To start I want to talk a little about the challenges that face me personally as I transitioned between careers. Before I got into the Academy I worked commercial construction as a carpenter. All of my work was hands on, so sitting in a class room is not something I’m used too. Also, it has been a while since I’ve studied academically, so I’m finding it hard to organize myself in that area. Luckily it’s the beginning of week two and I’ve figured this out in time to work on it.
Sgt Wygant spoke to us after class today about the academic side of this Academy. He explained to us that it can be boring, and definitely not as fun as say, being at the range, or on the driving course. I think we can all agree with him on that! However, he also explained that the Law classes were the skills we are going to be using everyday as Deputies. It’s not the shooting, or the driving, all though these are important skills to have also. The classes are very structured, and the instructors really know what there talking about, and do their best to make the classes fun.
We have had a couple of lectures on Criminal Justice. These classes can seem very long winded, but they are very interesting at the same time, not to mention the back bone of our profession.
Monday and Tuesday we had lectures on Ethics and Unbiased Policing. This was a nice change of pace. Group discussion was the focus of the class, and as we were discussing issues such as stereo types, racism, sexism, we were encouraged to be honest and open minded about our subject matter.
One thing about stepping into this profession, that is rarely found anywhere else, is the way in which you are welcomed into the family. Every one you meet wants you to succeed. They are actually interested in you, and want to know who you are. I was working out in the gym at the HQ this morning before class, and a twenty year veteran struck a conversation with me. He congratulated me many times on my success at making it into the Academy. He was genuinely interested in what I had to say, here I am, the bottom of the barrel, the new guy, and people want to talk to me!
Today we were scheduled for our second round of PT. We were told yesterday, however, that PT was cancelled because of an unforeseen clash in the schedule, and that the Jeffco guys would get an extended lunch! Nice, we thought…… how foolish of us! At around 11am. Sgt Wygant informed us that PT was back on, and that we had a few minutes to get into PT gear and fall into formation. Now in a perfect world, everyone would be prepared for a pleasant surprise such as this and have the gear they needed with them. This was not the case.
What you have to understand, is that we must look uniformed. If one guy wants to wear sun glasses on a run, we all have to. The same goes if someone forgets something, we all live with out it. Such was the case today. A recruit left his running shoes at home! “Nobody will wear running shoes today; we will run in our boots!” As you can imagine, excitement filled the class. Personally I was just grateful he remembered his shorts! I don’t think my wife would appreciate me running around Golden naked, and neither would the citizens of Golden! After all I am trying to make friends. Someone came to the rescue and lent our fellow recruit a pair of running shoes, and our boots stayed nice and polished in our lockers for one more day.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Monday, July 28, 2008
Week 1
Thirty-six brand new Recruits converged upon the center classroom at the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office main Headquarters, Monday morning at 07:30 hrs. Surrounded by the top brass from many of our state law enforcement agencies. The Sheriff and Under Sheriff of Jefferson County, and a number of police Chiefs, Captains, Division Commanders, Sargeants and so on.
Excitement was high, as were the nerves of thirty six strangers.
We were introduced to our Academy Coordinators. Deputy Johnson. Deputy Hoffmann, and Sgt Wygant.
The first week for me was stress full. Especially the first couple of days. I had an idea of what was expected of me, yet still the fear of the unknown reared its ugly head. Here I was accomplishing my goals, living the dream if you will, yet I was on high alert.
Rules were laid down. The importance of Discipline. Our twenty week goal was high lighted for us all, and our graduation date set.
Back to the thirty six recruits I mentioned. We have a very diverse group of individuals, with a varied age group and from all walks of life. There are ex-military among us. Some have worked in Detentions for various Law Enforcement agencies. We have construction workers, real estate agents, and teachers, business owners and Bankers to name but a few. All however has one thing in common, Law Enforcement.
Deputy Johnson let us know from the start, that these thirty six individuals will mold into one team. That it will happen very quickly, and that is how we will survive the twenty weeks ahead of us.
Already in our first week, we have practiced formations, and standards of discipline. This is a Para-Military organization, Deputy Johnson seemed pleased with how we were learning these, yet at the same time disappointed that he didn’t have to make us do push ups! As much I love push ups, I’m hoping to prolong his disappointment as much as possible.
Majority of our time in this first week was spent in class room lectures. From Crime Prevention, to Stress Management, these Lectures, in my opinion, were very well structured and presented. We have a lot to learn, and only twenty weeks to do it in, but I have faith with the way the Academy is organized that we will all succeed.
Thursday was the first day we were in uniform, and also our first official uniform inspection. We were ordered to wear our Class C uniforms, which consist of black BDU pants, with black Academy polo shirt and boots. I am glad to report that our first inspection went rather well. Boots were shining and shirts were pressed. This for me was the first time we took a step from being thirty six individuals to one team. We still have a way to go yet but were on the right track.
Our Class motto was picked. “Let Valor Not Fail.” This was thought up by our Class Sergeant and voted on by the class.
Monday morning of week two, is our first PT exercise. I know Deputy Johnson is looking forward to it, and so, I guess, should I.
Excitement was high, as were the nerves of thirty six strangers.
We were introduced to our Academy Coordinators. Deputy Johnson. Deputy Hoffmann, and Sgt Wygant.
The first week for me was stress full. Especially the first couple of days. I had an idea of what was expected of me, yet still the fear of the unknown reared its ugly head. Here I was accomplishing my goals, living the dream if you will, yet I was on high alert.
Rules were laid down. The importance of Discipline. Our twenty week goal was high lighted for us all, and our graduation date set.
Back to the thirty six recruits I mentioned. We have a very diverse group of individuals, with a varied age group and from all walks of life. There are ex-military among us. Some have worked in Detentions for various Law Enforcement agencies. We have construction workers, real estate agents, and teachers, business owners and Bankers to name but a few. All however has one thing in common, Law Enforcement.
Deputy Johnson let us know from the start, that these thirty six individuals will mold into one team. That it will happen very quickly, and that is how we will survive the twenty weeks ahead of us.
Already in our first week, we have practiced formations, and standards of discipline. This is a Para-Military organization, Deputy Johnson seemed pleased with how we were learning these, yet at the same time disappointed that he didn’t have to make us do push ups! As much I love push ups, I’m hoping to prolong his disappointment as much as possible.
Majority of our time in this first week was spent in class room lectures. From Crime Prevention, to Stress Management, these Lectures, in my opinion, were very well structured and presented. We have a lot to learn, and only twenty weeks to do it in, but I have faith with the way the Academy is organized that we will all succeed.
Thursday was the first day we were in uniform, and also our first official uniform inspection. We were ordered to wear our Class C uniforms, which consist of black BDU pants, with black Academy polo shirt and boots. I am glad to report that our first inspection went rather well. Boots were shining and shirts were pressed. This for me was the first time we took a step from being thirty six individuals to one team. We still have a way to go yet but were on the right track.
Our Class motto was picked. “Let Valor Not Fail.” This was thought up by our Class Sergeant and voted on by the class.
Monday morning of week two, is our first PT exercise. I know Deputy Johnson is looking forward to it, and so, I guess, should I.
Let Me Introduce Myself
My name is Anthony. I am 28 years old. I was born in Dublin, Ireland. I come from a huge family, with many brothers and sisters. When I was six, my parents took us from Ireland to live in St Paul, Minnesota. After 18 months there we moved again! This time to London, England.
I went to high school at Mellow Lane Comprehensive in London. Graduatuated when I was 16 (that’s when everyone graduates in England, I'm nothing special) and then did two years in college. I took a GNVQ in Acting and Performing Arts studies at the City of Westminster College.
I have been in Denver for over 6 years now. Met my wife here five years ago and have been happily married for the past four years.
People always ask me: "why do you want to be a cop?", "it’s a thankless job," etc. This profession, in my opinion, is something you are called to do. This is why I sometimes feel I have a hard time answering these questions. For me, I have this burning desire to be here. Since I was a small boy, I always dreamt of being a cop. All the games I wanted to play where based on cop shows and movies we watched growing up.
What really got the cop fire burning for me. Were the endless conversations I had with my Father in Law. He is a retired Deputy Sheriff from the Jefferson County Sheriff's office. Let me tell you, this man loved his profession! Between him and my wife's uncle who was also a Deputy Sheriff at Jefferson County, and now currently works for a city department, I was never shy of cop stories.
The time had come. After two applications, two written tests, two physical tests, two interviews, two polygraphs, a year and a half later, I was finally here.
For those of you who want to be here at some point, or if you are just truly interested in what goes on in a real life police academy, I make this commitment to you. For the next 20 weeks, I will give you an insight into what it takes, to become a Peace Officer. From the lectures we get, to our PT and everything in between, for you it’s just a mouse click away.
I went to high school at Mellow Lane Comprehensive in London. Graduatuated when I was 16 (that’s when everyone graduates in England, I'm nothing special) and then did two years in college. I took a GNVQ in Acting and Performing Arts studies at the City of Westminster College.
I have been in Denver for over 6 years now. Met my wife here five years ago and have been happily married for the past four years.
People always ask me: "why do you want to be a cop?", "it’s a thankless job," etc. This profession, in my opinion, is something you are called to do. This is why I sometimes feel I have a hard time answering these questions. For me, I have this burning desire to be here. Since I was a small boy, I always dreamt of being a cop. All the games I wanted to play where based on cop shows and movies we watched growing up.
What really got the cop fire burning for me. Were the endless conversations I had with my Father in Law. He is a retired Deputy Sheriff from the Jefferson County Sheriff's office. Let me tell you, this man loved his profession! Between him and my wife's uncle who was also a Deputy Sheriff at Jefferson County, and now currently works for a city department, I was never shy of cop stories.
The time had come. After two applications, two written tests, two physical tests, two interviews, two polygraphs, a year and a half later, I was finally here.
For those of you who want to be here at some point, or if you are just truly interested in what goes on in a real life police academy, I make this commitment to you. For the next 20 weeks, I will give you an insight into what it takes, to become a Peace Officer. From the lectures we get, to our PT and everything in between, for you it’s just a mouse click away.
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