Stay Strong & Courageous: Encouragement for Law Enforcement Part 2

It’s easy to say, “Hang in there, this will pass.” 

But that doesn’t change the feeling of frustration, dejectedness, and sometimes anger you might be dealing with right now. 

I want to remind you that, just like in politics, there is a huge silent majority out there that not only support you, but need you on that line. 

Hopefully you and your partners both blue and blood are checking in with each other. All of us are leaders and can be the one to start the conversation of how we are doing as a group, or as an individual. 

Don't be afraid to be the one to start it!

You don’t need to be a sergeant or a captain to implement something positive. 

You’ve heard it before, “This isn’t a job, it’s a calling.” That means this is NOT something you can easily walk away from. Which means you have to keep the long-haul plan in mind. 

Don’t get caught up in the current climate and let that shape who you are and your response to the public. 

Take a minute to write down your WHY.

Why did I follow this calling? Write it down put that on your locker. Put it next to the pictures of your reasons to show up and do everything you can to go home safe at night. 

The day I retired, I took a small piece of paper off my locker that was a note from my daughter from years before when she was 7 or 8. It said, “Have fun at your job today”. So I did. Even on some of the darkest days I was able to have fun between calls or at lunch with my team.

Support each other with words and actions. 

Sir Edmund Burke has a famous quote in our line of work. “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” But he also said, “When bad men combine, the good must associate; else they will fall one by one, an unpitied sacrifice in a contemptible struggle.”

Remember, just like on an airplane, you have got to put on your own oxygen mask first before you can help others. 

And never be afraid to reach out to professionals before it gets too rough. 

God Bless!

Officer Shawn Cavin

Retired Manteca PD

Co-Founder Code 3 Counseling