The end of an Era (or Error)

Twenty-seven years ago my then brother-n-law said to me, " Come to Florida, the Tampa Police are hiring.".

I looked at this big city police sergeant as my mind began to race with the possibilities this avenue could bring to me. The respect of being one of America's Finest. The ability to reach out and help others. The financial security of a retirement plan. Limited only by the restrictions I place upon myself.

Only yesterday I was chasing a dream, pinning a badge upon my chest and swearing an oath of responsibility that comes with the authority of that badge. I have seen acts of heroism by men and women, neither looking for the recognition for their acts. I have seen these heroes cry as we have laid to rest a friend, a partner.

I now turn the page of life. My literary agent says, "the time has come to quit your play job and to take writing seriously."

With that said, March 17, 2012, I shall leave Tampa and the wonderful folks whom I now call friends. Life is a journey and with it comes many obstacles. How we address those obstacles speakers volumes of our character. When I joined the Tampa Police Department, all I wanted was to ride a police motorcycle and be promoted to sergeant. Looking back, I hope that I influenced one person to be a better person.