I just completed the final day of the Tualatin Police Experience
and I’m not sure I can adequately write down how much this experience impacted me.
I’ve always loved our police department.
We are beyond spoiled with the quality leadership
and officers that wear the Tualatin PD badge.
There is so much good humor
(okay… and bad ‘punny’ humor – which I consider fabulous),
so much comradery, so much wit and so much good-natured ribbing;
It’s a LOT of fun to be around our police force.
But that’s only partly possibly because these men and women are professionals
excelling beyond the typical requirements, going above and beyond the call of duty
and doing it because they care do deeply for their community,
those in their community and any person that is in need.
I cannot thank our Chief enough
for taking time and resources out of the Tualatin Police Department
in order for us average citizens to catch a small glimpse
into the heart and soul of what makes the TPD so special.
Chief Barker provides the kind of leadership
that creates a level of expected respect, quality,
caring and attention to detail that is evident
in the officers that are in his department.
His humility, and the humility of his officers,
is so beautiful to see in this day and age…
especially when they are all so highly trained.
The Tualatin Police Experience highlighted each of these things and more.
Yes, we spent a good deal of time laughing and smiling,
but when each officer presented his/her presentation/demonstration…
it was evident how passionate they were about what they do
and the training to be ready to protect and serve their community.
It was also evident just how exceptional they were in that area…
although it took the Chief coming up and bragging on them
because they would never brag on themselves.
I’ve heard many complaints and horror stories
about officers around the country (founded or unfounded is not the point)…
it is a huge credit to our PD that even with
all the bad guys they catch, tickets and citations that are written…
that they almost never get a complaint.
In fact, some who have been ticketed or arrested
have written letters thanking the officers
for how respectful they were treated during and after the process.
The news will never report on this sort of thing…
there’s no sensationalism in it.
It simply doesn’t sell or boost ratings to report it.
{And being as news these days is more about being a business
than being accurate reporters of truth…}
many won’t report or speak of departments run as efficiently,
humbly and respectfully as the Tualatin Police Department.
But I will.
These men and women have my utmost respect…
and they have my heart, my prayers and my undying gratitude
for all they do day in and day out to protect our community
and make it a safe, fun place to live.
Their servants’ hearts are so evident.
If you live in Tualatin,
please talk to them about getting on the list for their Police Experience.
You won’t regret it!
http://www.tualatinoregon.gov/police/tualatin-police-experience
P.S. I might be able to add photos in the future,
but I need to wait for the approved photos before
including any from the experience.
