Mentor a Young Person and Unleash Incredible Human Potential

As a child I never knew a police officer. I always had tremendous respect for them and would smile and wave as they drove through my neighborhood. They always waved and smiled back. I remember from a very young age that I wanted to be just like that “Super hero” and help my community be safe.

My Dream came true in 1989 when I was accepted to the force after completing my university academic and varsity football career.  

I was a High school Resource Officer “HRSO” and football coach at a local high school from 1991 to 1995. The opportunity was amazing as it kept me "in tune" with youth related ideas, issues and concerns while it also provided my students with the opportunity for a one-on-one personal relationship with a "COP". These two roles i held with the teachers and student body provided me an incredible platform where they were able to see who I truly was and more than the Cop walking the halls. The investment of my time, passion, kindness, knowledge and the occasional “kick in the butt” proved to incredibly rewarding professionally, athletically and personally and I hold it very dear to my heart.

One time, in the wee hours of the night, I was attacked by a drunken male outside a local bar and we fell to the concrete walkway. As I wrestled the suspect to gain control, protect myself and put cuffs on him, I noticed about 15 pairs of running shoes around me in a circle and I could hear incredible shouting in defense of me. When I gained control of the suspect, I noticed that many of my students had formed a protective circle around me to shield me from the hostile crowd that had gathered, the suspects intoxicated friends and further harm until back up arrived. These students probably saved my life and/or serious injury. I’d submit that had I not taken the time through my personal and professional efforts in the school to create meaningful relationships with the students, I’d be wearing the physical and mental scars from a serious attack.

Today, it is amazing and very humbling to reflect that that 100’s of students I befriended over those 5 years, now full grown adults, stop me and introduce me to their children when they see me around town. Many thanks are given, updates are shared and memories relived.  I wouldn't change that part of my life for anything. “Coach, Officer, Sir”....regardless the name, it’s always with kindness and respect. 

We must always remember that positive police-youth interactions are necessary for communities to grow. Removing the HRSO's from schools, robs future police-youth interaction, understanding, education, mentoring, community service and personal interaction. 

Don't let a few special interest groups/people who chose to yell “foul” ruin this for the masses.

It’s so easy to yell negative for 5 seconds, get their sound byte and walk away. There is no accountability here.

I challenge these people to open their minds and the possibilities of investing their time and sitting down with those in power and work together on meaningful edits/solutions to police programs. You’ll have to invest more than your original 5 seconds and maybe, just maybe...you’ll see the person behind the badge and grow. 

EJ McGuire, a dearly departed friend once told me a story, “that when you point your finger at someone in blame, you should stop, and open your hand. When you do, you will see three fingers pointing back at you. So, before you complain, fix three things or have three solutions to offer before, you point that finger.” Words to live by.

https://www.cp24.com/news/toronto-police-board-reviewing-controversial-officers-program-in-schools-amid-heated-debate-1.3426548