By Anne McCoy - August 12, 2014
It's not very often that I have free time or down time...but today I had time to 'catch up' a little bit. So, big deal right? So I'm busy... everybody is busy! So what's the point??? Okay! The point is that I had a conversation with my Mom over the weekend (luv her!). She and I discussed where my career was going, what I want to achieve before retirement (in 9 short years) and what I truly enjoy doing...(she's an executive coach if you didn't know!). Well today, I had time to reflect as I sat at the computer.
What I know for sure, is that I love being out in the community. I am proud of my profession and I get energy from being amongst people. I lighten up every time I see that look of excitement on a child's face when he or she is excited to see a police officer. I am proud of my profession. It makes me think back to when I was young and the positive impression Cst. McKeowen made on all of us at Edgewater Park School when he came into our classrooms. I wonder where he is today and if he realizes the positive influence he had on my life because he took the time to visit us.
This week, during my patrols, I spoke to a youth about three times...each time he was on his bike and wasn't wearing a helmet. Each time, I encouraged him to come to the skateboard park for Tuesday's BBQ and join us for a free hamburger BUT I asked him to WEAR HIS HELMET! Of course, I always get the usual "yeah, yeah...maybe"! But, I was delighted when he showed up and was WEARING HIS HELMET! (....now, it was a dirtbike helmet with a GoPRO on top of it)...but he made the effort and he did it!!! Awesome. I was so proud of him and told him so. I hope he remembers that someone cares about him and his safety and the praise I gave him for his good choices made a lasting impression.
Thanks Mom for helping me to pause and think about the enjoyable moments. I had a great day at work today.
What I know for sure, is that I love being out in the community. I am proud of my profession and I get energy from being amongst people. I lighten up every time I see that look of excitement on a child's face when he or she is excited to see a police officer. I am proud of my profession. It makes me think back to when I was young and the positive impression Cst. McKeowen made on all of us at Edgewater Park School when he came into our classrooms. I wonder where he is today and if he realizes the positive influence he had on my life because he took the time to visit us.
This week, during my patrols, I spoke to a youth about three times...each time he was on his bike and wasn't wearing a helmet. Each time, I encouraged him to come to the skateboard park for Tuesday's BBQ and join us for a free hamburger BUT I asked him to WEAR HIS HELMET! Of course, I always get the usual "yeah, yeah...maybe"! But, I was delighted when he showed up and was WEARING HIS HELMET! (....now, it was a dirtbike helmet with a GoPRO on top of it)...but he made the effort and he did it!!! Awesome. I was so proud of him and told him so. I hope he remembers that someone cares about him and his safety and the praise I gave him for his good choices made a lasting impression.
Thanks Mom for helping me to pause and think about the enjoyable moments. I had a great day at work today.
