Page 47 - SEPTEMBE 2018 Newsletter

Cops of the future
Event at 008 helps Marine recruits learn about becoming Chicago Police Officers ■ BY ERIKA WURST
■ PHOTOS BY JAMES PINTO
Marine Corps recruits, many with hopes of one day wearing CPD blue, flooded the 8th District on Aug. 25.
“These are our future leaders,” said Chicago Firefighter and for- mer Marine Pat McCauley, who brought the recruits and officers together to create a stepping stone to future careers for the recruits.
About 75 percent of the 60 recruits participating in the event ex- pressed interest in a career in law enforcement once they leave the service. McCauley wanted to provide them with an opportunity to learn about all aspects of police work in an up-close environment. Department SWAT team members as well as officers from the Ma- rine Unit and Mounted Unit made presentations at the event, held in the 008 CAPS room. The FBI also made a presentation.
“Odds are you’re never going to meet a guy on the streets who works in SWAT or on the Mounted Unit,” McCauley said. “This event allows recruits from all over the city and suburbs to sit down one-on-one and talk with police officers, especially the ones in the specialty units.”
Following hour-long presentations from each of the presenters about their specialties, they opened up the discussion for ques- tions.
“They actually get to sit down and talk to them and have a dis- cussion back and forth,” McCauley added. “And the officers were happy to oblige.”
As part of his work with McCarthy’s Brigade, McCauley often en- lists the help of Chicago Police Officers. He said his work with the Department and the FOP has been amazing.
“A lot of CPD members, and police in general, are former military members. They want to give back to the upcoming generation,” McCauley explained. “It’s a win-win for everybody. It’s a laid-back event that helps the recruits ward off the false narrative about po- lice. These guys are human and they put their pants on one leg at a time.”
McCauley added that he would like to expand the program to include Army, Navy and other military recruits, and perhaps also young adults who are interested in law enforcement in general. The classes are hosted once or twice a year in Chicago.
McCarthy’s Brigade was established by veterans after the 9/11 at- tacks and modeled after the service of Lieutenant Colonel Joseph J. McCarthy. McCarthy was a Medal of Honor winner and a Chicago firefighter.
Part of the mission has also been to present American flags to
United States Marine Corps recruits attended presentations at the 8th Dis- trict on Aug. 25 from Department members about becoming Chicago Po- lice Officers.
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Officers from the Department’s SWAT team and Marine Unit joined the FBI in making presentations.
Gold Star Families. Each American flag has either been flown over or carried in combat missions. The American flags are then raised at the New York City Fire Department’s 10 Engine 10 Truck at the Ground Zero site on 9/11.
McCauley said it’s not uncommon for soldiers to come out of the service and seek jobs in law enforcement. Having Chicago Police Officers on his side to help guide applicants through the process has been a blessing.
“We get kids from all over who want to be Chicago Police,” he said. “This is their first step to doing that.” d