He dedicated most of his life to Law Enforcement and the struggle between right and wrong. He taught us the value of being a Peace Officer and how we need to stand up for what's right. He taught us many values that we take with us every day.

      He was a dear friend to all of us and will be deeply missed.

Lawmen

By Douglas Fairbanks Sr.

     These days and times certain things are required from people to live together in a society where they can exercise their rights such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. You've heard the saying "don't cross that line". Well, early in life you have to choose what side of that "line" you're going to live your life on. And by doing so, you have to choose what rules you are going to live by. These rules will determine what side of the line you're going to be on, like it or not. You can't "walk the line"; you've got to choose a side. You can't have both.

     The right side of the line deals with things such as honor, integrity, compassion and loyalty. Honor is where you walk tall because you believe in yourself; compassion is feeling for your fellow man; integrity deals with your moral values and incorruptibility and you hate to be criticized, but you cope; and loyalty brings to mind an old saying, "You ride for the brand". And lets not leave out an important ingredient called honesty. Without honesty, all of these things mean nothing. All of these things one must truly believe in; not only from others, but from within yourself. I mean clean to the heart and soul. If not, you can't expect it from others.

     A true "lawman" has to believe in these things as well as the laws he enforces. And how to apply them with the true meaning that was intended by the lawmakers. This requires deep thought, good logical reasoning and common sense.

     We, as law enforcers, have to pause from time to time and reflect, and sometimes rediscover, why we chose this profession. Why do we keep trying to hold that proverbial "thin blue line" with all the criticisms, lack of prosecutions, put-downs by the media and everything else that is negative to our profession ?

     Well, the true answers are found within ourselves. If these things sound like a lot of hog-wash, you're probably in the wrong profession. In the Bible these professionals are called the "Guardians", if you are of the religious mind. This brings up a simple question. We must ask ourselves, if we are true "guardians" and believe in all these things. If our answer is "yes" then we are on the proper side of the line. When you forget these basic beliefs and "cross the line", you prpbably won't feel very good about yourself. If not, you, for sure, have chosen the wrong line (no pun intended) of work.

     Take your pick ! Live with it and don't complain. Don't forget that we are "Public Servants", not "Self Servants".

     These notes are for the officers that I serve with; but are especially for my two sons of whom I'm very proud.