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The power of positive thinking
The adversity facing police officers has never been greater than it is today. Many of our political
yourfriends.
I worked as a Police Officer for just shy of 10 years, leaving in
2001. I can say with all honesty that I loved the job. During my career, there was an anti-police climate, but nothing like there is today. I was fortunate enough to have won- derful partners who shared my enthusiasm for being thepolice.Ibelievethatwegravitatetowardotherswho share with us similar core beliefs, and that is why I part- nered with these people. This is not to say that I never had a bad day or was never frustrated with certain aspects of the job; however, the good far outweighed the bad. This could easily have been reversed if I chose to be negative and skeptical; how- ever, that would mean that “they” won and I would be of little
help to myself or my family.
Albert Einstein once said, “Weakness of attitude becomes
weakness of character.” We can never allow anyone the abili- ty to determine a fundamental trait such as our character. My late father, who spent 36 years in the CPD, had an expression that he used often: “Adversity does not build character; rather, it reveals it.”
It is easy to be positive when things are going well. The chal- lenge is to remain positive when the sea becomes angry. There is no question that navigation in the current climate would over- whelm any weak or unprepared helmsman. Although the scales will ultimately tip more favorably toward law enforcement in due time, that change seems to be in the distant future.
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leaders and current supervisors have turned
their backs on officers and are quick to de- flect any personal liability by tossing the officer squarely under the bus. To make matters worse, public demonstrations by anti-police groups have become so com- mon that many of the members have become local celebrities and see themselves as champi- ons to their community.
FOP
LegalReport
DANIEL HERBERT
The apparent divide between the public and its police force has never seemed greater; however, it is critical that officers res- mind themselves that a silent majority still respects and appre- ciates the efforts of these heroes.
It is imperative, now more than ever, that Police Officers main- tain a positive attitude. The alternative is defeat for the officers and their families — and victory for the detractors. Countless studies have shown the powerful impact — including health benefits — of maintaining a positive attitude. The power associ- ated with positive thinking is infectious and can have a positive impact on the people who surround you in your daily life.
I write this article as a man with many flaws, a work in prog- ress. However, I pride myself on maintaining a positive attitude. I admit that it is not always easy and requires work like any other skill. Yet, it is worth it. You owe it to yourselves, your family and
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