He didn't want to make a big speech, he didn't want to stand for too long - but he'd been thinking about what he was going to say and for once, the man who usually had all the words - didn't quite know to say what he wanted to say.
"When I started out at SRU" No, he wasn't going to go further back than the SRU "I wanted to help people - I wanted to help people through the darkest moments in their lives, like a little girl helped me" It was one of those things that only a few people would understand "Looking back I know I couldn't have done it alone, couldn't have done it without my team. My heart" he gave a small smile as Jules met his eyes "We walk through doors together, we have each other's back" he was using similar words to that which he had spoken on the day of Faber's assault and each team member knew it "The job does things to you, breaks you down and pushes you to your limit" he looked to Eddie as he continued to speak "But we help each other through it, I'm honoured to call Team one my family"
Greg spoke about how much the team had been through together, how they'd all stayed together even through the darkest moments. How they'd succeeded and how much the SRU, the police force - made a difference - in a way his words were not only a tribute to his team but to all Law Enforcement and other service personnel.
Then he took a breath, he wasn't looking forward to it but lessons he had learned and taught and advised included speaking about what hurts.
"Like Jules said, we have to remember the good things - we have to find the one good thing and hold on to it in all the chaos around us, that day we lost many" Greg had to take a breath, and steadied himself, gripping the stand tightly as he met the eyes of the watching audience "many good people⦠but we stood together, united, as a city" Greg looked over to the team "None of us knew what we were about to face, none of us knew what to expect, but on this job - we could face anything, and you guys? You all faced it and it was the hardest day we'd ever faced - we did it together, and I'm proud of you" Greg went on to pay tribute to SRU team members, past and present - those who had died specifically Donna.
Then he looked to Marina and Dean "I never thought I'd see my son again, I never thought I'd have a family - I am so proud and humbled to have a second chance, a chance to be a father and husband again" he gave a weak smile "That for me is the greatest gift I could ever have, and I love you both - so much"
Greg took a deep breath and exhaled, waiting a moment he calmed himself.
Then came the announcement "I am proud to know that Team One will be in the capable hands of Sergeant Ed Lane, and Team Three will be led by Sergeant Sam Braddock" he offered a smile, it was no secret to them but it was still nice to hear it aloud as the two Sergeants shared a look.
"I want you all to remember, allow it to hurt, allow it to help you grow - Don't be afraid to take the next step, but don't hide from your feelings. Stay together and stay strong, and Connect Respect, Protect - always".
As Greg finished he felt his leg give way but just as he slipped Holleran grabbed him stopping him from falling "Come on" He said gently as he helped Greg to the steps - as Greg passed his team he could see the tears in their eyes.
Eddie and Wordy rose and approached to help Greg down, Holleran took the mic again "Now, the food is ready so. Help yourselves" Spike pressed play on the remote and music began to play.
As the memory began to fade away Greg suddenly became aware of someone knocking on the door "Sergeant Parker?, sir?" A young cadet, crew cut hair and of a sturdy build, stood at the door hesitantly watching him as he waited "Are you alright sir?"
Greg mentally chided himself for his lapse in focus, how long had he been lost in his thoughts? "Yes?" he answered hurriedly "Sorry"
The cadet smiled "I'm Cadet Myles, Wanted to come say hi, I'm going to be in your class sir" He smiled.
Firstly, the height advantage bothered him, secondly, the distance "Come in here" Greg beckoned "Come up" no way was Greg going to bother trying to get down those steps for just a short time.
Myles crossed the room and grabbing a chair from one of the desks he carried it up and placed it down near Greg - Sitting himself down on it, placing his backpack on the floor, now that they were closer Greg felt more at ease "You new here?" he asked
Myles shook his head "No sir, was here last year but had to take time out" a beat "They let me restart this year once I was better" he said weakly.
If Greg wasn't such a good people reader he'd have missed the look in the boy's eyes but he was and he hadn't missed that look "You interested in negotiation?" he asked gently - automatically not pressing him. It was obvious to Greg but he wanted Myles to offer the information himself.
"Yes sir, after last year - I" Myles shrugged "I always wanted to be a cop since I was a kid, my dad was a cop too and my mom, but I didn't know where I wanted to be" a small smile crossed his lips "Until I heard you, then I knew where I wanted to be"
Greg had to admit, someone telling him that hit hard - he gave a nod, before he could speak however, there is another knock on the door and Dean entered with Clark "Hey, we're going to class but we figured we'd come say Hi" Dean said approaching "Hey Myles"
Myles stood "Hey Dean" he looked to Greg "I'll see you tomorrow then sir?" he asked and Greg nodded "And call me Sarge" he added and Myles nodded picking up his backpack "Sarge" he jogged down the steps and exited. Greg watched him carefully, thoughts began to swirl in his mind
Watching him exit Dean turned back to look up at Greg "Dad?"
Greg looked to Dean "You know him?"
Dean nodded "Everyone knows him, he was at my school. He was supposed to start last year here but after the bombings he had to take time out" sighing Greg nodded "You guys better get to class - We'll talk later"
Dean nodded "Sure, see ya" Dean and Clark exited leaving Greg alone once more - Oh it would be a long day.
