OFFICER DOWN
chapter 1 Graduation
(Garfield's pov)
Well hi there My name is Garfield mark logan I've always wanted to be a superhero ever since i was a kid. but I have quickly grown out of that dream that happens when they don't exist and when you have to grow up fast like I did. you know with having been through a lot of hard shity times from the death of my parents at 6 to being homeless and everything in between.
turning to the side of dark to get by
stealing, robbing, anything really sure i did what I had to. I did it to survive and you know it was a little fun but then again nothing is long lasting. I got caught of course and that day changed me as I sit there in a jail cell I couldn't help but think that this isn't me. I'm not this person. Dan Brown was the arresting officer that day he was an ass but so was I "haha" but he did strike a chord with me.
I always hated cops there were never there when you needed them and always ass holes. but he changed my mind. You could tell he cared. he was so inspiring in the way he talked. like a real fuckin hero he told me I had a future full of goodness and that this isn't the right path that I was lost and he would help me find my way again. and he was right I was lost so very lost so I did something I haven't done since I was 6. I cried and I cried. like a bitch and he was there through it all telling me that everything would be fine because he was there. and I had a feeling it would be. so we talked and talked and he was able to helped me out a lot with the judge and gave me some of the best advice. I remember as I stand on a stage especially the last piece of advice he gave me.
And so I got a job. put myself through college. had some fun and gave back to help make up for some of the stuff I've done. Dan and I always talked he had became a father to me I think sadly to myself. it's been a year and a half since he was killed in the line of duty the academy was very kind to allow me to attend the funeral. it's because of him I changed and now I'll always try to do what's right or at least I hope to. i think to myself as cameras flash and people scream congratulations.
I graduated with honors from college with a degree in criminal science 4 years ago and now I'm graduating again. were from you ask well from the (California state) police training facility I did it i got through the police academy. who would've thought I'd become a police officer. I sure as fuck wouldn't have not with the way I hated cops. and that's what I am thinking about now standing here the last piece of advice Dan gave me just 2 years ago before I left for the academy.
(Flashback)
Dan I'm nervous as shit
"you'll do fine kido" he says.
the bus had just arrived there was 20 other people here waiting as well.
man I'm fuckin nervous I say to no one in particular.
"so let me ask you gar do you want to be a police officer or a cop" he asked I laugh because I think he's breakin my balls but he looked serious.
what the fuck you talking about Dan there the same meaning. he laughed out loud
"no there's a difference a cop is the one that makes us look bad in the news the one that's out just for himself the one who over uses and oversteps the line the one that doesn't Honor the oath. But a police officer always does what is right someone who will stand up for the weak and helpless and take a stand to the evil and cruel who will never give up the fight and who will always always stand by the oath you will never here about the police officer in the news because he does his job and he does it well. but you will hear about the cop so you need to know what one you wanna be because believe me it does makes a difference."
Yeah how's that. I ask curiously
"If you get on that bus and go through the academy wanting to be a cop. you'll cut corners and cheat anything just to get by as easily as possible. but if you go wanting to be a police officer. then you'll pay attention to your classes and learn everything you can about being a good police officer. but before you choose which one you want to be you first need to know yourself. you need to ask yourself. what do you feel, what do you mean, what drives you, have you done everything in your power to be a better person, have you made peace with yourself, and can you stand for those that can't a police officer is an imperfect man driven by perfect intentions"
Wow that's deep. I replied
"so what did make you want to choose this path" he asks.
well you did. I tell him
"dam it now you're a dumbass gar you should do this kind of job because you want to. what do you want me to wipe your ass for you to."
maybe. I say with a smile. But he doesn't look amused
No seriously Dan what you said to me a few year's ago was right. you said that if I wanted to talk shit about the police then I should put on a uniform and walk a beat and then I'd have earned the right to talk because then I'd know the truth. And you were right Dan and all throughout college and work I thought about it. and I said to myself why not find out for myself so here I am I smile. we both laugh and hugged.
"Just remembered kid this path is a hard one so please stay true and stay safe love you boy" he smiled.
(Flashback ended)
That was the last time I would see him alive. I choke up a little thinking back but I'm proud and happy to be close to an old dream of mine. I may not be a superhero but close enough. I just wish I had someone in the crowds like everyone else someone to take my picture to hug me and congratulate me. I wish my parents could see me. I wish Dan was here. would he be proud. but it's ok I'll make sure future generations will be able to have a family to congratulate them by helping to stop the bad I just hope I'll be Half the police officer he was.
Officer Garfield logan I here clapping and cheers I salute and take my graduation certificate in my left hand and we all take the policemen's oath for the last time.
ladies and gentlemen honoured guest the graduating class of 174
we all raze are right hand.
(I do solemnly swear that I will be alert and vigilant to enforce the criminal laws of this State that I will not be influenced in any matter on account of personal bias or prejudice that I will faithfully and impartially execute the duties of my office as a law enforcement officer according to the best of my skill, abilities, and judgment; so help me, God.")
Tomorrow I report to my duty station I'm assigned to jump cities 4th division 3ed precinct I hope to make you proud Dan