Labor Day Weekend Thoughts

Frank Borelli
Editor-in-Chief
Officer.com

Labor Day Weekend is upon us. The "last long weekend of the summer". Typically, community pools stop being open on weekdays; most annual family vacations have been completed; any school systems not already in session start on Tuesday. As a result, many people take advantage of the opportunity to travel for one last long summer weekend OR they stay home and have bar-b-ques, etc. Either way, the chances increase for police interaction and any time that happens, our risk for negative interaction increases. We law enforcement professionals are like everyone else: when it's a holiday we like to relax a bit. We like to celebrate. We like to enjoy life just as everyone else does. The problem with that is that our job can get MORE dangerous during any holiday (minor or major) season. We owe it to ourselves and our workmates to INCREASE our awareness if anything. So, as that weekend is upon us, let me ask you a few questions. Obviously, I don't need the answers; YOU do. When was the last time you cleaned your duty weapon(s)? When was the last time you checked or replaced the batteries in your flashlight(s)? Do you have spare batteries and lamp assemblies in your vehicle? When was the last time you inventoried and updated your first-aid kit? Do you have a trauma kit for self-treatment available on your shift? Does your radio work reliably? When was the last time you thought about your officer survival skills? If you have a partner, when was the last time you discussed tactics or debriefed a call for service? When was the last time you inventoried your "Go Bag" and updated contents? When was the last time you rotated ammo in your magazines? Will you pay attention in roll call before going on your shift this weekend? These are a just a few things for you to think about. As you work the road this weekend, stay safe. Go home at the end of your shift, whole and hardy. Enjoy your time off with your family too - and don't be a reason for the police to receive a call. Let's see if we can, nationwide, get through this three days without losing a member of our brotherhood. Help me spread the word?