Page 15 - TPA Journal March April 2022
P. 15
From
Micki Lintz
Region 4
As March comes to a close, I wanted to take a Kintsugi is a Japanese art form of repairing a
moment to recognize our Women in Law broken piece of pottery so that the original
Enforcement, and the daily contributions each article is whole again. Often, the repair is done
make to our profession. Women's History with epoxies and precious metals, causing the
Month is a time to reflect, commemorate and resulting piece to be more substantial and
encourage those women that touch our lives. valuable due to the materials used, the time to
This year's theme is most fittingly women repair, and its uniqueness.
"Providing healing and promoting hope." Kintsugi can also refer to the philosophy of a
We often take for granted the lessons taught as person having gone through hardships, having
children, our cultural influence, and life in scars where the wounds once were, and being
general. Regardless of an individual's stronger and more resilient because of these
circumstance, we each have had an victories.
experience that has shaped our lives. It only
takes one person to make that difference and I see the truth in this lesson every day in the
positively influence the direction of many. For women I gratefully work with. We share this
me, I have been blessed by several. trait of picking up the broken pieces and
making them complete again. It is what makes
I was asked why I chose this career path, even us exceptional, why the oath of our badge
after joking, "I needed a job" the truth is carries heavily in our hearts.
because one woman, an El Paso Police
Department officer, showed me the Administrative policies and hiring practices
importance of not giving up and facing have changed for the better in the last thirty
challenges through difficult times. Years later, I years, but we still encounter adversity in many
graduated as Valedictorian of the El Paso Police of our law enforcement careers. As leaders, we
Department, one of the first women to do so. aim to foster and encourage an environment
All because one person took the time to free of these struggles and promote
encourage another. She saw something in me mechanisms that help other officers overcome
that I could not see; her words and brutal these difficulties. Even though this is one of the
honesty set me on this path. Upon graduating, most challenging times to be a police officer, I
her reply to me was effectively, "Remember the ask you to consider this idea as you approach
oath and always care." Officer Candace the arduous tasks ahead. May the Lord guide
Martinez left this world too early, but her your actions. Take delight in what you have,
strength and beauty touched all those who look for areas of improvement, and seek to be
knew her. more resilient. Embrace the fight, the tears, and
the scars that have made you stronger. Always
March-April 2022 www.texaspoliceassociation.com • (512) 458-3140 11
