[Editor’s Note: The well-noted law enforcement career of now-former Police Officer Jim Raetz ended this morning after nearly three decades. Hereafter, he only will be known as Attorney Raetz.]
Okay! This will be my really final goodbye.
In the early morning hours of this New Year’s Eve, I took off the Sam Brown (an officer’s belt) for the last time.
People would often ask if I really was as happy as the smile on my face portrayed.
The answer was, “Yes, always yes.”
Every day was not great, but I was never promised that on the job specifications.
It was never up to anyone else to make it a great day for me, but you did.
You brought a smile to my face with your sincere affection for me.
“Sincere caring co-workers” was not listed as one of the benefits on the job specifications, either. But I truly did receive this unlisted benefit.
We contact people who bring a great deal of baggage to every encounter such as anger, mental health issues, jealousy and some with a willingness to kill us just for doing our job.
These contacts would flow like water off a duck’s back, because when I would see you, all the drama of the street would melt away.
When I would walk through the doors of the station it would be like coming home.
Thank you
My deepest regards
Former Police Officer Jim Raetz may be contacted at jr8z@hotmail.com
