When I saw the logo and name, I giggled. It is called the paraclete. In my new vest rests the Paraclete for my inner protection. Why giggle? The symmetry of all this is amazing. In my studies of the Bible, I have learned the Greek word for the Holy Spirit is paraclete. Translated in English as advocate, counselor, helper (John 14). This is the perfect name for such a defensive weapon. When the devil (or bad guy) throws fiery darts, the paraclete is there to protect me and deflect them. It reminds me of the breastplate of righteousness in physical form. Who would have guessed?
Questions/Topic
If you have questions you would like answered or a topic you would like me to cover in a future edition of this newsletter, please email me and let me know.
In Conclusion
Thank you for taking the time to read through these stories. Thank you for your interest and financial support for the work of Code 7. Your prayer and finances are bringing the love of God to many officers each month.
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” – Romans 15:13
“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” John 14:26