The Badge

[albydere4u]

How did it feel to receive that badge for the first time? Knowing everything that it represents?

How does it feel after 5,10, 20+ years? Does it become just a piece of metal? Or are you still in awe of what it represents?

[ftttu]

I was really happy and proud to get mine almost 21 years ago. I beat out many others and many of the hardships are forgotten now. Also, I don't sit there and stare at it but it does catch my eye every now and then.

[rgv_cop]

I am proud of the honor of the badge since day 1 to almost 12 yrs later. The only difference is the color, from silver (patrolman), to two-tone (sgt.) and hopefully all gold (Lt.).

[Code6Chuck]

Every once in a while I catch myself in the mirror in uniform and badge and just smile. I know I'm very lucky to have earned that badge. The day I got it was one of the better days of my life for sure.

[Erik]

I've had several badges over the years; each time I received one I felt proud to have been selected and entrusted to represent it. I hope that feeling never goes away.

[Iowa #1603]

After nearly 35 yrs I was without one for 6 months.................it was nice to receive the one that I use as my avatar...............an old friend returns.

[Kimble]

After 7+ years and 4 employing agencies I'm definitely not in "awe" of my badge. No more than most of the public being so. Some will disagree, but I don't see my job as a calling from God or doing anything heroic most days. I enjoy being a cop, and was inspired to become one after 9/11, but at the end of the day it's a job. A good one, one where you can do some good on an individual basis on occasion, but no more honorable than being a firefighter, teacher, social worker, servicemember, etc.

I will admit, though, the first time you get your badge pinned on/sworn in is a cool experience.

[Chomp]

I only have a small number of "lifetime" memories; screenshots that are forever stamped into my memory. One of them was walking around backstage before our Academy graduation, then turning a corner and seeing a table with our badges on it. That stuck with me.

[deputymel]

It is a great feeling to have, honor and abide by it! Coming on 10 years for me and every time I am in locker room getting ready for my day, makes me smile and realize how hard it took me to get where I am today.. Many people I know personally are still trying to accomplish a dream that I am thankful I get to do! Be safe my sisters and brothers out there who hold any job in LEO.

[ftttu]

I only have a small number of "lifetime" memories; screenshots that are forever stamped into my memory. One of them was walking around backstage before our Academy graduation, then turning a corner and seeing a table with our badges on it. That stuck with me.

My "screenshot" memory was that when my agency head was pinning me, he made the comment that he had almost lost me and that he was happy to be able to pin my badge on. I felt honored that he remembered me out of all of the other officers and recruits that I had to leave the academy for a day or two until I was able to return after my orders had been cancelled. As y'all remember, the ground war was over in no time at all. If it was long and drawn out, I may not be typing this.

[Sleuth]

I only ever wore one badge, and it was presented to me when I retired. No one will ever wear that number again, particularly as my agency changed it's name and logos after I left. I was, and am, proud of it, and what it means.

[mikeymedic]

I loved when I got it for the first time. It has changed from silver to gold over the years but I do, at times, catch myself looking at it and feeling the pride of being entrusted to carry it on my chest.

[USMARINE]

Add up your first girlfriend, first beer, first license, first best friend and everything else good in your life, that is what getting my shield meant to me.

[Sackett]

I have worn a badge since 1990, (Corrections, and Police), and while I remember the days when I could not wait to become a police officer, it has become a "job".Wish I could say that I am still excited, but I am not.

[SgtCHP]

I earned my first badge forty-nine years ago and wore it with pride for the period of time I was affiliated with that ageny. Forty-six years ago, I earned my star and again wore it with pride. To this very day, I am proud to have served. I worked hard to earn my badges and I worked hard to sustain the authority they symbolize. Certainly, there were times when my entusiasm waned, but not my pride. My career was fulfilling and satisfying. I retired with my head held high and my faith supported and sustained. Those who tarnish the badge - irrespective of the agency - do so with hate in their heart and a low value of self worth.

Being a LEO is a career that I often recommend to competent and caring young men and wormen seeking a rewarding future.