Shiny Shoe Day....

Each year as National Police Week comes to a close, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department honors their fallen at a Peace Officer Memorial Service. Last Friday, 38 officers in service to Mecklenburg County were honored for their service and sacrifice. This service not only honored the fallen with CMPD, but also with the Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office, Davidson Police Department, Huntersville Police Department, NC Division of Motor Vehicles (Enforcement), and the FBI.

It was a beautiful service and I was honored, for the second year in a row, to have my fallen officer video shown during the opening ceremony. Forever honored; never forgotten.

IT WAS A SHINY SHOE DAY

A memorial service is a day the officers look their best. It is a sign of respect for their brothers and sisters who have paid the ultimate sacrifice. Long-sleeve shirt, black tie, a black band over their badge....and, yes, shiny shoes. They have a proper dress code for such events and wearing the black sneakers that they typically wear during a normal workday so they can move about quickly and for comfort, is not part of the appropriate attire for this service. 

Back in the day (late 1970s-early 80s) when my then husband was a deputy for the Hillsborough County Sheriff's office, he always wore shiny shoes or nice boots with his uniform. Best I can remember, they didn’t wear black sneakers back then. In fact, sometimes when he was running late, I would polish his boots along with adding the pins and deputy badge to his newly starched white uniform shirt. You might say that I was too young and naive way back then to say “hey, polish your own shoes” (and yes, I was very young), but I don’t think that was it. I was genuinely happy to help my husband look his best before he left the house to serve his community. 

I  CAN'T BELIEVE I SAID THAT!

When I left the memorial service on Friday, I was walking up Davidson Street heading to the parking garage. I stopped at a crosswalk on the corner of 3rd Street and Davidson and pushed the button to cross. A CMPD officer came up behind me and I happened to look down and noticed his shiny shoes. As I looked up I saw his name tag. The officer was a Major! Without thinking, and maybe to make conversation, I said “It’s shiny shoe day, sir”, and he said “Yes ma’am it is”. 

By the time I got to the car I was mortified. I couldn't believe I said that. But if the Major knew me like the hundred or so officers who have sat at my table for a meal know me, he would understand that my heart is always in the right place when it comes to my friends in blue. It was just a silly little observation that took me back 38 years to another time in my life.

My prayer today is that those shiny shoes will stay in the closet until next year's memorial service. May my Heavenly Father continue to protect and keep my friends safe.

                            

                                                                    ♥                                                                 

Never forgotten....

This week is a very special week for law enforcement officers throughout the United States.

In 1962, President Kennedy proclaimed May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and the calendar week in which May 15 falls, as National Police Week. Established by a joint resolution of Congress in 1962, National Police Week is dedicated to honoring law enforcement officers and pays special recognition to those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for the safety and protection of others. It is a time police officers and thankful citizens throughout the country honor the fallen. 

In 2016, 143 officers in the United States were killed in the line of duty. This is video I did to remember and honor the fallen. Rest in peace officers....time will not diminish our respect for you. 

                                                                                    

Bike to Washington DC

One very special event here in Charlotte during police week is when a few officers from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department and officers from surrounding counties and states ride bicycles 500 miles over four days from Charlotte to Washington, DC. From the start in Charlotte and all along the way they are joined by fellow officers and citizens from towns and cities on the route who ride with them to show support for their cause - a ride in honor and memory of those who have died in the line of duty. Though the 500 mile journey is not easy, each mile is a tribute to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.  (Source: bike2dc.com)

Photo Credit: CMPD

At the completion of the ride, the officers attend a Candlelight Vigil at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, DC. 

 Photo Credit: www.nleomf.org

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department honors 31 officers who have died in the line of duty since 1892.

Photo Credit: CMPD

                                                                   
                                                                      
                                                                     ♥

Amazing Grace has won the race....

Last July 2016, I lost my job. Some of you already know and I have been going back and forth as to whether or not my little bump in the road was worth sharing with everyone else, but my blog (for me) is also a place where I house my memories. I read it probably more than you do, so it will serve as a reminder to count my blessings, and I have had so many the past six months. I also hope it will encourage someone else who might be going through a similar situation.

And if you are, I can tell you this....every little thing will be OK.

When the news came, it wasn't a sad time. I was almost a little relieved. I was ready for something new. I had been taking stuff home for a month, so there were no tears. I have been working since I was 16-years-old, so I was ready for a much needed break. I'm not saying it was easy. There were times I was getting a little worried.

After a sixth month lovely vacation, it was nothing short of divine intervention when a former colleague at the company I left 12-1/2 years ago, invited me to a small Christmas lunch on Dec 13 with the old gang at Brios. Cindy emailed me on Facebook and invited me and said "Please say you can make it. We'd all love to see you!" I haven't seen my former colleagues in 12-1/2 years, so how could I say no to such a nice invitation. It was a lovely lunch. Only five of us. Me, Cindy, a retired VP who I supported when I worked there, and two colleagues who are still with the company. We all took turns at the table catching up with what was new in our life and, of course, when it was my turn, I mentioned that I was looking for work. I wasn't sad about it and told them that I was thoroughly enjoying my time off.
On January 25, Linda, one of the girls from lunch, called and said they had an executive assistant position opening up. She lined up an in-person interview the very next day and a telephone interview two days later at 10:30 am with the CEO I would be supporting. The CEO emailed HR shortly after our call ended and by 11:10 am, before I even left their office, I had the job.

So I have returned to the company I left 12-1/2 years ago. I have come full circle.

April 1st was my two month service anniversary.
I have had so many blessings throughout this 'life transition' and I stand amazed and humbled by God's grace. I also stand amazed at my friends. Remember the angel 'Clarence' in the movie 'It's a Wonderful Life'...."No man is a failure who has friends."

MY SIX MONTHS OF BLESSINGS:

• I was shredding some junk mail about two months into my 'vacation' when I came across an unopened envelope from an insurance company who I cancelled a year earlier. Inside the envelope was an insurance premium refund dated 3 YEARS ago in the amount of $540.00. The insurance company reissued the check..
• My IRS refund came nine months late, but it arrived the SAME DAY I needed a new hot water heater.
• A colleague regifted to me the $100 I gave to her 10 YEARS AGO when her husband lost his job! Her note said "I remember the kindness you showed me when my husband lost his job and I had a hard time making ends meet. It's my turn to do the same for you!"
• Another colleague and former police chief in the Air Force sent me a check with his thanks for what I do for the CMPD. He said this is for AHOP, and his gift helped fund my November 15 lunch/dinner for my friends in blue.
• A CMPD sergeant gave me a monetary gift out of her own pocket with a thank you note. I thought the thank you note was for the cream puffs I had just delivered and didn't see my special gift until I got home.   
• A CMPD officer across town personally called me shortly after I lost my job. "Are you going to be OK?" he asked (worried about my finances). "Do you need anything?" I thanked him and said "I am gonna be just fine!"
• Another CMPD officer and good friend never let me forget that he was my safety net should I need help financially. I didn't need to call on him, but it meant so much to me that he asked. 
• My long-time best girlfriend and her husband sent me a check with a note that read, "This is for AHOP....we believe in you! She said..."We don't care if you spend this on cream puff boxes or your mortgage....we just want you to keep it."  

....and I NEVER FILED FOR UNEMPLOYMENT!

You can't out-give God!

Saw this at Hallmark -- I think I will buy it.
I have the perfect spot for it!

On a more humorous note....my best girlfriend in Tampa called me the day after my first interview to learn more about this new job opportunity. It was 9:30 am and I was still in the bed watching Perry Mason (my morning routine). She laughed. I kind of miss my mornings with Perry. ♥

The lady who cooks for us....

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department

This is CMPD's beautiful police headquarters located in downtown Charlotte. I took this photo last Winter after a cream puff drop.

Those who work here might take its beauty for granted, but not me....I love everything about it. Its majestic exterior architecture, built specifically for CMPD in 1996, and how they have kept the right amount of old and mixed it with the new when they have updated and remodeled the interior over the years. But most of all, I love the people inside.

Last Saturday night I volunteered in the gift shop. I didn't set up a treat table so I parked in the visitor lot for the first time instead of the parking deck, and I was so glad I did.

Since I went in the front door, I had to take the elevator down to the lower level to get to the gift shop. When the elevator doors opened, there stood one of my South Division officers who was with his beautiful wife and his visiting in-laws. It was kind of surreal because it was about 10:15 pm, so I didn't expect to see him there. They had just come from the basketball game downtown and I guess he was showing his family around.

The officer seemed just as surprised to see me as I was so see him. We hugged and then he introduced me to his family...."This is the lady I was telling you about who cooks for us", he said. It made me smile big that my name had come up in a conversation with his family.

This officer has sat at my table many, many times over the past seven years, and has probably eaten everything I know how to cook. I haven't seen him in a while, so I asked if he was still with the South Division, and he said he was.

The next time I plan a meal, I will ask the sergeant for this officer's schedule to make sure I cook on a day or night that he is working. That doesn't necessarily mean he'll be able to come because they're so busy, but at least he'll know the AHOP light is on and I'll save a place for him at the table.

 

                                                                                   ♥   

You're always welcome here....

"Come by anytime, with or without cream puffs. You are one of the family and you're always welcome here!", replied the sergeant when I sent an email this week to schedule a cream puff delivery.

Well, who wouldn't love a welcome like that. Thank you for your kind note, Sir!  ♥   

Worth the wait....

I made a cream puff delivery earlier this month to the sweet 3rd shift officers in the Westover Division. They moved to a beautiful new office last April, so I was happy to finally see where it was located and visit for a few minutes.  

When I left my house that night, I hadn't planned on asking for a picture, but when I walked into roll call with two boxes of cream puffs in hand, it just came out! I had met the nice sergeant a few weeks earlier, so I didn't feel as nervous as I do during some of my visits. The words came out before I could stop them! I said...."Could I get a picture? After seven years of serving you guys, it would mean so much to me to have a picture to look back on when I am an old lady and can no longer serve."

Truth be known, I have been feeling a little left out lately. I have seen numerous officer/citizen pictures on Facebook the past several years, and after seven years of serving my friends, I didn't have a picture of my own. Maybe that's how all the other citizens have gotten a picture...they just had to ask. I have never asked out of respect for the officer's privacy, but I wanted a picture before I got much older.  :) There is no better way to timestamp your life than a photograph.

They were happy to oblige and, as you can see, they made me very happy too. I smile big every time I look at it.  

This picture will have a special place in my home. If I can get 11 more pictures, I think I'll make myself a calendar, ha-ha.
Thank you Westover Division for making this old girl happy. ♥
  

2016 'Year in Review'

Happy New Year everyone!

With 2017 well on it's way, I wanted to share a 'Year in Review' video that I put together to honor my friends and highlight their hard work in 2016. They had a very busy year fighting and solving crime, but they also enjoyed the fun part of their job -- engaging with the community and strengthening relationships.

I shared my video with CMPD and I am happy to say it was very well-received and shared throughout the department and on social media. 

Wishing you all a safe and prosperous new year!  ♥   

Anything but ordinary....

When I hear stories about police heroism, like the most recent story of an Oklahoma police officer who saved a woman having a heart attack, my first thought is "ordinary people doing extraordinary things." But the truth is, police officers are anything BUT 'ordinary'. They become extraordinary the day they choose the profession to be a public servant. They go where they are called to go -- regardless of race, color, or religion -- and they go willingly. 

I am reminded of this scripture:

"Then I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, 'Whom shall I send? 

And who will go for us?' And I said, 'Here am I. Send me!'" 

~ Isaiah 6:8

Below are a few of my favorite videos showing the heroism and courage of police officers. 

♥        

An officer in Blanchard, OK saves a woman's life by performing CPR for 10 minutes

I'm Only One Call Away - Music by Charlie Puth

Florida police in Indian River county respond to a 3-vehicle fiery crash

Send back-up....send back-up!

A friend shared this video on Facebook and it made me smile big! Honestly, there is nothing sweeter than to see a little child running and screaming in excitement with giggles in their heart. They're making happy memories that will carry them through their adult life.

This little sweetheart is the cutest little cupcake suspect I have ever seen. I doubt she will do hard time for this offense. Maybe just a few extra kisses for daddy before he goes to work.

Her daddy is a police officer!

Enjoy!    ♥

Guardians of the Night

Tuesday, September 20, was the first time in my almost 7 years of serving my friends that I was fearful. I know that harm's way can come at any time, but that day was different. There was an officer involved shooting and now the city of Charlotte was under attack.

They were calling it a protest, but it was much more than that. This was a violent riot by criminals, many of whom DO NOT EVEN LIVE HERE, taking advantage of an opportunity to steal and create havoc.

The first night of "protesting" there was violence, tension, and uncertainty. I listened to my police scanner app for hours as I sat in silence on the edge of my sofa. The communication between the officers and dispatchers was 100% professional -- they were a family united and working together in a crisis.

When 1:00 am came, I felt guilty for getting tired. I felt guilty for needing to sleep while my friends were out there not only fighting for their own life, but fighting to protect the innocent and the property of business owners.

Truth is, this is what police officers do every single day. We work, and they protect. We sleep, and they protect. 

I have been worried about my friends. But I am a woman of faith and there has been a lot of conversation and prayers with my Heavenly Father these past two weeks.

Pray for your police officers wherever you live. This nightmare could come to your own backyard.

~ ~

THIS is a peaceful protest. 

This IS NOT a peaceful protest.

This IS NOT a peaceful protest.

This IS NOT a peaceful protest.

Watch this....I'll let you decide.

My blue candle continues to shine in my dining room window - all day, every day - to honor my friends behind the badge. It keeps me mindful, now more than ever, what a dangerous job police officers have. It keeps me mindful to pray for them. When the officers drive by, I hope it keeps them mindful of the lady on the corner who cares about them.    

Be safe CMPD guardians of the night....#weseeyou!  ♥

In memory of NYPD (retired) Detective William Brown

PHOTO CREDIT: NYPD

The thin blue line - a symbol of camaraderie and devotion between fellow officers - is really not all that thin. It runs deep. It is an eternal bond within the police family.

I read this heartwarming story earlier this year and archived it so I could share it with you. This is a story about NYPD (retired) Detective William Brown who almost died alone and forgotten, that is, until his NYPD family stepped in.   
                              
At 95-years-old, this retired detective was frail, he was feeble, and he was alone. 

This story begins in the winter of 2015 when a neighbor called 311 to ask the police to visit Mr. Brown because she hadn't seen him for a few days. He had recently complained that his house had no heat and the temperatures were nearing zero. 

Officers with the 113th Precinct visited Mr. Brown's home and found it empty and in disarray. The furnace was broken and his home was cold. They eventually found Mr. Brown in the hospital where he was being treated for hypothermia. It didn't take the officers long to realize they were in the presence of a retired NYPD police officer -- one of their own.

PHOTO CREDIT: NYPd

However, serving as an NYPD officer was not Mr. Brown's whole life. In World War II, he fought with the 369th Infantry, known as the Harlem Hellfighters - an all African American infantry unit. In the 1940s, he became a New York City police officer. After retirement, he became a gifted jazz musician who played the saxophone and would "jam with any band."

Mr. Brown's 20 year career with the NYPD ended in 1968 with the rank of detective. During that time he received several honors from the department. In 1960, for rescuing a woman and her child from a burning building, in 1962 for apprehending a man with a loaded gun, and in 1964, for arresting an armed burglar.

The department's loyalty and appreciation for one of their own came full circle during the retired detective's final months. They sought help from a local church to have the heat restored in the home where Mr. Brown lived for 60 years. They secured his veterans benefits, escorted him to doctor appointments, and visited every Sunday to check on him. They showed this officer that his service to the NYPD meant something. 

On May 20, 2016, Detective Brown died. With no family or next of kin to claim his body, he was destined to be buried on Hart Island, the city's potters field. But the officers of the 113th intervened to ensure he would have a proper farewell. They arranged a funeral fit for hero, where hundreds of current and former NYPD paid tribute, and they further arranged for his burial at Long Island National Cemetery.

In the end, when it mattered the most, Detective William Brown was no longer alone. He was surrounded by his police family, and he was loved.    

                                                                                 ♥

Photo Credit: DEBBIE EGAN-CHIN/NEW YORK DAILY NEWS

Story Credits

Mary McDonnell and Graham Rayman / New York Daily News - Click here.

  

Cream puff shenanigans....

I LOVE my officer visits when I deliver my cream puffs.

I LOVE the 30 minutes I get to spend with them before, during, and after roll call.

I LOVE the way they cut-up and tease one another, when I know in my heart each one would lay down their life to save the other.

There are 13 CMPD response area offices in Mecklenburg County and I have had the pleasure of visiting all but one.

Last Friday night, I delivered two boxes of cream puffs (30 puffs) to a division across town. It's funny how they're all different -- some officers will dig in before roll call (if time permits), but this division always waits until after. When roll call is over, they dig in.

When roll call finished and 2/3rd's of the puffs were gone, there were two officers eyeing one of the boxes with a worried look on their face. They were a little concerned that the cream puffs would be gone by the time their shift was over. 3rd shift starts at 8:30 pm, 2nd shift returns from their shift around 9:00 pm, and then there's 1st shift....well, they roll in around 6:30 am.

So what does any police officer do if they're extremely concerned all the cream puffs will be gone when their shift is over?   

They hide them, of course!    ♥                                                  
                                                                 

                                                                 

A candle in the window....

I keep a blue candle in my window all year long -- 365 days a year, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to honor my friends behind the badge. It keeps me mindful that they are hard at work. It reminds me to whisper an extra little prayer in case they need it at that very moment. I hope it will remind them that they are thought of and loved. I am not altogether sure they know the blue candle is for them, but that's OK....I know it's for them.

♥

Here's a cool clamp I purchased at my local Ace Hardware Store. It secures the candle to the window with a suction cup and holds the candle in place. It is a seasonal item, so I doubt you can find it there right now, but they're available on Amazon.  Just search for "Window Candle Clamps". The prices vary and they come 4/pack.    

The blue C7 bulbs are also available on Amazon. Very reasonable. Don't get the transparent ones...they don't shine as bright.  

  

Engagement....Service....Community

Purely by happenstance (I love that word), I started making amateur videos when a friend wanted a video made to commemorate her sister's 60th birthday and asked if I could help. Up until that point, I had never made a video. My friend comes from a large family and large families take lots of pictures and, boy, did she ever have a lot of pictures! I really learned a lot with that first video.

Making videos suit me I think and I enjoy making them. Unless there is a stressful deadline, it is very therapeutic. I learn something new every time I make a new one, and I have enjoyed watching my progress over the last few years.

I have made two community service videos for my friends at the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department using photos from their Facebook page (w/ permission) and below is the most recent. I follow CMPD's Facebook page and when they share a picture I think I can use, I save it. When I eventually have enough pictures, another video is born.

I love these friends of mine. 

This is Officer Spencer....he is in this video, but I wanted to give him a shout-out because he was so sweet to me during my foot surgery last year. It was a very physically and challenging time for me, but calls and visits (like his) kept my spirits up. He has such a kind heart. He brought me a few Starbucks Mocha Frappucinos when he was in my area, and out of the blue one night, texted me to see if I needed anything. It meant the world to me. Your kindness won't be forgotten, Sir.

♥

Charlotte's "One-Armed" Police Officer

What a treasured piece of Charlotte police history that almost went undiscovered.

When I was working on the first memorial video to honor the 30 Charlotte officers who have died in the line of duty, I contacted a friend of mine, an amazing genealogist, whenever I needed clarification on a date or name spelling -- I was trying to be as thorough as possible. This was long before my video would come to rest on the desk of two CMPD directors and would eventually be viewed by the CMPD Command Staff.

I asked my genealogist friend, Kat, for help on the Chief of Detectives Joseph E. Orr's name, and she sent me a newspaper article from the Charlotte Observer dated March 20, 1932.

And here's the big surprise....this article wasn't about the fallen officer in my video, Joseph E. Orr, but rather, his FATHER, Joseph L. Orr. Turns out CMPD fallen officer Joseph E. Orr's father was also a police officer for the Charlotte Police Department, and he served and protected the citizens of Charlotte with only ONE ARM!

Below are a few highlights from the original newspaper article written by Mrs. Sam Presson which left me in awe of this AMAZING Charlotte police officer, Joseph L. Orr:

A little background

• Joseph L. Orr was born on March 13, 1835 in Sugaw Creek township of Mecklenburg County. 
• He was one of nine children. 
• Mr. Orr served in the Civil War with his five brothers and lost his arm in the Battle of Chancellorsville.
• Due to his injuries, Mr. Orr could no longer serve and was sent home with an honorable discharge.

Union troops in the trenches at Chancellorsville
Photo Credit: http://thisweekinthecivilwar.com/

The one-armed police officer

• In 1866, this one-armed veteran, Joseph L. Orr, joined the Charlotte Police Department.
• He served on the Charlotte Police Department for 40 years. 
• Despite having only one arm, Mr. Orr was an excellent officer, arresting all offenders without regard to class or condition. He was always fair and fearless. 
• He was an expert with a revolver and in times of riot, which were not infrequent in reconstruction days, he never hesitated to use his gun when it was necessary. 

One of Joseph L. Orr's sons, Joseph E. Orr, followed in his father's footsteps and joined the Charlotte Police Department. According to the Officer Down Memorial Page, Joseph E, Orr served on the Charlotte Police Department for 15 years. Chief of Detectives Joseph E. Orr, was involved in an automobile accident with his partner, Detective John Byers, on September 28, 1926. The Chief of Detectives Orr succumbed to his injuries the following day, September 29, and his partner, Detective John Byers, died September 30. 

When Mr. Orr (senior) died on April 16, 1906, as a mark of esteem and respect, a policeman was placed at the door of Mr. Orr's home and remained on duty at his house until the funeral.  

I wish I could sit and have a conversation with Mr. Orr. I would like to shake his hand and say thank you.

Rest in piece sir and thank you for your service. You are being remembered 110 years after your death for your service to the citizens of Charlotte-Mecklenburg.

♥

Frosting Cream Puffs....

A friend of mine has been wanting me to show her how I frost the cream puffs that I make for my police officers. She enjoys making mini-cupcakes for her grandchildren's classroom and thought this frosting effect would be a nice touch to her own treats.

So I told her I would make a video the next time I made cream puffs for my friends in blue if I could manage holding the camera phone in one hand and the frosting bag in the other, and I have to say, despite my head-cold, I think this turned out kind of cute.

Wilton Tip:  1M

I haven't made deviled eggs in eons, but I think using this technique for filling deviled eggs would make them really cute.  I would think it would make the filling process go by much faster too!

♥

For whom the bell tolls....

Since 1892, 30 Charlotte officers have paid the ultimate sacrifice. Seven of the 30 officers have lost their life since my move to Charlotte in 1991. A terribly sad statistic.

I honored these officers on July 14, 2012 in a blog story called "End of watch ... we'll take it from here", and for the past two months, I have been working on a special video to honor them again.

It has been a privilege to learn more about these officers the past two months. While my video was still in the developing stage, there were many nights I would drive home after work thinking about the video that I would start working on again when I got home. The song that I chose to accompany the video would run through my head and every face would cross my thoughts. What an honor that I could now call these 30 officers by name...."that's Officer Nichols, that's Officer Coleman, Officer Moran, Detective Correll."

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department has so beautifully honored these officers on their memorial page. To learn more about these courageous officers, please visit www.cmpd.org.

Forever honored....never forgotten.

Rest in peace, Sir.   

This poem written by John Donne seemed so appropriate, so I used it in my video. Many people think this poem was written by Ernest Longfellow, but in fact, Mr. Donne published this hundreds of years earlier. Ernest Longfellow's book "For Whom the Bell Tolls", published in 1940, made this famous quote even more popular.

"Any man's death diminishes me,
because I am involved in mankind,
and therefore never send to know for
whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee."  

                                                                   ~ John Donne

I remain prayerful every day that we see no other officers fall in the line of duty. May God bless and protect you all.

♥