David J. Farley of Plympton, Plymouth, United Kingdom

David J. Farley of Plympton, Plymouth, United Kingdom

Friday, March 21, 2008

When Cops Retire



When Cops Retire

When a good cop leaves the "job" and retires to a better life, many are jealous, some are pleased and yet others, who may have already retired, wonder. We wonder if he knows what they are leaving behind, because we already know. We know, for example, that after a lifetime of camaraderie that few experience, it will remain as a longing for those past times. We know in the law enforcement life there is a fellowship which lasts long after the uniforms are hung up in the back of the closet. We know even if he throws them away, they will be on him with every step and breath that remains in his life. We also know how the very bearing of the man speaks of what he was and in his heart still is.

These are the burdens of the job. You will still look at people suspiciously, still see what others do not see or choose to ignore and always will look at the rest of the law enforcement world with a respect for what they do; only grown in a lifetime of knowing. Never think for one moment you are escaping from that life. You are only escaping the "job" and merely being allowed to leave "active" duty.

So what I wish for you is that whenever you ease into retirement, in your heart you never forget for one moment that "Blessed are the Peacemakers for they shall be called children of God," and you are still a member of the greatest fraternity the world has ever known.

I am most grateful to my loyal internet buddies Dean Eddy (USA) & Mel Lomax (Australia), who are both retired police officers, for this poignant and moving resume' of what it means to be a retired law enforcement officer in every civilised and democratic country.

May I take this opportunity of wishing all my readers a truly peaceful Easter and I trust it will bring with it new life and fresh hope for each and everyone of us.

2 comments:

DirkStar said...

and a very happy Easter to you and yours. This will be our first with little Micah and we are so excited. He is a perfect little boy and every day we spend with him is a joy.

Felicia and I are so very lucky...

Annette said...

A happy easter to you too ,David.
try not to eat too many easter eggs!!