firstrespondernw

Thank you to the people who support us!

Full disclosure, I didn’t know who Heather Mac Donald was before I read this book. She was mentioned in another book because her appearance at a university was met with protests. I first thought they were referring to the comedian, Heather McDonald. Turns out Mac Donald is an attorney, lecturer, and author.
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Now I’m obviously bias because of my profession. Although, I consider myself fairly objective and open to other points of view. When I hear information that I don’t agree with or understand, I ask questions and reserve judgment. That being said, what Mac Donald writes in this book completely aligns with what I have observed as a 16 year police veteran.
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Mac Donald cites research, stats, and example after example of misinformation circulating about police encounters and the compounding effect on public opinion. She starts by examining the “Ferguson Effect” and how that changed the way officers enforce the law.
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The book was published in 2015 and was a precursor to what is happening now. Mac Donald helped me make sense of what is going on in the country with the movement to defund the police.

"The Final Inspection"

The policeman stood and faced his God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining.
Just as brightly as his brass.

"Step forward now, policeman.
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My church have you been true?"

The policeman squared his shoulders and said,
"No, Lord, I guess I ain't,
Because those of us who carry badges
can't always be a saint.

I've had to work most Sundays,
and at times my talk was rough,
and sometimes I've been violent,
Because the streets are awfully tough.

But I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep....
Though I worked a lot of overtime
When the bills got just too steep.

And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.

I know I don't deserve a place
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around
Except to calm their fear.

If you've a place for me here,
Lord, It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't.....I'll understand.

There was silence all around the throne
Where the saints had often trod.
As the policeman waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.

"Step forward now, policeman,
You've borne your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in hell."

Officer Jonathan Shoop
EOW July 12, 2020

Excellent book about expanding your spiritual circle to include the people you work with. So many great tips on focusing on the people you work with, which in turn results in greater productivity. Running people into the ground will only get you so far. They have to believe in the mission.

New additions to the library!!!
Thank you to for the generous donation. I read one to my son tonight and it was really good. Such a great idea!

@ Tacoma, Washington

I’m spending the morning looking over photos from yesterday’s protests. It’s a very somber feeling.

WE DID IT!!! We donated the first resource library to the Seattle Police Department. The modest (but growing) collection of books is ready for service in SPD’s training unit.
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My hope is that this is the first of many around the NW.
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Thank you to all the amazing authors who donated!
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@ Seattle, Washington

“The greatest leaders aren’t necessary the ones who do great things. They are the ones who empower others to do great things.” John C. Maxwell
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John Maxwell has been a leadership teacher, writer, and facilitator for 40+ years. I’ve lost count of how many books he has written. And what I admire most is that he is constantly learning, expanding, and reevaluating his methods.
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His latest book takes his leadership instruction one step further- teaching leaders how to develop other leaders.
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Maxwell illustrates how to attract, develop, and multiply leaders. He explains the last step as compounding leadership. Teaching leaders to develop other leaders, so they can develop more leaders and so on. The result is a farm team of leaders working to get better.
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Great book for anyone looking to lead and develop new leaders.
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This was a fun one... I have 25+ recruits who are in limbo, waiting for the academy to reopen. I had been eager to read “The 7 habits of Highly Effective People” by Steven Covey. A self-improvement book that has stood the test of time. My recruits were “voluntold” to read it with me. I thought it was great.
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A book on how to go from dependent to independent to interdependent. I learned that the order is very important. I took away so many lessons and it completely shifted my mindset about working with people. Highly recommended!

“Monroe firefighters rescue little girl found hiding inside burning home”
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https://komonews.com/news/local/monroe-firefighters-rescue-little-girl-found-hiding-inside-burning-home
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“I believe that our story-our battles to be who we are and have a meaningful and connected experience-is our training to be warriors. Our story is our call to grow, to lead, and to realize our potential.”
T.J. Jones
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This was a great book and instantly became one of my favorites. Jones begins by telling his own story of change to find a deeper meaning. He breaks down his advice into 3 steps: Awaken (self), influence (connect with people), and inspire (pass the sword).
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Very relatable and easy to read. Solid leadership book. I will be recommending it to my students.
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