Icing on the Mats

Please welcome Recruit Blake. His class is now halfway through our Academy, a point where the intensity level has reached a peak.

Hi, my name is recruit Blake. I’m honored to have the opportunity to give you a glimpse into the internal workings of the 2016-2 combined regional academy.

 

Some readers might wonder what it’s like to be in the law enforcement field when there is so much controversy surrounding how we do our jobs. Maybe you’re wondering what we think, when we see high profile celebrities and athletes mocking us and making disrespectful comments directed at peace officers.

 

First, people have freedom of speech. This is a freedom that law enforcement is sworn to protect, uphold and honor. Second, we let our actions speak louder than their words by continuing to perform our jobs in a professional manner. We protect the rights of individuals to speak out in a negative manner towards peace officers. We provide them with the same quality service that we provide to individuals who express support for law enforcement. A few poor examples of police officers are not representative of law enforcement as a whole. In the Academy, we consistently talk about how we can positively impact our communities while continuing to enforce and uphold the laws.

 

I am originally from Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. I attended Shippensburg University and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology in 2014. I also had the privilege of competing on the track and field team as a javelin thrower. Therefore, I’m proficient at chucking spears. Before moving to Colorado to join the Lakewood Police Department, I worked as a counselor for a company that was contracted by law enforcement and child protective services. I assisted officers with various tasks. Throughout the process, I realized I would rather be on the front lines enforcing the law and protecting the public. I am extremely grateful to be here and am honored to have this opportunity to serve the city and people of Lakewood.

 

Why did I choose the Lakewood Police department, as it is 1,590 miles from “home?” Last year I drove through the Denver metro area while on a cross country trip with my brother and immediately had a desire to move here. I googled police departments that were hiring in the Denver metro area and it so happened that Lakewood was. After doing some extensive reading about the city and the police department, I decided to apply. Following a visit to the city for a week I knew this was definitely where I wanted to work. I have nothing but respect for the Lakewood Police Department, as they were extremely professional throughout the hiring process.

 

Let’s talk academy life. We are currently half-way through the academy! At this point, we are in the middle of Skills, which consists primarily of firearms training and arrest control techniques. We spend 8 hours at the range each week and 8 hours on the wrestling mats learning the arrest control curriculum. I think this is Agent Beers favorite time of the academy, as he has the opportunity to demonstrate on us how the arrest control skills are applied. I might add, most of the movements inflict various levels of discomfort, appropriate for deescalating situations, encouraging people resisting arrest that continuing to fight would be fruitless.  

 

Speaking of discomfort, all of us had a “shocking experience” last week when we were afforded the opportunity to be tazed. In order to be certified to carry the Taser, the academy requires that we experience a 5 second “ride” on the Taser or, as Metallica might say, we got to “ride the lightning.” We take a Taser hit so that we, as peace officers, know the amount of incapacitation we are inflicting on individuals when we utilize the Taser. 

 

Although we are primarily focusing on building and honing skills, the other aspects of the academy are still in full swing. We continue to take exams every Monday and are currently being tested on Article 9 of the Criminal Code, which consists of public peace and order, cruelty to animals, and offenses involving communications. In addition to being tested every Monday, we must maintain a clean and pressed uniform. Most of our evenings are spent cleaning our firearms, shining boots, pressing uniform pants, studying, icing shoulders, taking the maximum daily dose of Ibuprofen, and occasionally eating dinner. In addition to our 8 hours of arrest control classes each week, we continue to participate in the high intensity cross-fit workouts. Needless to say, ice and Ibuprofen have become some of our closest companions.

 

In a sentence; I’m pumped to serve.