I’m going to tell you a secret. I’m going to let you know how to get out of a ticket.
Years ago, a program came on a new and upcoming network called Fox. The program was called "Cops" and it captured the nation. It was a reality program where a camera crew tagged along with police officers across the nation. It captured everything from drug deals and speeding tickets to high speed chases. On Friday nights my friends and I watched it religiously. It was exciting to see how stupid people are sometimes. I mean, really dumb sometimes….. (Cop speaking to a stumbling shirtless man) “Have you been smoking weed?” shirtless man says “ Naw man, I don’t do drugs man.” “Well then, what is this” as the officer pulls out a rolled joint from the man’s ear. “I don’t know man, it’s not mine.”
I will not get into all the political bull about “lives matter”, because I believe that all lives matter. Black, white, yellow, red, green, purple and mauve, it all matters. Here is a quick history lesson. 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 pays special recognition to those law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others.
Most of you know that I am a very big advocate for our Veterans, but did you know that I also support the long arm of the law! I know, you are probably shaking your head wondering why. I mean, after all the trouble I caused during my drinking days, why I would support the police? The answer is so simple. I am the one that caused all the trouble, not the officers that arrested or ticketed me. I am the one that was breaking the law, and they were only doing their job. The job that they sworn and oath to. They put their lives on the line every time they walk out the door. Whether they are in uniform or not, they have sworn to uphold the law. They do the impossible; they run to danger when most are running away from it. The soldiers bring peace across the oceans and law enforcement brings peace on our homeland.
I remember on Christmas day back in 1980, a policeman, 26-year-old Berry Joe McGuire, was shot and killed right here in town. I was just a small child at that time but I remember that everyone had been talking about what had happened that dreadful night. He was held down by 2 men and shot in the head by a 3rd man. Officers do not only die in the line of duty by weapons. Many have been killed in traffic accidents. Just recently Officer Justin Scherlen left behind his wife and 4 children on August 4, 2016. He succumbed to injuries he suffered in a car accident 11 months prior to his death. According to the Officer Down Memorial Page (www.odmp.org) there have been 13 deaths of Amarillo police officers. 1 by vehicular assault, 3 by accident, and 9 by gunfire. This is not including the county sheriffs.
As we drive to and from work this week and you see a police car, think about that man, or woman, that is behind the wheel. Think about what they leave at home everyday to protect us from the wolves within. They know that they have a chance of not coming home, yet they still suit up and show up. If you get a chance to thank an officer, do it, and show them the support that they so deserve.
To the men and women in uniform that are protecting our city streets, our county roads and our lonely highways…. My hat is off to you and I salute you.
So as your speeding down the road and singing “Bad Boys, Bad Boys, whatch gonna do, whatch gonna do when they come for you?” and you see the black and white in your rearview. Just remember the best way to get out of a ticket….. don’t do anything to get pulled over.
