"Try as we may to fathom what being a police officer is like, most of us cannot do it. We cannot measure all those lesser sacrifices that go with the job: the missed anniversaries and birthdays, the family dinners with one chair vacant, the Little League games when Officer Dad or Officer Mom is not there, the times when the family creeps around the house as the officer parent sleeps off a night shift." Tom Hennessy, Long Beach Press Telegram
Most people find it a novelty to have a friend who is a police officer. They were as apt to introduce me not as Mike, but as "My friend, Mike. He's a cop." What followed was usually unpleasant. Inevitably, you're going to hear about every rude cop they ever met and every ticket they got that wasn't deserved. Then comes the usual question: "Have you ever shot anybody" Most people learn about policing from the media. In the entertainment industry, law enforcement is the No. 1 topic. People look at movies and TV shows and think that's real. This perception even extends to the cops themselves.
Yet for all the problems of being an officer on duty and off I consider myself a lucky man. It's the greatest job in the world. It is a front row seat to the greatest show on earth. I wouldn't trade my experiences, friendships and memories for anything.
1985-1993 CAPTAIN, Division Commander
Investigative and Special Services
Uniformed Operations
Metro Enforcement
The Investigative and Special Services Division was responsible for investigation of all reported criminal activity within the jurisdiction and preparation of appropriate cases for prosecution. As Division Commander responsible as lead investigator for all major crimes and assisting the prosecutor in trial preparation and at trial as required. Furthermore, the Commander was responsible for coordinating and acting as Liaison with the District Attorneys’ Office, Narcotics and Organized Crime Task Force and Child Abuse Response Team. I was also responsible for all Civil Emergency and Crisis Team responses. Additionally, I served as the Internal Affairs Chief and Administrative Prosecutor before the Internal Board of Review and Discipline. The Special Services function of the Division was responsible for federal grant administration, crime prevention activity, safety projects, public information and media relations. Other responsibilities included supervision and oversight of Criminal and Internal Investigators, Crime Analysis and Public Information and Media Relations, Training, Supervision, Planning, Budget Preparation and Fiscal Management.
The Uniformed Operations Division was responsible for all uniformed field operations providing continuous patrol services, traffic enforcement units, and field investigations. As Division Commander responsible for division management, planning, personnel supervision and fiscal administration.
The Metro Enforcement Division was a multi-jurisdictional investigative body responsible for Criminal Intelligence, Narcotics and Organized Crime Investigations. As Division Commander responsible to a Board of Department Chiefs, County Sheriffs, and District Attorneys. Activities included supervision and oversight of investigators and investigations. Fiscal administration, budget preparation, and project planning.
Responsible for:
*Major Crime and Task Force Investigations
*Federal Grant Proposal, Acquisition, Implementation and Evaluation
*Media Spokesman for Departmental Affairs
*Prosecutor, Internal Board of Review and Discipline
*Administration and Preparation of Program and Divisional Budget
*Management of Training for Subordinates
*Division Command and Management
Training Seminars Taught:
*Legal Liability in Jail Operations, State Health Department Jail Standards Division
*Legal Liability in Police Training, Oklahoma Municipal League
*Courtroom Testimony and Presentation
*Traffic Safety Laws and Sentencing Alternatives
*Drinking Driving Abatement, High School Drivers Education
Accomplishments:
*Improved Division Efficiency and Productivity
*Authored and Acquired Five Federal Project Grants
*Assisted School District in acquiring Drug Education Grant
*Recipient of Oklahoma Highway Safety Office, “LIFE SAVER AWARD” for work in Traffic Safety Education
*Recipient of Oklahoma Highway Safety Office, “CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION” for development of original education program for traffic court judges and prosecutors
*Appointed “HONORARY LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR” for work in development of Juvenile Delinquency diversion programs
*Nominated for Exemplary Performance Award for Innovative Program Development
*Recognized by Canadian County District Attorney for Homicide Task Force Performance
*Recipient of four Letters of Appreciation from Citizens or Local Civic Groups
*Recipient of three Letters of Appreciation for service to State and City
*Appointed Training Film Technical Advisor to United States Department of Transportation Safety Institute
*Appointed Agent in Charge of Canadian County Narcotics and Organized Crime Task Force
*Charter member of the Association of Oklahoma Narcotic Enforcers
*Elected Vice President of Region AONE Chapter
*1989 Kiwanis Club Police Officer of the Year
1982-1985 LIEUTENANT
Administrative Services and Executive Staff Division
Command position as administrative officer to the Department executive officer. Assisted the Chief of Police in general supervision of Department activities, responsible for locating and scheduling training that met individual officers’ needs as well as those of the Department and Community. Served as Commander responsible for all major incidents requiring a specialized response.
Responsible for:
*Major Incident Response
*Departmental Training
*Media Relations as Department Spokesman
*Budget Preparation and Contract Negotiation
*General Staff Supervision
*Research and Preparation of Staff Studies
*Statistical analysis and Action Planning
*Policy and Procedure development and update
*Municipal Code review
*Internal Board of Review – Policy & Procedure
Training Seminars Taught:
*Constitutional Criminal Procedure
*Child Auto Passenger Protection
Accomplishments:
*Created and Implemented local Crime Stoppers Program
*Created and Implemented local Police Intern Program
*Created and Implemented pilot Alcohol Safety Action Program
*Created and Implemented dual/purpose Canine Patrol Program
*Developed and Coordinated Community wide Substance Abuse Workshop
*Appointed to the DRUG FREE SCHOOLS COMMITTEE
*Awarded Scholarship to the Southwestern Law Enforcement Institute, Dallas, Texas
*Created Formalized Training Standard Exceeding State Requirements
*Received two Letters of Appreciation for service to outside agencies and victim families
*Received Certificate of Appreciation from Governor George Nigh
*Appointed TERRITORIAL MARSHAL by Governor George Nigh
1980-1982 LIEUTENANT, Group Commander
Metro-West Enforcement Group
Commander of multi-agency Narcotics Investigation unit assigned to the District Attorney’s Office.
Responsible for:
*Developing and Implementing Multi-Agency Plan
*Supervision of Narcotics Investigators, Agents and Informants
*Fiscal Operation of Unit
*Records Keeping and Property Management
*Training
Training Seminars Taught:
*Drug Identification and Recognition
*Conducting Complex Criminal Investigations
*Conducting Criminal Conspiracy Investigations
Accomplishments:
*Selected by Canadian County’s Chiefs of Police, District Attorney, Sheriff, County Commissioners and City Managers to Develop and Implement a Multi-Agency Narcotics Unit
*Received four Letters of Appreciation from citizens
*Received Award for Exemplary Performance from City Council
*Received Letter of Appreciation from Shawnee, Oklahoma Chief of Police
1978-1980 SERGEANT
Traffic, Investigations and Public Safety.
Responsible for subordinate supervision working in various assignments. 1977-78 Traffic Sergeant (Alcohol Enforcement Detail); 1978-79 Detective Sergeant (Violent Crimes); 1979-80 Public Safety Police Coordinator (Arson).
Responsible for:
*Officer Field Training, Alcohol Traffic Enforcement, Field Supervision, Scheduling, Criminal Investigation and Functional Coordination.
Accomplishments:
*Implemented Federally Funded Alcohol Traffic Program
*Authored Grant Proposal for Violent Crimes Investigative Unit
*Implemented Federally Funded Special Investigations Program
*Received fourteen Letters of Appreciation or Commendations
*1978 Kiwanis Club Police Officer of the Year Award
*Received three Employee Service Awards
1974-1978 PATROL OFFICER
General duties of motorized patrol to include traffic enforcement, community service, criminal investigation and apprehension. Also spent a tour of duty assigned to the Office of the Chief of Police in Research and Planning.
Responsible for:
*Motorized uniformed patrol
*Motorized plain clothes patrol
*Developed Standardized Operations Manual
*Conducted Statistical Research
*Prepared Action Studies
*Assisted in Budget and Grant Proposals
Accomplishments:
*Received Chamber of Commerce Award of Honor
*Received Performance Commendation from Chief of Police
*Received two Letters of Appreciation from citizens
*Letter of Commendation from Chief of Police
*Letter of Exceptional Professionalism from Chief of Police, Bethany, Oklahoma
*Life Saver Award from Mayor and City Council