A sheriff’s office Facebook post went viral after wishing two former high school football teammates success in their new LE careers
Being part of a sports team, like football, can teach you important lessons that will stick with you for life. Things like working together, staying focused, and never giving up are skills you can use even after you stop playing. That’s why some athletes end up working in public safety later on.
Take Donald and Makel, for example. They used to play football together in high school, and now they both work for the sheriff’s office. A post about them on Facebook got a lot of attention, showing how proud everyone is of them.
Just like they had each other’s backs on the field, they now have each other’s backs in their new jobs. But just like learning how to play football, starting a career in law enforcement means you have to keep learning and growing to make sure you’re doing your best to keep everyone safe.
Police1 asked their readers their most important piece of advice for not only Gaulden and Delatte but every new officer who decides to don the badge and uniform. We have rounded up the best responses below,
- “Every day is game day. Prepare and be ready.” – Freestone County Sheriff J. Shipley
- “Keep your head on a swivel, take care of each other and remember why you started in the field.” – Penny Pyle Bennett
- “Do the right thing every shift and make it home in one piece. Don’t make the job your entire personality. This is what you do, not everything you are.” – Rick Torres
- “I tell every rookie that they need to be humble, come in every day expecting to work hard and develop communication skills. Those aspects will help you for an entire career.” – Anthony Salinas
- “Just remember everyone is human. Treat everyone with respect – it goes a long way.” – Michael Bradley
- “Always do what’s right. Always. It doesn’t matter who tries to tell you different. IF you have to think about if something is right or wrong, then it is probably wrong.” – Troye Dunlap
- “Do not become complacent. Respond to every call in the way you were trained. Stay fit, train regularly.” – Becky Larsen
- “Stay humble. Keep in mind that times aren’t always going to be easy and you aren’t always going to be loved. But never forget the reason why you started. Never be untrainable and never take things for granted. Family is important. Leave work at work when you can and focus on family.” – Tim Nichols
- “Two things to stay on top of: fitness and mental health.” – L.J. Woodie
- “Before you arrive at every single call, take a deep breath and slow down. Don’t let fear, excitement or eagerness blind you to potential threats. Take it one step at a time.” – Timothy Sapp
- “Use your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, it usually isn’t.” – Ernie McCracken
- “Use common sense and never turn your back on anyone at any time. Don’t walk back to your car with your back to the drive of the car you stopped.” – Richard Anson
- “Find a healthy outlet for the things you will have to see and do.” – Jenn Rodriguez
- “Never take work home with you and treat others like you would want someone in your family treated.” – Kim Ann
- “Always be sure your dispatch knows where you are, because if you need help, they need to know where to send them.” – Amanda Scheller
