Last week we celebrated Law Enforcement Appreciation Week. During this time, we recognize the brave men and women in local and state agencies. President Kennedy designated this celebration the week of May 15th in 1962.
Becoming an Officer
Today is the day I find out. I’ve been waiting for this moment for so long, the days preparing, making sure that I’m up for the task. Everyone has always wondered why my passion runs so deep, I don’t even know if I’ve been accepted yet. But today that changes. Today I find out if I’ll join the ranks of heroes in my community.
It’s been five months. Five months of studying and training, and now it’s almost time for graduation. I can’t wait to be sworn in, it’s what keeps me going through our workouts or when I feel like lingering in my head a bit too long on classroom days, just wondering what it will be like when I can finally put on my uniform- my badge- and take that sacred oath. “I swear to protect and serve”… “protect and serve”. It’s unimaginable to have though that I would make it to this day, I’ve known since I was a kid that I wanted to be a police officer; years of Halloween costumes and career days and I never once thought that I could be anything other than this. That little kid would be proud- now, almost 800 hours of training later and just weeks away from graduation, I’m finally fulfilling my dream.
It’s graduation day and it’s my turn. They say you just have to be brave, be brave and be kind. I’ll fight for justice and protect my community, that’s what I’ve always wanted to do. As I walk on stage, ready to receive my badge, I can’t imagine a more perfect moment. All of my fellow officers – I’m an officer now- as a new generation of law enforcement together today to become a part of something bigger. We are heroes.
Peace Officers Memorial Day is recognized on May 15th each year. It is a day of celebration and remberance of local and state law enforcement officers that were killed or disabled in the line of duty. As a local, longstanding business of Virginia Beach we would like to remember those memorialized by our community and the Virginia Beach Police Department.
“On my honor, I will never betray my integrity, my character or the public trust. I will always have the courage to hold myself and others accountable for our actions. I will always maintain the highest ethical standards and uphold the values of my community, and the agency I serve.”
