The first year that Officer Jake was on the LAPD he was the new guy in town - literally. He'd moved here from out of state and only had a distant cousin who lived way up in Ventura. When Christmas rolled around, he was still a fresh boot - only a few months out of the Academy and working weekends, holidays, etc. And so he spent his first Christmas in L.A. on the job - out all day patrolling in a black and white. He had a few cookies at the station, I'm sure. But after work he went home to his bachelor apartment and had a tradition holiday meal of .... Pollo Loco.
When he first told me this story I thought I was going to cry. I just wanted to hug him like he was a child and tell him he'd never be alone or eating bad chicken on Christmas again. But this is pretty common for a lot of law enforcement officers everywhere. Crime doesn't take holidays or weekends off. And neither do police officers.
So here's to the rookies from out of town working on the holidays - I hope you are greeted by well-wishers, lots of treats and invited to someone's home for a proper family meal. I instructed Jake to ask around the station and see if there are any young men or women who are in a similar situation as the young Officer Jake found himself that Christmas so long ago. He has standing orders from this watch commander (me!) to invite them over.
And I'm not forgetting the seasoned officers still working the holidays. Thanks for hanging in there and doing the good job that you do. You are appreciated!
And here's to the wives and families, missing their officers but waiting faithfully for them to get back home after their shift and share in the festivities. In the past we've celebrated on alternate days or waited to open presents til Daddy got home. It's important to find a rhythm in your family to dealing with the missed holidays and weekend time off.
And here's to my readers. You've made my Christmas wonderful by being so supportive of me here. Thanks!
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays everyone!
(This is a reprint from last year)
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