Behind the Badge
I did a presentation this week at the police department about the traffic detail for the PACE class (Public Awareness Through Citizen Education). The class is usually held twice a year, and my son always asks to go with me.
When we arrived at the department we went to the locker room so I could put my uniform on. Once my locker was open he asked, “Can I see your badge?”
He took my badge off the shelf and looked at it in a way only a kid can.
While I was getting dressed he tried to put my Sam Browne (gun belt) around his waist and said, “This is heavy.”
After that he put my body armor on and said, “This is cool.”
After I was dressed it was time to go upstairs and do my presentation. It went well and lasted just over an hour.
I showed pictures and told stories to help emphasize the importance of traffic safety.
I also told a story about the time my son crashed blocks with a Thomas the Train as he said, “Look daddy. I’m playing fatal crash.”
How many 4 year olds say that? And it’s still funny after all these years.
When I was done my son told me I did a good job. As we walked down the hall he said the best thing a dad could hear. He simply said, “I was proud.”
How many high school freshman tell their dad they’re proud? What a great feeling.
Thanks “little Badge415.”
Dad loves you, too.
Editor’s Note: John Roman is a traffic officer for an Orange County police agency who writes a blog, Badge 415 (www.badge415.wordpress.com). His posts focus on the human side of police work and safety tips. Roman, a cop for more than 20 years, has handled more than 5,000 accidents as a collision investigator. BehindTheBadgeOC.com shares some of his columns.
