Thought That You Had A Bad Week?

• I received this e-mail from a fellow Deputy Sheriff who works in another county Sheriff's Office here in Florida about 100 miles from me. I thought it was something that every officer who reads this blog could appreciate as we have all been there at one time or another (but not all at once) I immediately called this brother officer to tell him "God Bless" and "WOW" What a week! I also thought of some great Bible passage to go along with this post. Please read them and keep them in mind as you read his e-mail which has been edited for content. Also, this particular Deputy Sheriff does read this blog so feel free to post him a comment of encouragement at the end.
• James 1:12 "God blesses the people who patiently endure testing. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him."
• 2 Corinthians 12:9 "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness".
• Hebrews 13:5 "For God has said, "I will never leave you or abandon you".
• Isaiah 52:12 " But you will not leave in haste or go in flight; for the lord will go before you, the God of Israel will be your rear guard. (NIV)

Dear Mike,

Glad to hear from you!! It has been a very rough period for my unit and agency. The State of Florida voted on a massive tax cut back and our people have been on edge for some time, but I have been trying to keep the positive. Our agency is a very lean one. The current sheriff has prided himself on keeping pay at competitive levels and maintaining a strong workforce. Now with the mandated budget cuts, we are looking to laying off a minimum of 25 sworn and 15 civilian staff. If the county gets its demanded reduction in our budget (which I cannot see happening) we will lose 104 deputies and 25 civilian staff!! There has always been a struggle, because as you know Florida Sheriff’s are in charge of their own budget. My Court Security Section is down 25% staff. Okay. This just sets you up for the environment.

Two weeks ago, one of my best and brightest deputies, that worked directly for me at one of our satellite court facilities, asked to go home early when his duties were done. A little while later, he told his wife he was not feeling well and laid down for a nap. His wife went to wake him up for dinner and he was dead. This Deputy was only 31 years old and a fantastic guy; however, though I was working on him, he was not a believer, as far as I can tell. Since his passing, I have heard some disturbing things from some of his friends that leads me to believe he was kind of keeping me humored.

During this deputy’s funeral, I get word that another one of my deputies, had just been taken to the hospital ED for possible cardiac issues. Turns out he has SIGNIFICANT blockage. Part of his heart muscle is calcified. He is still in the hospital and stable. He has had open heart surgery, but they could not take care of everything and he looks to be out for some time.

Another employee I have been having problems with since I got to this unit in July, causing me to activate the progressive discipline program for a number of wild and crazy things not to mention failure to call-in when not showing up for work. This deputy has been here for 11 years and has used ALL ACCRUED LEAVE TIME. Then suddenly this Deputy is served with Admin Leave w/Pay (you know what that means). The following week, we had a felony warrant for this same Deputy on doctor shopping charges where she has fraudulently obtained over 5000 narcotics and other controlled prescriptions.

Then, just last week, One more of my brightest and best and the “Radar O’Reilly” of the Court Security Section dies from a massive heart attack while at home. Danny was 53 years old. He had arranged for the day off to see his doctor about a messed up shoulder. He had been on light duty since December. This guy was fantastic. He knew where everything was, how to get it, how to get it fixed and what to do with it. Just a great guy. He had been with our agency starting as an auxiliary and then to Court Security for 30 years. This guy had it together. He definitely was a Christian and he and I had several conversations about Jesus and how He has worked in our lives.

Then comes today, Danny’s funeral was today at Noon. We had 120 jurors coming in, 85 inmates, and because of budget cuts and light duty staff and etc. we barely had enough to cover critical areas. In fact the Lt. and I were covering those. I call Patrol for assistance to cover during the funeral. The judges who could clear their dockets did, but we would still have some inmates and a couple judges that would have to continue. I was promised three deputies by the Patrol Shift commander.

About 0930 today we get word the construction doing demolition to part of our courthouse had just cut through the elevator power supply and we had jurors stuck on the elevators between floors. As we are getting them out, my daughter’s school calls and she is sick. I go down and verify there is no one else stuck in the elevators. I confirmed, we did a yell to the other elevator and no one answers (you see where this is going). I go pick up my daughter from school and get back to the office with her (cause it will take too long to get her home before the funeral). Get back and see fire/rescue pulling up. I ask what’s going on and they say they got a call from a woman on her cellphone that she is stuck on the elevator. After all the calls to the other elevator, she never answered and she did not use the elevator phone to call for help or ring the bell. Then, when 9-1-1 gets the call they don’t even call us on the radio to let us know that someone called!!

We get the lady out and I get my daughter in the car to go over to the funeral. Just get settled there and the guys I have left at the courthouse (who would not go to the funeral) call me and tell me that now we had a total blackout at the courthouse and that the inmate / holding cell elevator and the judge’s elevators are both stuck. So, I get back in the car, missing my deputy’s funeral, and head back over to the courthouse. Oh, and I forgot to mention that the Patrol Shift Commander “forgot” I called him. When I asked where my relief was about ½ hour before the funeral he said, “Nobody asked me…I don’t know anything about it.” He was surprised when I told him that I had called him directly and requested the personnel and was told, “Don’t worry about it. It is taken care of.”

Okay, so how’s your day!! LOL. Although I am frustrated and tired of the STUFF going on, I still know God has my back. (Isaiah 52:12)

Sorry for such a long e-mail, but I got yours at just the right time. Thanks for being there, Mike. I hope all is going well for you and your family. Looks like God is truly working on your end as well. Take care, brother.

Yours in Christ,

Troy

God Has Your Back! Isaiah 52:12

The following e-mail was sent to me from a police officer and Christian friend who was recently involved in an officer involved shooting. He asked that I allow other officers to read his e-mail in order to glorify God. Some of the events have been changed.

Dear Mike,

Well, I’d like to share a bible verse that assured me that God was with me that day and everyday. I was reading the book of Isaiah and chapter 52:12 caught my attention: But you will not leave in haste or go in flight; for the lord will go before you, the God of Israel will be your rear guard. (NIV) I interpreted this verse as God will never make me retreat in shame but lead me to victory because he’s got my 360. As I moved on to read the remaining chapters in Isaiah, I kept on reading this particular verse.

During the incident, things unraveled so fast that I had no time to think but react to the situation at hand. As I entered the store, I announced my presence and the Masked Bandit, without hesitation, ran toward me with his butcher knive at the ready. The rest is history.

After the incident, I kept on thinking about the what-ifs: What if my gun had jammed; what if I hesitated, what if he had a gun instead of a knife. The most likely answer to all the above questions is that at least I would be stabbed on my left collar bone with an approx. 8 inch blade.

While I was reading the Bible, I read Isaiah 52:12 again. Then, I realized that God was covering my 360 and nothing else would have happened. Everything that happened was in my favor. I can’t explain anymore how God had protected me that day, but if God was with you, you’d know, too. I guess it was foolish that I even thought about the what-ifs and probably says a lot about my faith in him.

Some people in the office call me a hero, but I’m not. I’m just glad that it’s over. God is the hero and may all the glory go to him. Just remember, David killed Goliath with 1 stone. If God can make a young teenage boy took down a giant, nothing is impossible for him. PRAISE THE LORD!
When you put on your uniform and go out to "protect and serve" just remain faithful in pray and remember Isaiah 52:12.

Has the Die Been Cast For You as Yet?

The following statement was e-mailed to me by a man that God used to uplift and encourge me after what seemed like a very difficult week on the job. I came home and opened this e-mail and could sense God's message to me, saying; "good job, well done my good and faithful servant, keep it up". I have printed this out and have placed it where I can read it whenever I start feeling sorry for my self. Thanks to Ron Leonard for sending this e-mail, and to Andrew Cowan for helping me put this into real words that all officers can understand.

Mike Dye
03/02/08

"I am part of the fellowship of the unashamed! I have the Holy Spirit's power! The die has been cast. I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made-I'm a disciple of His!

I won't look back,let up,slow down,back away,or be still. My past is redeemed,my present makes sense,and my future is secure. I'm finished with low living,sight walking,smooth knees,colorless dreams,tamed visions,worldly talking,cheap giving,and dwarfed goals.

I no longer need preeminence,position,promotions,plaudits,or popularity. I don't have to be right,first,tops,recognized,praised,regarded,or rewarded. I now live by faith,depend on His presence,walk by patience,am uplifted by prayer,and labor with power.

That's what it means to be a disciple of Jesus"!!

(A national pastor who was later martyred in Zimbabwe Africa)

It is always interesting to look at our respective careers both while in the midst or at others who have retired. When we are on the job we too often focus on the rank, the position and the resources under our control. It seems that we also attribute (as do the public) our rank as decidedly marked to our abilities. How many of us and the public have looked at the 50 year old front desk guy as a performer or wonder why they don’t just retire and how did they even get hired? In reality some of the best cops I know are the lifelong Constables who never strove for promotion, never wanted glory and day in/day out performed their duties simply to make a difference.

We all started out this career wanting to make a difference, to change lives or to help someone but somewhere, somehow along the way may have lost sight of the bigger picture. Rank, honours, accolades don’t matter at all in the scope of eternity yet we all at some point strive for it. What matters is that where you are and what you are doing is where He wants you to be and intends to use you.

If you are feeling down, wondering why that promotion passed you by or what is in store for you wonder no more; God has something bigger and better in store as He is in control of it all. Two years ago I wondered why a job which seemed perfect didn’t come through. Now I know the answer: a promotion this fall was named only weeks after the passing of my wife which also meant that I didn’t have to move the kids, had staffing off my back for at least 2 years, didn’t have to move offices and amazingly enough, it was better that “that perfect job” two years ago. Funny how it all works out even when we wonder at the time why He didn’t give it to us then….

I am always amazed how God can speak when we just take time to listen and remember that He is in charge.

God Bless
Andrew Cowan
FCPO Canada, National President

Prostitutes and Suspended Drivers Licenses

Authors Note: This was written back in November 2007 when this incident first occurred but I had forgotten about it and just recently discovered it in a hidden e-mail. Maybe, it was God's plan that it was time now to release this specifically for some officer who may find themselves in this same situation.

At 0230 this morning while, helping another Deputy with an arrest of a driver for a suspended drivers license who was intoxicated, I conducted a field interview card (FIC) on the drivers two passengers, who just happened to be two local prostitutes. As always, I sort of set up the conversation with a warm up by asking "What demons are you fighting", and "You know this kind of life is not the life that you need to be living".

At the part of the FIC where I ask, if you have any "scars, marks, or tattoos" one of the prostitutes who I will call "Beth" said that she had a "cross" on a hand. I told her that it was ironic that she had a cross on her hand because the man who died on that cross is the only person who could free you from all your issues. Beth told me very sternly that "God is not a judgemental God you just remember that! ". I immediately snapped back, "No, that is where you are wrong, He is the Ultimate Judge". I went on to say, "However, you have created a god in your mind that is not judgemental". She shook her head in silence but didn't say anything and began to whimper.

The second prostitute didn't say anything at all and seemed to ignoring this conversation. Beth then asked me if I had ever heard of Odnism. I told her "no, what is it?" (but really had), she told me "I should look it up". Again, I asked her to tell me what Odnism was and she then admitted that she did not know but that her son follows it. I finished up and handed both the prostitutes the "You Have the Right to Remain Silent" tract At the same time as I handed the tract to Beth I said to her, "I know Odnism and it is not of God it is much about fairy tale god's and goddesses and has nothing to do with the one real God who WILL Judge both you and me".

As I finished up one last radio check I saw Beth began to read the tract that I had just gave her and she started crying. I told her to go read the tract and know that I will be praying for her. Beth and the other prostitute walked away holding the tract.

I did not have the time to take them through the "Good Person Test" or I would have (I have it as a link on my website) there was just to much going on with my Sergeant, a Tow Truck Driver, and two other Deputies, not to mention a busy radio.

But, I have seen both prostitutes in the past, and plan on following up with them if I see them again. It is my sincere prayer that I don't see either one again. Maybe, it will be a confirmation that something clicked inside them.

Authors Note: From November 2007 until February 2008 I have not seen either girl.

QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF:

1) Would you have handled this situation in the same manner or in some other way?

2) How could you bring someone to Christ (or introduced) in a short 10 minute or less encounter?

3) Do you believe that the people with whom you encounter, while on the job is 'worthy' of your time to spend it leading someone to a life with Christ?

4) If you could talk like this to strangers why can't you talk to your fellow officers in the same way?

Money & Marriage Divided

Tonight, for my last call of the night, I responded to a 911 disconnect call. If you have been in law enforcement longer than 30 days you will know that 911 disconnects can be anything from a child playing on the telephone to a murder in progress. Whenever, I get one of these calls, being as tactically sound as I can, I approach the residence from a distance and on the walk-up listen for anything that may provide a clue as to what is going on inside the residence that resulted in 911 being called.

This night was no different. As I approached the front door I heard a female in a verbal argument with a male. As I rang the doorbell, I heard the male voice say; "Oh, great! Now you've done it the cops are here". Little did this man know that due to recent budget cutbacks there were no "cops" it was only "a cop" but I was carrying the best back-up partner ever.....AMEN!

The man opened the door and invited me into their beautifully furnished, but older home. I asked the standard cop questions such as "how many people are in the residence?", "was there any physical altercation or was it verbal only?" you folks know the lingo here. Anyways, I had a very calm sense about this call and did not panic. I listened to their complaints and found out very quickly that this was one of the "Dear Mike, I'm sending you to help these people, Thanks God" type calls.

Now before you think that I've totally lost it and to be completely fair about it. I don't always have this kind of sense about all calls. Believe me, I am just as quick to "hook a crook" as anyone but this wasn't the case. This was one of those "I called 911 because I needed to talk to someone as a couple call". The whole reason that 911 was called in the first place was a verbal argument over the lost of income and of these newly married couple's standard of living. You see the husband worked as a mortage broker and if you have watched CNN, FOX, etc. in the last 10 days you can probably figure out that the mortage broker business is not the best right now. Life was good when he was bringing in 100K a year, and his wife was his 'stay at home' assistance but now funds are tight and the wife needed to get a job outside of the home and it was causing stress upon the marriage.

I listened and found out they both had once been involved in Church. I asked them if they had a "spiritual advisor", "Pastor", "Priest" or "Chaplain" that they could turn too in these difficult times. They both said "no". I told them that I had discovered in my personal life, that having some type of a firm spiritual foundation was critical to marriage survival and that money was not the reason that a marriage should be split over. By now, both spouses had calmed way down and they both had a general concern for each other's welfare and the bottom line, was lack of communication. You see, she felt bad that his ego was bruised and he felt bad that she had to go get a job to help pay the family bills. i, working with God, only brought out the words needed to help bring peace to the home. The female asked me where I worshiped and I told her. They both thanked me for coming and realized that they had just been stupid over the argument. I spent nearly 45 minutes at the home talking to this couple and believe me I believe it was well worth it! But here is something that I believe that this couple did not know. That in our society we misunderstand what it means to be "rich". You can have a lot of power, money, fame, and yet be poor because you lack the one thing in life that can make you rich. That is having a Godly purpose to live for.

Tonight's call did two things; it grounded me spiritually and reminded me that God has placed me right where he wants me. Second it got me to write again. If you have ever heard of "writers block" I get it about every week.....LOL! Tonight's call prompted me to write again for the first time in well over a month.

Tonight's call also caused me to reflect on just how much money is a HUGE issue with today's law enforcement officers. Investments, 401K, stockmarkets woes, mortgage short-falls, etc. With all the money issues and concerns that is going on in today's society, I begin to wonder just how many "Domestic Disturbance" calls that officer's throughout North America were handling right now. I thought about money being satan's folly.

As I reflected on just how much money has impacted my own life. I remember, growing up as a kid in the 1970's (now, you will see my age here). My parents scraped up enough money to pay $15.00 for top-priced ticket to my first ever concert to see none other than Elvis Presley, the King of Rock-n-Roll. (I hoped it would have been KISS) I remember vivdly reaching my hand down from the baclony of the Lakeland (FL) Civic Center to try and grab one of Elvis' scarves that he was tossing to the audience members behind the stage. I never got a scarf, but instead Elvis grabbed my outreached hand and shook it instead. I thought that was cool. After that night, I wanted to be like Elvis and wear a jewled studded suit, with diamond rings on my hand and gold chains around my neck, and ride in Limos. Elvis was the king of "bling" before there was even the word "bling".

It wasn't until years after Elvis' death while watching an eposide of CNN talk show "Larry King"who was interviewing Elvis' ex-wife, Priscilla Presley, when I heard something that I had never thought about before. Priscilla told Larry King that "Elvis did not know who he was ment to be and what his purpose in life was all about. " Priscilla went on to say that "Elvis thought about helping people, maybe becoming a doctor or a police officer but instead went on stage night after night and was a loney and unfullfilled person". Here was a guy that by all standards lived the life of Riley. He had everything that money could buy and yet he was a unhappy and loney man and died as such.

So, here is the lesson to all of us LEO's out there who may be working tons of overtime to help pay for the toys of life that you feel you need in order to keep up with "the Jones". You may be spending your weekends workings and not with your family in church all the way justifying ever bit of it. However, Money is not everything, in fact money is nothing. Money is something that God has entusted you to. Afterall it was He, not you, that allowed you to have your job, your promotion, and your money.

It doesn't matter how much you have, or how little you have, if you don't understand your Godly purpose to live by, you will be (spiritually) poor and die a loney unfullfilled person.

I believe it is my purpose to give officer's insight into calls for service that I respond to in which I believe that God's purpose can work through me (and you) in order to make a difference in the lives of the people with whom you encounter on your beat.

You see, I've had the opportunity to touch the hands of two Kings. One of earthly wealth, who died a loney and unfullfilled person. And one who is a heavenly King of all Kings, who walks besides me everyday, who gives me purpose, and fullfillment, and someone who I will be able to spend enterity with. Which King do you follow?

May God richly bless you this week and may you bless someone else!

In His Service,

Mike

Luke 16:13 : "No servant can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he willbe devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money."

Philippans 4:11-13; " I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him (Christ Jesus) who gives me strength.

Dispatched By God - More Real Life Stories from the Streets

Stepping out on faith to speak to someone about Christ can have a life changing impact. Read the following example and feel free to post your own thoughts at the end.

The area that I patrol is a lower to middle class socioeconomic depressed area of my hometown. Contry to popular opinion, the vast marjority of the residents are hard-working descent God fearing people. However, there is also an evil dark side as well.

Recently, I had a young gentleman on a bicycle who often acts as a lookout for drug dealers yell at me as I drove by. This wasn’t the first time that he has yelled at me and each time I have never said or did anything different, I only ignored him and kept on driving by. But this time, as I drove by him only some 5 feet away, he looked directly at me and yelled a very personal statement, he said; "Go Home!"

But this time something was different, I felt the spirit of the Lord calling me to stop. So, I did. I put my patrol vehicle in reverse and starting backing up to him. He turned and looked away in the other direction and began to ride away on his bicycle. I asked him; "What, you don’t like the Police?" He firmly stated, "No!" we looked at each other 'eye to eye' for a moment and I asked him directly what was on my heart. I said; "Do you have the joy of the Lord in your heart?" He stopped and looked directly at me with a confused look. I quickly followed that question up with another and I asked him, "Do you read the Bible?" He stated very proudly "Yes, I do"! I asked, "well, that's good, have you ever read Romans 13 verses 1-5"? By now, this young man's angry face had disapeared and he now had a slight smile coming from his mouth. He replied; "No, what was that verse again?".

I gave him the very short layman's version of the verse, and explained that according to the Bible, policeman are servants of the Lord and we are here to do you good and not harm, so have no fear if you are not doing wrong". The young man rode his bicycle closer to my patrol vehicle and said; "I’ve never had an officer talk about the Bible to me before, I want you to know that I respect you sir". I handed him a gospel track that Chaplain Tony Miano wrote entitled; "You Have the Right to Remain Silent". Before we parted, I told him to read the track and to think about what is written in it. I reminded him to go home and to read his Bible verse on Romans 13 and not to forget that policeman are God’s angels here on earth for some very difficult times. The man agreed stating; "I know that’s right!". Before I drove off I told the young man "May God Bless You". The man replied, "May God Bless You Sir".

Did I make a difference in this young man’s life? Only God knows. I know that I will be looking for him again and quite honestly I hope that I never see him again until that day we meet on heavens side. But until then, have you ever driven by someone like this young man? Have you stopped to think that although this person who is calling you names, maybe is actually calling out to you for help, spiritual help?

Can you image the difference that police officers can make in their cities by witnessing to folks just like this young man.

John Dawson in his 1989 book entitled; "Taking Our Cities For God" writes; " Our new vision of Christian missions must focus on cities. If we want to bring nations to Christ, we must win their cities and the people in them".

Here are some spiritaul 'food for thought' questions for you.

1. Can we as police officers actually take our cities back from evil and crime meeting individuals head on with a word from the Bible?



2. Can it be that simple, or do we complicate God word?



3. Can you muster the spiritual strength to step out on faith and talk to someone like this?



4. Have you ever spoken to someone like this before?
   

A Role Model or a Role Player for Christ?

Often I am asked where I get the time and the inspiration to write. Well, I must confess that my time is always borrowed time, and the inspiration comes from two sources. First, from God through the saving grace that He has given us. Second, from police officers just like you. The following is one example of this inspiration. Recently, I received an e-mail from an officer who wrote the following statement;
“I want to be a role model for Christ, as I have for so long been a role player. I want to lead by example and show others how God has and continues to work in my life.”

This officer’s simple but true statement touched me and I began to wonder just how many of us are performing as a “role player” versus being a “role model” for Christ? And the second part of that sentence is “what can I do to show others how God has worked in my life?”

There is no doubt that police officer’s are surrounded by evil. Without having a firm and strong spiritual foundation rooted in Jesus Christ we will never achieve the success that God has in store for us. One example of this evil is foul language. As officer’s we have all heard it and many of us (myself included) have been guilty of participating in it. But did you know that the Bible, which is God’s word, speaks directly against using foul language in many different passages. Here are just a few.

Ephesians 4:29 states;
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen”

Colossians 3:8 states;
“But now you must put away anger, fury, malice, slander, and obscene language out of your mouths.”

To knowingly use foul language is a sin that is; it is going against God’s word. The Bible tells us in 1 Corinthians 10:13; “God is faithful. He will keep the temptation from becoming so strong that you can’t stand up against it and when you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you will not give in to it”.

If you want to be a role player for Christ, then you should continue to use foul language and telling crude jokes and keep fitting in with your peers. Don’t let anyone know about the “hope that is in you” 1st Peter 3:15.

To be a role model for Christ is different. Romans 12:2 states:
“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” To be a role model for Christ and means to “let your light shine” as we are instructed in Matthew 5:16 to do.

So, make your decision today and let others know that you are a not simply a “role player” for Christ but rather a “role model”. Be the example to show others that God expects us to be. Let others know just how God is working in your life and how much you desire for them to be a part of “the hope that is in you”. Always remember what Romans 6:13 says “Surrender your whole being to Him to be used for righteous purposes”. So, make your decision and make a stand for God, today!