Yeah, I'm a graduate without student loans!

Citizens Police Academy - SAV, GA

2014 Spring Class

 Who would have thought an investment of $10, for a one night/wk, 

3 hr course could be so rewarding!

What an interesting 13-week training! I meet people from a variety of backgrounds and learned some so many wonderful things about fellow classmates, myself, the police department, the many agencies working together in the criminal justice system and how we as citizens can help to make an even more positive impact in our communities.

The training not only included classroom presentations, but we were able to participate in field work too.  We visited the 911 Call Center, participated in firearms training simulation, learned self defense tactics, toured the Chatham County Detention Center, learned about forensics and even had a ride-along shift with a precinct officer, and so much more!

Ms. Gianna Nelson, served us well as Assistant Director, guiding us through each weeks activities. As part of our training, we received a binder packed with resource information, that we can reference at any time.

If you are not in the Savannah, GA area and are interested in taking a course like this, check with your local police precinct or search online for a local Citizen Police Academy.  In order to make an even more positive impact in our communities, it will require a joint effort between the citizens, police, businesses, churches and community agencies.  This training helps to bridge the gaps, promote awareness and it is fun too!

The next class starts Thursday, September 11, 2014.  For more detailed information or to apply, click this link: http://www.savannahga.gov/index.aspx?NID=641

Our 17th Wedding Anniversary - Daddy Was Right!

The Wedding Day - May 17, 1997

Love and Soul - Monthly Event

The Simmons and The Tuckers

Daddy Was Right!

Last Sat, May 17th, my husband and I celebrated our 17th Anniversary doing "something special" each day of the entire weekend. It started on Friday night attending a fun-filled, inspirational Love and Soul event hosted by Kimberly Gunn.  Once a month a great line-up of musicians, comedians and artists come together to share their gifts and talents. This is our third time attending and we are never disappointed.

On Saturday, we had a wonderful, somewhat restful day, beginning with a little exercise, then a "light" breakfast at the Original House of Pancakes.  The blueberry pancakes and turkey sausage were wonderful.

On Sunday, we were blessed to celebrate the goodness of God at Overcoming by Faith in SAV, GA.  After service we had a wonderful dinner with a truly anointed and inspirational couple, Bro. and Sis. Simmons. 

It's hard to believe a week has gone by, so quickly.  As I reflect on our Anniversary, I recall how my Dad was one of the key people who admired my husband, when we were "just friends."  He recognized there was something "special about him," when it "came to me," even before I did.  I was 35 yrs young when I got married, so I wasn't a young chick.  When my Dad gently mentioned Otto as possibly being "more than a friend," the Daddy's Girl that I am said, "You just want to get rid of me hugh?"  

Since that time, I have come to appreciate how "wise counsel" from "select people" can help me see more clearly the "better" choices for my life.  It was amazing how his input along with other "confirmations," helped me to make the second most important decision of my life. I married a true friend and partner in ministry and life. It's rare that you find someone to support you through the good, bad and sometimes "ugly" seasons in your life.  With all of my "special needs," he has been the most patient man of God that I could have hoped for. The Bible says, that a man should love His wife as Christ loved the church.  I believe my husband of 17 yrs is doing his best to uphold that standard and I'm so thankful I listened to my Dad on this one.  Daddy was right!

Ride-a-Long to Get-a-Long

A Special Day On The Streets

I am so glad a fellow Toastmaster introduced our club to the opportunity of becoming a graduate of the Citizen's Police Academy in Savannah, GA.  It has been an amazing 13 wk, 3 hr a wk journey.  I have learned so much and have a much greater respect for the Men and Women in Blue. The learning experience only cost $10, gas to and from training locations, and the investment of time required to attend the Thursday evening sessions, 6:30pm - 9:30pm.

I will share more with you in detail, AFTER GRADUATION DAY on May 15th!

Today, I wanted to give you a glimpse of the highly respected, eye-awakening, thought provoking Ride-a-Long!  We had a time frame of 10 days to schedule our Ride-a-Long, which ideally would be with officers from the precinct in which we live. I chose the the early morning shift from 6:30a-2:30p on the Monday after Easter. 

Without divulging any confidential information, let me say it was a VERY INTERESTING morning.  My partner for the day was Officer Potter who is a young man with a BIG HEART! He is a hard-working  man who is working several jobs to help provide for his family.  He "handled" the various "situations" through investigation, much conversation and exchange of information, with compassion and professionalism.  He treated me and everyone he came in contact with as if we were CEO's or dignitaries. I recognize, he had me as a "close observer," but for some reason I sensed, he wasn't putting on a show for me. He appeared to genuinely respect everyone for who they were and did not prejudge them. In many instances, he even shared "the story behind the situation," which gave light to how he really tries to get each individual's perspective before making decisions that would be best for them and the community.

I applaud Officer Potter's fairness and the way he "connected" with people.  The badge and fancy cop car did not make him feel "superior," but at the end of the day, he just wanted to "do his job well, ideally help someone and his community to have a better day, then return to his personal life with his family." Although each officer that I meet, "policed" a little differently, it is good to know they worked as a "team," backing up one another on every call.   If the initial call didn't require a back up, as the "situation" unraveled, either officer could make that call, being confident that "the Calvary" is on the way! 

I'm not naive to believe that "all officers" serve the community in the same way as Officer Potter.  There are some "really good cops" and some "really bad ones too." As for me, this experience has increased my awareness and desire to pray for and support officers like Officer Potter, who are committed to  "doing the right thing, the right way." Keepers of the peace, I applaud your efforts, for blessed are the peacemakers.

Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live

peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.

I Timothy 2:2