The Dash

Many years ago I attended an awards banquet in which a teacher spoke about how individuals choose to live their "dash". What I mean by the dash is the line between my birth date and my date of death on my headstone. It is the choices that each of us makes that truly gives meaning to how another individual perceives that dash.

Beginning August 13, 2007 the academy staff has shortened my dash to a small dot. My imaginary headstone has been erased and there is no sign of any identity whatsoever. Academy life takes a brand new soul and ages it about 50 years in a matter of 30 seconds. In general, life is about being prepared and there is no exception in the academy.

Black Monday the class drove in together much like a processional. Our philosophy was we are a team and we will go down as a team. Unfortunately the staff had a different philosophy, which was much unlike ours. As we pulled into the parking lot I did not know whether to laugh, cry, choke, or relieve myself right there in my seat. We parked our vehicles and without delay we had begun the first day of the rest of our lives.

We were ordered to stand at the back of our vehicles while our Class Coordinator verified our driver’s license and insurance. Believe me that was the easy part. The first reality check was when one of my classmates ran to the Class Coordinator and advised him that he was told to come see him due to not knowing an answer to a question. The Class Coordinator’s response was, "you can use a life line, phone a friend". Lucky me, I was the closest friend.

By this time I am already praying that God puts my heart back in my chest. Then, from across the parking lot where my classmates are getting there first official "welcome" to the Police Department, I hear, "Hoehner, I want you in the back of the line". Oh wait it gets better. From behind me I am addressed with, "Ms. Hoehner this is not starting off as a good day is it?" I respond with, "no sir?" It still gets better. "Ms. Hoehner you may want to close your car doors." Holy smokes! Because I bailed out of my car and about fell over myself due to nervousness I forgot to lock my car doors. There they were, all four doors, standing open in all their glory.

I got smoked in the parking lot and that is putting it really nicely. The back parking lot and I became very intimate that morning. The way I look at it though, I deserved everything I got. After 24 people completed what is considered the Black Monday portion of the morning we stood for the first time at attention in front of the Tulsa Police Department Training Staff. It was then that I looked out across the gym and thought to myself, "this is where I will receive my badge in six months." This is the facility where I will be educated, trained, and earn the blue uniform.

On Tuesday each of us has to complete the Cooper’s Fitness Test. My shoulders were already screaming from the day before but you just push through the pain. As one of my favorite Corporals says, "pain is weakness leaving the body". I am only four months out of surgery but I rehabbed and trained to reach a specific goal for this test. My goal was to score the highest medal, the gold medal this time through. I have never been a long distance runner and struggle almost every time. Part of the Cooper’s Test is to complete a 1 ½ mile run. The run is done as a group so we are spread out all over the place due to running ability.

As I finished the first leg of my run, I noticed that one of my classmates was running right next to me. On the final leg the same classmate was still in step with me encouraging me to push it to the end. This APO is in the military and in good physical condition. I knew without a doubt he did not have to run that slow but did so just not to leave an APO behind. If you have never felt that kind of loyalty before the only possible way I can explain it is the greatest feeling knowing that no matter what another person, one of your own, has your back. It is the type of loyalty where you act without hesitation, thought, and even to the extreme of taking a bullet for you. He gave of himself, received a slower time, only to ensure I made it to the end. With the help of many people during my healing process and my loyal classmate, I earned my gold medal.

The remainder of the week was filled with policy and procedure, CALEA, rules and regulations, geography, and other administrative necessities of the Police Department. By the end of the week there was a true sense of the class working as a team. As stressful as the first week was we still walked to our vehicles on Friday with a feeling of accomplishment.

This first week enforces how important each decision we make effects our career. As a police officer our decisions not only affect us as individuals but also the community and our fellow officers. The dash is no longer about me it is about the team.

APO Amy Hoehner

Comments

[Kim]

I don't know if you ever heard it, but Garth Brooks has a song about that dash. It's one of my favorite songs of his.

Whoo! Reminds me of basic training and, more specifically, of tech school.

I remember many moments in my military training where I felt that loyalty. It's one of the reasons I loved the military so much.

I really look forward to your posts.

[A Green Shirt]

The song by Garth is "Pushing Up Daisies". Excellent song. I too have been through basic training and several military schools, which helped me to get through the mind games that the academy staff seems to think are necessary. Just remember, this is a JOB!!! Never, ever, let it define who you are as a person!! As you near the end of your "dash", there will be far more people who will remember you as a person than will remember or care that you were a Tulsa Police Officer.

[rwc]

Well said Green Shirt I agree. At the end of your dash, more people will remember you for you, instead of a police officer. Dont change who you are. BTW, I still like the green shirts better. They were TPD. The blues are UGLY!!!!!!!