Following My Footsteps

[Coal Creek Griff]

My daughter, who was born while I was working the street as a patrol officer, has decided to follow in my footsteps.  At least in our area, being hired as a police officer is very competative, but she has worked hard and taken a lot of police tests.  There are often several hundred applicants for each opening.  She has recently been hired by another agency and is due to enter the academy in a few weeks.  I'm very proud of her and I just wanted to brag a little bit.  Thanks.

CC Griff

[Shotgun Franklin]

I pray she does well.

[Coal Creek Griff]

Thank you, sir.  I can tell you that this is very odd.  I think about all of the changes in this job since I started and wonder what it's going to be like for her 25 years from now.  I kind of wish we worked for the same agency--I'd like to work a shift with her some time.

CC Griff

[Major 2]

Thank you and her for your service

[Shotgun Franklin]

Ask and see if they'll let you. On my own time I rode with Alcoholic Beverage agents, Game Wardens and State Troopers.

[Coal Creek Griff]

Thanks.  No doubt I'll do a ride-along some day, but this article is what got me thinking about it: http://www.policeone.com/women-officers/articles/5823537-Father-and-daughter-police-go-on-patrol-in-LA/

And thanks, Major.  It's been a great career for me.  I suspect it will be for her too.

CC Griff

[J.B. Justice]

That's great, congratulations to you both 

[seamus49]

may God hold you and her in His hands.
squat

[Coal Creek Griff]

Thanks again, fellas.  I appreciate the comments.

CC Griff

[Coal Creek Griff]

She graduates from the police academy in a few days. I get to wear my dress uniform to pin on her badge. Then I get to salute a new officer, welcoming her into my other family. It will be hard to hold back the tears.  I'm very proud of her.

Does law enforcement run in any other families here?

CC Griff

[DeaconKC]

Congrats Dad! You have every right to be proud. My family has had a lot of law contact over the years but unfortunately most of my ancestors and a few of my current relatives are the kind that when local LEOs hear the family name, they groan. 

[Coal Creek Griff]

My great-grandfather was a stage guard.  I don't know if that counts, but it's kind of cool.  My grandfather was a long-time reserve deputy.  His son, my uncle, was a deputy sheriff, then went full time in the Coast Guard as a law enforcement liaison working with the DEA in Florida.  I have cousins that are probation officers.  My brother worked with juvenile offenders in institutions.  I'm the first full time police officer in my immediate family, but now there's my daughter.  This may be the beginning of a legacy.

CC Griff

[Coal Creek Griff]

A little update here, folks.  I get to do a ride-along with my daughter in a couple weeks!  It will be odd.  I suspect that, after nearly 25 years in LE and having trained many new officers (and being her dad), I'll have to hold my tongue a bit.  At least that's if I can stay awake--it has been many years since I've worked a graveyard shift...

CC Griff

[Major 2]

Just wondering how that dress Blue fit with your chest so full of pride ....bust any buttons ? 

My wife was on the job , graduated the Miami Police Academy and was placed with Miami Shores.

[Coal Creek Griff]

You are correct, sir.  I am pretty proud!  I have also noticed my uniforms getting tighter over the years, although I don't think those two facts are related.

I had the honor of pinning on her badge when she graduated from the academy, then again at a formal swearing-in at her department.  Both times I wore my dress uniform.  At the academy graduation, I saluted her and she returned the salute.  A number of people said that they kind of choked up at that.  The photos of the salute are among my favorites.

CC Griff

[Texas Lawdog]

I am sure that you are proud of her. I know that I would be.

[Coal Creek Griff]

Yes. I certainly am proud. It was great doing the ride along with her and watching her work. Several of her superiors pulled me off to the side to tell me how well she's doing and that swelled my chest a bit too.  She's a hard worker, always on the lookout for criminals.   She made several arrests that night and they were all things she went out and found. It's good to see that kind of work ethic continuing. Thanks.

CC Griff