LAW ENFORCEMENT FAMILY Many of you have probably heard the term: Law Enforcement Family. While many have heard the term, few (unless you are in law enforcement) really understand the true meaning of it. Our department has always been a very close department, but we’ve become much closer since some of the challenges we’ve faced over the past year or so -- challenges within the department and it’s management, the loss of Loring Guenther, the firing of Mike Leonhardt, and so on. Many of us within the department, nearly 10 deputies, all graduated from the same law enforcement class. Other have graduated together in more recent years, while some of our senior guys have been best friends for nearly 20 years. These senior guys and their spouses have set the example for the younger deputies – when it comes to relationships, family, kids, our careers, etc. We’ve all watched our families grow, we’ve helped each other thru losses, with family struggles, and the list goes on. When Loring died, some of us realized that we had become somewhat divided in our office – the senior deputies and families socializing together, the younger families socializing together, and some not socializing at all. The wives in our department, recognizing this, have really worked to bridge that gap and now get together regularly for social outings. Rosie and I believe It’s so important for our senior deputy wives to stay connected with the younger deputy’s wives – recognizing how difficult it can be balancing a nightshift schedule with family, kids and family functions. My wife and many of the wives that have been in this law enforcement family for a long time have been there, have gone thru the struggles, and have seen how rewarding this career can be for both the deputy and his/her spouse. They also know that it doesn’t come without great challenge, sacrifice, compromise, and commitment. They are there to provide a great support group, when needed, to some of the newer law enforcement spouses struggling with the adjustments to this career. As I’ve said before, the commitment to becoming a law enforcement officer has to come from both the officer and his/her spouse – both are married to the job, that’s just the way it is. That doesn’t have to be a bad thing. As with anything, it’s all in what you make of it. This year with everything that’s happened, and throughout our campaign, I’ve been reminded again and again how important this extended family is to me. These friendships are relationships that are as close to true family as you will ever get -- Friends that will drop everything to help you, your spouse, your kids, even your extended family. Friends that know the challenges that you deal with at work , can relate to the challenges you deal with at home, have watched your family grow and kids grow up. Friends that will put you in your place if necessary, knock you down if needed, and be right there to pick you back up. Friends that you feel as close to as any friend you ever grew up with. Friends that would put their life on the line in a second for you and/or your family without even thinking twice about it. That’s the definition of “Law Enforcement Family” in my experience – tough for many to understand unless you’ve been involved in it. It is my goal, after we win this election, to work to build and develop a positive work environment within the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office– one that encourages the advancement and growth of our future department leaders. An environment filled with opportunity, and positive reinforcement. One that adheres to fair hiring, discipline, and promotional practices. A department that recognizes effort and achievement – including all the big and small successes along the way. A department that never puts anything, including the budget, before safety! A department that our guys and gals can be proud to be a part of. A department our community can be proud of. A department where each deputy takes real ownership and pride in our community and the responsibilities assigned to them. A department full of deputies who have chosen to raise their families here and call Dodge County home – one that our newest deputies will feel comfortable with and quickly consider their “extended family”. This is the kind of department Loring worked so hard to help achieve over his 19 years of service here! It’s his level of dedication and vision that we will embrace and continue to work towards in 2015 and beyond. Thank you in advance for your encouragement, support, and your vote in November!! Scott
Posted on: Fri, 06 Jun 2014 04:45:02 +0000
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