COTTINGHAM: Ride along with police officer
a team. They didn’t miss a thing. Our K-9 and his handler Officer John Hicks, were on the scene and discovered additional hidden drugs which only a keen nose could locate. I just stood in awe of how efficient they were and the handling of the subjects apprehended. They were never discourteous to them, but very firm and professional in getting the information they needed without violating their rights in the process.
Visiting with Sgt. Lisenbee, I discovered that he had quite an extensive law enforcement background and knew things about the drug culture I had no idea even existed. He is a very talented and educated professional officer, a wealth of information as well as personable.
Back at the station, I watched as he and Lt. Eric Lyle processed and filed all the evidence from the raid. It was quite an extensive and tedious procedure. The reports were still to be written and I was out of time for this shift. I had the pleasure of visiting with Lt. Lyle and the other officers before I left and was impressed at the education, experience, dedication and devotion they have towards the safety of our residents and law enforcement of our ever growing city. They do a job very few of us could even attempt let alone master as these officers have. Modest as they all are, I am grateful that I had the opportunity and privilege to spend this fraction of time to know a few of them and their job a little better. It was an eye opener.
I look forward to more opportunities to know more about our officers and their responsibilities in the near future. I encourage other City Council members to join me in this endeavor to educate us all in their job functions, capabilities, needs, and future planning.
Our world and environment is an ever changing, and our law enforcement needs our full and total support. We are blessed with some very talented and diversified professionals on our police force, and I am personally and professionally very thankful for each and every one of them.
My thanks to Sgt. Lisenbee, Capt. Olson, Lt. Lyle, Officers Lira, Hicks and Napo, for a very educational, informative and safe “average” evening ride along. A very special thank you to Police Chief Walker for allowing me the opportunity to see first hand a portion of your command in action.