"I'M STILL A COP FOR LIFE"

Although I no longer shine the boots that once walked the city streets honoring my oath to serve and protect the public, or remove the caked up mud that covered my boots, from chasing a dangerous criminal down a dark and muddy alley way…"I'm still a cop for life."

Although I no longer wear the freshly pressed uniform that once affiliated me with the biggest brotherhood of men and women in blue in the world, or wear the gun belt that I credit many times over for protecting my life, that of my fellow officers, or that of the citizens of the city that I serve…"I'm still a cop for life."

Although I no longer race down the city streets with my cruiser lights flashing, siren blaring and my adrenaline in full throttle to help those in need, or enter the most dangerous and risky situations in order to save a life or protect the properties of others…"I'm still a cop for life."

Although I no longer wear the badge that I so proudly displayed on my uniform for so many years that identifies me as a cop, or am no longer able to back up my dedicated comrades in blue on routine calls just to make sure they’re okay…"I'm still a cop for life."

Although I’m no longer active and have long since retired from the job that I love, the war stories that I once shared with my brother and sister officers over the years, and the bonding camaraderie of what it means to be a cop, will forever be a special part of my life. For deep down in my heart, I’m still, and will always be…"a cop for life."

Written By: Roberto "Bobby" Alfaro
Ret. Police Officer
Hartford CT. Police Department
11/15/11

“AN OFFICER’S CHRISTMAS STORY”

It’s about 10 pm on Christmas Eve, as the officer gets ready to work the midnight shift. He’s already bid goodnight to his wife, but the hardest task is still yet to come: saying goodnight to his son, who’s having a very difficult time dealing with the fact that his daddy has to work on Christmas Eve. He paces back and forth in the hallway, before entering his son’s room to break the bad news. He walks gingerly to his son’s bed and sits down beside him. And they quickly begin to converse.

Son: Hi daddy!

Dad: Hi son!

Son: So why are you leaving us daddy…It’s Christmas Eve and Santa will be coming home soon!

Dad: I know son, but daddy has to work. It is my job to make sure that Santa is safe, and is able to deliver all his gifts to every little boy and girl in town.

Son: But daddy how will you know which house to find him in…so that you can keep on an eye on him and make sure he’s okay?

Dad: A policeman always has a way of keeping people safe, so don’t you worry son.

Son: Can you make sure to please tell Santa that I’ve been a good boy all year and that if he could give me that police car, with the police uniform and badge I wanted, so that I can be just like my daddy. Can you please tell him, can you?

Dad: I promise I’ll tell him everything you told me son. Just don’t forget to leave him some cookies and milk…Okay!

Son: It’s already done daddy.

Dad: Attaboy, son!

And they both break out into a big laugh.

He gently kisses his son on the forehead and give’s him a great big hug, before reciting their nightly prayers together. He stalls to get up from the bed, but knows it’s getting late and he has to be at work in less than an hour’s time. He drags his feet slowly as he approaches the door to exit the room. But before he reaches the door to open it, he hears the light whisper of his son’s voice calling him to come back.

Son: One more thing daddy, can you please tell Santa that I’ll be waiting for him?

Dad: I surely will son…I surely will!

Son: Thanks daddy for taking care of Santa for me. You’re my hero!!!

Suddenly there’s complete silence in the room, the Dad now overcome with emotion with tears slowly streaming down his cheeks, holds his son tightly to his chest and gives him one more big hug. Fighting to find the right words to say, he looks him right in the eyes and says to him in a crackling, almost chocking voice: No son…you are and will always be daddy’s little hero…and that’s why I love you with all my heart! And don’t you ever forget that!

Son: I love you too daddy!

And he exits the room still wiping away his tears, not knowing if he’ll be able to be there for his son on Christmas day. He decides to take one quick peek into the room, and waves his son one last kiss goodbye, before closing door.

In police work there are no guarantees. For that hug and the kiss he just gave his son before he left to work that night, might just be his last. So please, the next time you see a cop, take a moment to say “thank you officer…for keeping our streets safe so that I can get a chance to hold and kiss my child on Christmas Day”.

God Bless Our Cops!

Written by: Roberto “Bobby” Alfaro
Retired Hartford CT Police Officer
December 24th, 2011
Merry Christmas and a Happy and Safe New Years to All!