This is the definition of a leader: I work in a similar demographic just hours from Orlando at one of the nation's largest agencies. I've encountered my patrol lieutenant only once during a six-month shift bid, and that was scheduled. It's unlikely a lieutenant or above would respond even if an officer needs assistance (to be fair, sometimes they may not even know because they don’t monitor the radio). As a whole, we feel this lack of support, and unfortunately, it trickles down to our community. You're still a cop at heart-it's not something everyone has, but it is something you can easily leave behind when you allow yourself to get distracted and disconnected from reality. I think my leadership would rather find the money to pay us fairly than do one shift on patrol. What you are doing is legendary, authentic, and admirable. You people are lucky to have you and they know it. Be safe.
Way to go Chief for doing a fine job. I moved here in 1985 and me and my wife only had one car so she used it and I had to walk. I enjoyed walking. I worked for an A/C company on Robinson St and OBT and I lived near the Florida Mall. I would get I.D,ed a lot when I was walking home. I was never disrespectful to the police. Finally i think most of the police and deputies new me and it would slow down but never stop. I had to walk thru some tuff neighborhoods and I assumed they thought I was a druggy. i was young and looked over my shoulder a lot for safety reasons. Never had a problem. I had my I.D. in my front pocket ready for the next profiling police officer. Thanks for keeping me safe.
Thank you sir for being a true leader!
Excellent example of a chief !
OUTSTANDING EXAMPLE OF LEADING FROM THE FRONT AND SETTING THE STANDARDS!!!
Proud to be OPD
I’m ready to start my law enforcement career! I’m excited to be on this journey
This is the definition of a leader: I work in a similar demographic just hours from Orlando at one of the nation's largest agencies. I've encountered my patrol lieutenant only once during a six-month shift bid, and that was scheduled. It's unlikely a lieutenant or above would respond even if an officer needs assistance (to be fair, sometimes they may not even know because they don’t monitor the radio). As a whole, we feel this lack of support, and unfortunately, it trickles down to our community. You're still a cop at heart-it's not something everyone has, but it is something you can easily leave behind when you allow yourself to get distracted and disconnected from reality. I think my leadership would rather find the money to pay us fairly than do one shift on patrol. What you are doing is legendary, authentic, and admirable. You people are lucky to have you and they know it. Be safe.
Way to go Chief for doing a fine job. I moved here in 1985 and me and my wife only had one car so she used it and I had to walk. I enjoyed walking. I worked for an A/C company on Robinson St and OBT and I lived near the Florida Mall. I would get I.D,ed a lot when I was walking home. I was never disrespectful to the police. Finally i think most of the police and deputies new me and it would slow down but never stop. I had to walk thru some tuff neighborhoods and I assumed they thought I was a druggy. i was young and looked over my shoulder a lot for safety reasons. Never had a problem. I had my I.D. in my front pocket ready for the next profiling police officer. Thanks for keeping me safe.
From a Sarasota Officer - way to go Chief. Way to lead from the front.
God bless everyone…..
Mr. Eric Smith, we are at war!!!! Shame on you??!!! Stop lying to us!!!! Stop making fun of us!!!! Give us $11,000!!!!!
Thomas Melissa Lopez Frank Robinson Mary
What he says and what he will do are two different things 🥴