they don't tell you that you'll wake up at least twice the night before... but that just before your alarm goes off you'll be awake and ready to get up, despite the dark and cold...
they don't tell you that it takes twice as long to dress in uniform and duty gear "for real" than when you tried stuff on.
they don't tell you that with your vest and duty belt on you won't be able to tie your shoes
they don't tell you that you will be scared--not of physical harm, or of the bad guys, but of the enormous responsibilities and trusts placed in you... YOU have not changed from yesterday to today, yet today, you have the power to make decisions that will affect lives, families...
they don't tell you that you will pray more ferverently for wisdom, integrity, fairness, strength of character and of body... than you've ever prayed before.
they don't tell you that people will wave to the cruiser--and at *you* because you now wear the badge and hat...
they don't tell you that you'll feel self-conscious when you are in a public place.
they don't tell you that it will be FUN. Exhillarating. Exhausting. Even when it's simple and quiet.
they don't tell you your vest will make it impossible to sit comfortably ANYWHERE. Sure, they tell you vests suck, and to suck it up... but they really don't tell you just how BAD they suck...
they don't tell you to practice things with BOTH your vest AND duty belt on. It's rather like that scene in Gone with the Wind where Scarlett's hanging onto the bedpost for dear life while her corsette is being laced up... I had the unfortunate experience of finding out my spare cuff case catches on the bottom edge of my vest--and I can't get those cuffs out to save my life... Good thing we tried that at home... slapped on the cuff strap--and forgot the good cuffs...
they don't tell you it will be one of the proudest, and most humbling days you've had.
But I'm telling you now, it was all of the above. And more. Only one serious call... but the first day in uniform. I hope I don't forget.
[ 11-04-2002, 07:20 PM: Message edited by: deputy37 ]
they don't tell you that it takes twice as long to dress in uniform and duty gear "for real" than when you tried stuff on.
they don't tell you that with your vest and duty belt on you won't be able to tie your shoes

they don't tell you that you will be scared--not of physical harm, or of the bad guys, but of the enormous responsibilities and trusts placed in you... YOU have not changed from yesterday to today, yet today, you have the power to make decisions that will affect lives, families...
they don't tell you that you will pray more ferverently for wisdom, integrity, fairness, strength of character and of body... than you've ever prayed before.
they don't tell you that people will wave to the cruiser--and at *you* because you now wear the badge and hat...
they don't tell you that you'll feel self-conscious when you are in a public place.
they don't tell you that it will be FUN. Exhillarating. Exhausting. Even when it's simple and quiet.
they don't tell you your vest will make it impossible to sit comfortably ANYWHERE. Sure, they tell you vests suck, and to suck it up... but they really don't tell you just how BAD they suck...

they don't tell you to practice things with BOTH your vest AND duty belt on. It's rather like that scene in Gone with the Wind where Scarlett's hanging onto the bedpost for dear life while her corsette is being laced up... I had the unfortunate experience of finding out my spare cuff case catches on the bottom edge of my vest--and I can't get those cuffs out to save my life... Good thing we tried that at home... slapped on the cuff strap--and forgot the good cuffs...
![[Eek!]](eek.gif)
they don't tell you it will be one of the proudest, and most humbling days you've had.
But I'm telling you now, it was all of the above. And more. Only one serious call... but the first day in uniform. I hope I don't forget.
[ 11-04-2002, 07:20 PM: Message edited by: deputy37 ]
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