Page 8 - mar-apr west final

Lonely Stops

By Chet Effler – State Chairman of Trustees

Early in my Law Enforcement career, I like many of- The issue of allowing the job to consume you is not

ficers thought I was bullet proof and ready to take on the easy to admit. The interaction with the public is not easy

world. A normal day on the job for me was racing to the and is not getting easier. The media has now created a

next call and making sure "Justice was dispensed." I like narrative that is driving officers further into darkness.

to look back on my career and say I was like Wyatt Earp Officers are suffering and really have no outlet. The cur-

when I answered the radio. In my mind it went a little rent environment facing officers is not only dangerous,

like this: Dispatch: Marion - 864, Fight in progress, be it's deadly. It is up to each of you to not only be vigilant

advised it's the same subject from the last two calls beg- about potential visible threats, but the silent invisible

ging for your appearance again." My response was "10- ones too. Our brothers and sisters are turning to suicide

4, 10-17." Really in my mind it was "Tell em I'm coming at a greater number. It is important that we own each

and I'm bringing Hell with me." other emotionally. It is important for you to ask questions

Realistically, we all know that's not true. I was really when your partner isn't acting right. The road is long and

fighting a demon inside. That demon was showing me dark and stopping a car is always scary until you see your
every bad portion of society. Like so many of you read- partner’s headlights and blue lights break the plane be-

ing this article, I was silently dying inside. I was becom- hind you. This internal war we are fighting is on a rural

ing something my mother and father would never want. road. The vehicle your partner is

I was allowing the job to consume me. At some point I approaching is dark and lonely.

attended a seminar that Dr. Kevin Gilmartin was teach- You hear the radio. You know

ing. The seminar wrapped around the Emotional Sur- you are close. You know you

vival for Law Enforcement. Dr. Gilmartin talked about will be the next friendly face

his career as a cop and witnessing his son transform into your partner will see. You have

the exact thing I was becoming. I walked away from that arrived and your partner is

presentation with the book and have used it many times standing there in front of you.

while teaching in the academy. I have preached the Tap him or her on the shoulder

words of Dr. Gilmartin but not heeding the same advice. and tell them you got their six. Chet Effler

In May of 2014, I suffered severe chest pains that Let us stop suicide together. Just Chairman of Trustees

eventually led to a Stient. That episode made me realize, ask the questions and seek help.

I am not the tough cop. I am simply another man walking

the streets with a conscience of good over evil. I am just We can all help prevent suicide. The National Suicide

another you! Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for

In the time since my heart episode, I have become people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you

more aware that every minute with my family is more or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals.

important than any arrest or case. I went from using no The toll free number is (800) 273-8255.

vacation time to using it as much as possible. We now

take long vacations and I enjoy my family.

An Important Reminder

By Lynn Wilson – State Secretary

Hello my Brothers and Sisters. Just a quick reminder for this issue of the BlueNote. It is per cap-
ita time again for the Local Lodges which make their per capita payments every six months. Be
sure to send your lists of new or suspended members, as well as separate checks for national per
capita, state per capita, legal defense, labor, and death benefit payments to the State Lodge no later
than April 1st. This gives us time to process everything and get the national per capita sent to the
Grand Lodge by the May 1st due date. Please don't hesitate to call me if you have any questions.

www.ncfop.org 8