REVved - Colorado State Patrol "Ride-a-long"

During the past year I struck up a friendship with a Colorado State Patrol Trooper who attends FBC. 

Some of our conversations at church were about “speed limit signs” and “the law” from the Book of Romans.  From that, we started a discussion about church security, particularly in the aftermath of the church shootings in Denver and Colorado Springs.  In the course of our conversations, he asked whether I would be interested in a “ride-a-long” with him some day.  When I discovered that all I would have to do is sign a release indicating that I realized it might be dangerous and I could be killed, I immediately said, “I’m in!”

Today was the day.  It was an amazing experience.  In addition to touring portions of the State Capitol building not accessible to the public and observing the Trooper’s office in the Homeland Security division, I got to use a radar gun, observe speeders being pulled over, heard shocking statistics about crime in Colorado, and gained an up-close perspective on state law enforcement.  Plus, I got to live every boy’s dream of riding in a police car with flashing lights and a siren.  It was both exhilarating and humbling at the same time.

Over lunch, I had a valuable discussion with my friend about the need and possibilities for security at FBC.  Sadly, like every church in America, FBC is wrestling with how to develop a security program that is effective and not merely reactive.  Since my friend has advised several large organizations and venues on security planning, he provided some excellent suggestions.

Here are some impressions I have as I debrief on my “ride-a-long:”

1. Law enforcement officers are courageous public servants who deserve our honor and respect. (And that includes ALL of these men and women at Local, County, State and Federal levels.)

2. Law enforcement is a profession that will be required until the end of time. (Evil exists.)

3. Law enforcement officers are perpetually in harm’s way in the interest of public safety.  (Even while making simple traffic stops.)

4. Law enforcement is not MY calling, but it clearly is a calling for many!

Thanks Trooper Smith.  And thanks to all of our men and women in law enforcement!  My ride today reminded me of the debt we all owe to all of you!

Comments

[Anna Thorne]

You would wear a suit and tie even for a ride-along....goodness. :) Wow though, that sounds like it must have been a lot of fun!

[Steve-O]

Glad to see you wore a suit jacket & tie. People probably thought you were some dignitary being escorted around! Sounds like a fun day - now are you going to let Trooper Smith "ride-a-long" for a day with you? Being a PK, I'm sure that may be a real eye opener for him!

[Sandy]

MHR,
My Bill had the privilege of experiencing a "ride-a-long" many years ago with our neighbor and friend who at the time was a Lakewood Police officer. They went to the scene of a burglary, as well as an attempted suicide. Bill said it was thrilling. He was so excited about it, that I decided to go with Dave on another occasion. Unfortunately, it was a snowy, wintery night and the most exciting thing I experienced was Dave pulling over a driver who hadn't cleaned off his back windshield...GO FIGURE!! So glad that you had an unforgettable time :)

[DWA]

Glad to see you finally got in a ride a long. I wish we could have seen your face while toying with that radar gun. I'm sure the trooper told you all the excuses people use for it being faulty... If you weren’t preaching on Saturday night, I’d suggest that be your next night ride… I’d also suggest that FBC consider consulting with like minded large churches that have already effectively addressed the security issue. Al Mohler, CJ Mahanney (somewhat like-minded), John MacArthur, James McDonald (Chicago)...and others have addressed the issue because of the long time threats against the pastors and their ministries. Having recently seen one of these security plans in action, I can say they are very effective and non-obtrusive.