Razor?

Formal inspection was scheduled 8/13 at 0800 hrs, this meant that the night before I was scrambling to get my uniforms in tip top shape. I ironed my pants, taking due care to get the creases just right. My shirts I pressed, my boots got another couple of layers of parade gloss, I was ready; at least I thought I was ready.

We stood in formation, four squads lining up symmetrically to each other. Sgt. Wygant walked in front of each recruit, checking for discrepancies in appearance. I thought I was gold. Turns out, not only did I not have my ID badge on me, and displayed in the right place, but I also forgot to shave! Thankfully Deputy Johnson wasn’t at this inspection or push ups and memos would have been in my future. Now I have a sticky note on my mirror with the word SHAVE written on it.

Another you need to know about inspections, is that it is not just our appearance that is under scrutiny but also our knowledge. We can be asked about literally anything. In all fairness the inspecting officer does try to keep it within what we have already been taught.

As you can imagine this can make for a stressful inspection, not to mention a very interesting inspection, as was the case for me.

Fallen Officers

First thing this morning we had inspection. Let me tell you, even at eight in the morning, especially when your uniforms are black, it is very hot. This can make standing to attention very difficult.

Inspection is fun however. At least I think so, that could just of course be because Deputy Johnson is going easy on us right now. Now please don’t get me wrong. I do work hard to get my uniform looking good. For the past three weeks I have been spit shinning my boots! I must have at least twenty to thirty layers of Kiwi parade gloss on there, with still more to go. My pants are pressed neatly, and my shirt ironed.

There is a lot of work that needs to be done. Anyone that gets into the academy, and thinks it’s a nine to five job, had better think again. There is studying and homework you have to do on your own time, uniforms need to be ready for the next day, you get one set of PT gear, and that has to be washed every time you use it, as it must be with you at all times.

That aside, what I really wanted to briefly talk about was our inspection this morning. Our class sergeant last week assigned us, under orders, a name of a Peace Officer who at some point in Colorado's history had been killed in the line of duty.

During inspection we had a moments silence in remembrance of these brave officers. With our heads bowed, standing at-ease, we then took turns starting with highest rank, and called the name, department and year the officer was killed.

Now, when your turn comes, you immediately stand to attention and in a loud clear voice and sound off, return to the original position and pay respects as you hear the name of other fallen officers.

The importance of this to me, is not just so we don’t forget the sacrifices made for us, although this is the main reason, but also a reminder to us all of the challenges we will face in our careers. To always be mind full that these dangers exist, and that we must prepare ourselves physically and mentally so that one day we will retire instead of having the next Academy class reading our names.