Flashing Lights!

When I was a kid, our television entertainment selection was pretty limited. If three channels were available (with the aid of “rabbit ears” and tin foil added), we were lucky. One such show that imprinted on my adolescent brain was Adam-12, a police drama. How my excitement grew when I heard that wailing siren and saw the flashing lights! Catching the bad guys with Officers Pete Mallow and Jim Reed while listening to code in police speak was excitement for an impressional girl in the 1970s.?

The policing arena in 2023 compared to 50 years ago may be different in procedures, tools available and technology strides, but the core goal has remained the same: to protect and serve. Having been a Williston resident for the past 20+ years, I have come to appreciate our local law enforcement––so much so that Officer Matt Cohen and I teamed up to write a children’s story book, K9 Duke The Comfort Dog, showcasing the good works of K9 Duke, the most adorable Labrador, and his handler, Officer Cohen.?

When the opportunity arose to accompany Officer Cohen and K9 Duke on a ride-along, my eight-year old self rejoiced! I arrived with donuts (pardon the cliché’) at morning roll call and we were soon on the road. If the Adam-12 officers could see the toys in today’s police cruisers, wouldn’t they be impressed! A laptop connected to the world, toggles and buttons and switches.?

Our morning began with a school meeting regarding a juvenile issue. After, we wandered the hallways while students and staff greeted K9 Duke with pats and praise. With an active open case list filing a computer screen, “we” were going to attempt to make progress on one during our next excursion. With data supplied by the magic box, Officer Cohen planned to make an unexpected visit to a possible suspect. He did. I nervously watched from the car as he engaged the person in conversation, gathering information. K9 Duke quietly napped in the back. I was especially impressed with Officer Cohen’s professionalism as he fished for missing pieces needed for resolution.

Also impactful was Officer Cohen’s knowledge in all areas of enforcement, including drugs. Being designated as a Drug Recognition Expert, Officer Cohen spoke in length of how the narcotics scene in Vermont has changed. The little kid in me asked about Probable Cause, Suspicion and Warrants–– all vocabulary learned from Adam-12!? He answered formally quoting doctrine; informally as if in casual conversation––even a child could understand; while an adult could appreciate.?

The morning was in full motion with an constant, annoying request from a certain rider to “push the button for the lights”––an activity my younger self has yearned to do every since I saw my first episode of that long-ago tv police show. At last, my time had arrived. As we waited, Officer Cohen spotted an outdated inspection sticker. It was my time to shine! “This one?” I asked pointing to a toggle. “Yes! That one!” a patient-weary Officer Cohen replied. “All the way over?” “Karen, do it!” And I did. Just like that, a moment frozen in time, grinning like a crazy person, I was a little kid again.?

I learned that at times, outcomes can be altered based on the discretion of an officer. Numerous factors, based on the offense, can determine the difference between a ticket or warning. In this incident, the cooperative driver smiled as she waved goodbye, happy with a warning in lieu of an expensive fine.?

One more trip back to the school, a stop at a local car dealership, another pull-over, plus an assist on a vehicle disabled on a busy road, the morning progressed. Visiting Home Depot for a real-time training session with K9 Duke was the pinnacle. Officer Cohen and K9 will visit local businesses which offer new sounds, smells and distractions for K9 Duke to process during obedience training. He did not disappoint. And, just like that, my time was over––probably to a quite relieved Officer Cohen.

With sincere appreciation and thanks, I would like to thank the Williston Police Department for their hard work in keeping our little part of the world safe. Choosing a career in law enforcement isn’t for the weak in heart or mind. The next time you see a law enforcement official, shake their hand and thank them for their service.?

Every once in a while I’ll search for Adam-12 online and watch through the eyes of a young girl who wanted, once upon a time, to push the button for the flashing lights.?