I’ve got to get more creative in the way I title my blogs. How boring is “Month 1”? As soon as I wrote it down I was going to change it but I thought I would have more fun with a rant about the boring title so I left it that way. Probably the better title would be, “What Did I
Get Myself Into?!”
I remember years ago when I interviewed for a Chief’s job and they asked me what I would do first. I said that I would sit on my hands for a few months before I did anything. I promised myself that I would do that now too. I broke my promise. Maybe I should have known that I couldn’t sit still that long and those of you reading probably knew that better than I did.
I’ve already made a few tweaks but there’s about a hundred little things that I’ve got in que to change. I want to change things that I don’t even know how to change. The hardest thing might be setting some of those things aside until I’ve gotten through some priority items first. Of course I’ll be agonizing over prioritizing.
Spent some time on “the project” every day this week but my tolerance for time spent on the project is waning. I’m more than half way through the first part but it’s only one part and one of the smaller parts. When I need a break I just move over to the last file drawers in my office and go through looking for things to throw out.
I was in my file cabinet clean out mode and one day found some files from ‘82 but the file that blew me away was finding a stand up folder with a manilla folder with a single piece of paper that was a copy of a magazine ad. Doesn’t take too long for that to weary one’s mind and then I go try and find something else to do, like get a cup of coffee and check the mail.
Tuesday was the department meeting. I spent a lot of time trying to get ready but I still thought I could have done better with my presentation, kinda like my interview for this job. :-) I think it went well but I’m sure some walked away with questions about what it’s going to be like working with me. I know that it’s all about developing relationships but I some of that is going to be hard because of schedules. I’ve just got to give it time. After the meeting there were three other “meetings” and i got home late.
If I didn’t have enough going I decided to take on a high school career intern. I love the energy that people have at the beginning of any endeavor, especially career wise, and I want to encourage them any chance I can. The problem is that I see I have work to do to make this a positive experience for the student and the officers. Prioritize Squiers!
Tuesday’s late night is catching up now and I’m tired Thursday. A day when i didn’t feel like I accomplished much. I did continue to work on the project and the clean up but I was running low on gas. I’m going to have to hire some more part time officers but I just don’t know how or when. More work.
For the record though, I’m staying. A little hard work never hurt me although a lot of hard work will probably leave me face down on my bed bawling like a baby. Just kidding. I’m still excited to prove to myself that I can make it work. More later.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Week 3
Week 3
The week started with with the realization that I was already into a routine. The first thing is a change in routine. I actually arrive EARLY for work and not just 30 seconds. I’m sure part of it is the later start to my day and the shorter commute but I finally followed Dena’s persistent suggestion (not nagging mind you) that I make a habit of arriving early. (She’s right but don’t tell her.)
I’m learning my morning tasks but still forget to get the mail till after lunch sometimes but most of the day is open so I keep spending most of my time working on the rules and regulations manual. Now that’s another subject altogether.
Should it be called rules and regulations or policy and procedures or general orders and what difference does it make? I don’t know but I’ve changed my mind twice on just that issue. Poo!
Tuesday I decided that I would get in uniform and into a patrol car and explore the city a little. I’m lucky I didn’t have to find my own way to a call. I’ve got a lot to learn there too. I did go on one call and seemed to slip through a space portal to Owosso. I guess people are the same everywhere.
Wednesday morning when I walked in the office I saw three “used” stop sticks on the desk. There was a sudden swirl of thoughts in my head. “What questions should I ask?” “What questions will I have to answer?” and “So this is what it like be be the one responsible.” I used to get an adrenaline rush when heading to an exciting call, the anticipation of danger, dream of success, your heart racing created a thrill... and this was nothing like that. It was more like that moment you see the deer running toward the front of your car. Actually it was okay.
There was a chase of a stolen car on US-31 that came northbound in the southbound lane and Sgt. Morris and Officer Kozal used the stop sticks to help end the chase. The bad part is that somehow TV13 thought it was enough to put a sound bite of mine in their story which means I’m supposed to buy lunch for everyone in City Hall. I think I was set up.
I spent most of the rest of Wednesday in front of the computer working on “the project” and for all that time I didn’t feel like I got anything done. Thursday wasn’t much better. It seemed like it took a hour to type one sentence. (Maybe it did.) I really hate the feeling that you didn’t get anything done all day.
Friday was little better but just as I got started moving forward I ran into Microsoft. Oh, you all know what I’m talking about. I’m typing along and suddenly Word decides to reformat the whole document then by the time I got it straightened out my blood pressure meds were totally wasted. I made some headway but it’s gonna be a long road.
Have I mentioned that there’s a lot of snow here. When there was about 14 inches of snow I put a yard stick by my patio chair so I could see exactly how much there was. Now there’s only a small part of the middle that’s visible. There’s over 18 inches of snow on the ground. Is it summer yet?
The week started with with the realization that I was already into a routine. The first thing is a change in routine. I actually arrive EARLY for work and not just 30 seconds. I’m sure part of it is the later start to my day and the shorter commute but I finally followed Dena’s persistent suggestion (not nagging mind you) that I make a habit of arriving early. (She’s right but don’t tell her.)
I’m learning my morning tasks but still forget to get the mail till after lunch sometimes but most of the day is open so I keep spending most of my time working on the rules and regulations manual. Now that’s another subject altogether.
Should it be called rules and regulations or policy and procedures or general orders and what difference does it make? I don’t know but I’ve changed my mind twice on just that issue. Poo!
Tuesday I decided that I would get in uniform and into a patrol car and explore the city a little. I’m lucky I didn’t have to find my own way to a call. I’ve got a lot to learn there too. I did go on one call and seemed to slip through a space portal to Owosso. I guess people are the same everywhere.
Wednesday morning when I walked in the office I saw three “used” stop sticks on the desk. There was a sudden swirl of thoughts in my head. “What questions should I ask?” “What questions will I have to answer?” and “So this is what it like be be the one responsible.” I used to get an adrenaline rush when heading to an exciting call, the anticipation of danger, dream of success, your heart racing created a thrill... and this was nothing like that. It was more like that moment you see the deer running toward the front of your car. Actually it was okay.
There was a chase of a stolen car on US-31 that came northbound in the southbound lane and Sgt. Morris and Officer Kozal used the stop sticks to help end the chase. The bad part is that somehow TV13 thought it was enough to put a sound bite of mine in their story which means I’m supposed to buy lunch for everyone in City Hall. I think I was set up.
I spent most of the rest of Wednesday in front of the computer working on “the project” and for all that time I didn’t feel like I got anything done. Thursday wasn’t much better. It seemed like it took a hour to type one sentence. (Maybe it did.) I really hate the feeling that you didn’t get anything done all day.
Friday was little better but just as I got started moving forward I ran into Microsoft. Oh, you all know what I’m talking about. I’m typing along and suddenly Word decides to reformat the whole document then by the time I got it straightened out my blood pressure meds were totally wasted. I made some headway but it’s gonna be a long road.
Have I mentioned that there’s a lot of snow here. When there was about 14 inches of snow I put a yard stick by my patio chair so I could see exactly how much there was. Now there’s only a small part of the middle that’s visible. There’s over 18 inches of snow on the ground. Is it summer yet?
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Week 2
Another good week but during the week I talked to a friend from NA (National Academy) who is a police chief in Florida. When I talked about how things were going he reminded me that there is a honeymoon period and things would change. How did he know?
The week started with more to learn as Brandon (the Lt.) gave me a quick lesson on payroll. I got a package of model policies from the insurance company to begin my work on a new policy book. I found 3 CDs of documents along with some booklets. Do you know how many documents there are on 3 CDs!!?? Crazy! So I’ve got a LOT of work to do to.
We did get a good taste of lake effect snow. Nearly every morning there was a new accumulation of light fluffy snow. It is kinda pretty and there’s at least a foot of snow on our patio table now. I really miss my garage now that I have to go out and brush and scrape in the morning. Everyone around here seems to know how to deal with it though because there are almost zero weather related accidents.
Tuesday the multiplicity of tasks and decisions that come with the job began to take hold. Work schedules, meetings, training... and the first decision is deciding what decision to make first. Matt and Krista were both here and came to visit. For some reason at 26 and 23 they weren’t as impressed with a police station as they were at 6 and 3. :-)
Had my first City Council meeting Tuesday night but it was short, sweet and nobody complained about me yet. After that meeting I spent some met with the patrol sergeant to talk since our paths would never cross otherwise.
Early Wednesday morning was the countywide chiefs meeting where once again I felt like I was getting to sit at the adult table. I don’t know why, but I expected there would be more weighty issues in the larger Muskegon area but the issues are really the same everywhere. It also that on Wednesday I was busy all day but didn’t get anything done. I hate days like that.
Thursday I worked on just trying to create a layout for the policy book and that only made the task seem larger. As I would write something down a new thought would pop in my head about another area that would need a policy. It was easier when the thoughts that would pop into my head were about the cookies I had hidden in my desk drawer.
Friday was a good day but it was also a day when the decisions from the rest of the week came back and whispered in my ear, “You didn’t think about that part, did you?” then laughed maniacally at me. It’s a good thing people don’t know what goes on in my head. Oops. I just told you didn’t I? I’ll take the lessons from this week and do better next week.
Either way the shine isn’t wearing off and there’s still a big smile on my face. I can see that there will be some more difficult days ahead but I knew that all along. I just have to remember why I’m here, who I really work for and what I have to do and everything will be just fine.
On a more personal note; Linda and Tony came for a weekend visit and we had a really good time with them. We had fun checking out the town, going to dinner, talking and playing games. I also have to say that Dena was right.
Dena thought the microwave didn’t work right but we had bought it while Matt was still a baby so it was only 25 years old so “What could be wrong with it?” I said. Friday night Dena burned a bag of popcorn so Linda and Tony insisted on buying a new microwave as a house warming gift. When Dena made a bag of popcorn this time it was perfect. I guess we needed a new microwave. Thanks Linda & Tony!
The week started with more to learn as Brandon (the Lt.) gave me a quick lesson on payroll. I got a package of model policies from the insurance company to begin my work on a new policy book. I found 3 CDs of documents along with some booklets. Do you know how many documents there are on 3 CDs!!?? Crazy! So I’ve got a LOT of work to do to.
We did get a good taste of lake effect snow. Nearly every morning there was a new accumulation of light fluffy snow. It is kinda pretty and there’s at least a foot of snow on our patio table now. I really miss my garage now that I have to go out and brush and scrape in the morning. Everyone around here seems to know how to deal with it though because there are almost zero weather related accidents.
Tuesday the multiplicity of tasks and decisions that come with the job began to take hold. Work schedules, meetings, training... and the first decision is deciding what decision to make first. Matt and Krista were both here and came to visit. For some reason at 26 and 23 they weren’t as impressed with a police station as they were at 6 and 3. :-)
Had my first City Council meeting Tuesday night but it was short, sweet and nobody complained about me yet. After that meeting I spent some met with the patrol sergeant to talk since our paths would never cross otherwise.
Early Wednesday morning was the countywide chiefs meeting where once again I felt like I was getting to sit at the adult table. I don’t know why, but I expected there would be more weighty issues in the larger Muskegon area but the issues are really the same everywhere. It also that on Wednesday I was busy all day but didn’t get anything done. I hate days like that.
Thursday I worked on just trying to create a layout for the policy book and that only made the task seem larger. As I would write something down a new thought would pop in my head about another area that would need a policy. It was easier when the thoughts that would pop into my head were about the cookies I had hidden in my desk drawer.
Friday was a good day but it was also a day when the decisions from the rest of the week came back and whispered in my ear, “You didn’t think about that part, did you?” then laughed maniacally at me. It’s a good thing people don’t know what goes on in my head. Oops. I just told you didn’t I? I’ll take the lessons from this week and do better next week.
Either way the shine isn’t wearing off and there’s still a big smile on my face. I can see that there will be some more difficult days ahead but I knew that all along. I just have to remember why I’m here, who I really work for and what I have to do and everything will be just fine.
On a more personal note; Linda and Tony came for a weekend visit and we had a really good time with them. We had fun checking out the town, going to dinner, talking and playing games. I also have to say that Dena was right.
Dena thought the microwave didn’t work right but we had bought it while Matt was still a baby so it was only 25 years old so “What could be wrong with it?” I said. Friday night Dena burned a bag of popcorn so Linda and Tony insisted on buying a new microwave as a house warming gift. When Dena made a bag of popcorn this time it was perfect. I guess we needed a new microwave. Thanks Linda & Tony!
Sunday, January 9, 2011
The First Week
The First Week
I’m tempted to say “I survived” but that would indicate that I was under duress and I wasn’t. Everyone here was kind and helpful and made me feel very welcome. I met so many people but I did a better than usual job of keeping up, and the world gets smaller. I went to the Muskegon Sheriff’s office and the receptionist graduated from Belding HS in ‘86 and somehow remembered me. 8-o
I’ve had morning break and lunch with “the guys” a few times this week. I also spent a few hours in a patrol car with a couple of them. They are a close knit group and are friends away from work as well and it seems like that enjoy their jobs and have a lot of fun. I invited myself to Wednesday basketball with them.
Travis (the school resource officer), Chris (dayshift patrol), Scott (City Manager), Bill and Brian (Central Dispatch) and Jason and Mike (Travis’s friends) were all there. We played in an elementary gym with 7’6” rims and a short court. I had a blast once I stopped being afraid of hitting my face on the rim.
Wednesday I went out and qualified at the range. There was about 8 inches of snow on the ground which made picking up my clips an adventure and forget about the brass. I did fine with the gun but I DO NOT like the holster I have. That will get fixed.
I’ve been settling into my office and putting things where I want them. (see photos) The biggest task has been going through the files in the office. I found some outdated files like the firearms standard from 1975 and a request from the State Police for information from 2005. I’ve also started looking at the budget to see if I can buy some things that I want for the PD like Tasers, and some RMS licenses. It’s a lot different now than just saying, “Hey Chief, I want ____,”
Tuesday we had a staff trivia contest. Scott made up the questions and the rest of City Hall staff had to answer. That included Pat (receptionist for PD and CH), Karen (City Clerk), Lori (Treasurer), Sandy (Deputy Treasurer) and Katie (Playhouse Manager). It was Bret Farve trivia and Katie is a big Green Bay fan but I won on the bonus question.
It really is an adjustment to move from the front lines to the back but I’m already excited about the challenges to come and ready for week 2. More later.
Monday, January 3, 2011
The First Day
I had a GREAT day! That's because I'm still so excited about having this opportunity. I wonder now how I might have responded if I had gotten that job 20 years ago in East Jordan. I'm sure that I appreciate this whole thing more than I would have back then.
Early this morning was my first "staff meeting" and it was like being at a family Thanksgiving and sitting at the adult table for the first time. I was just taking it all in. Then there was all that stuff of setting up the computer and e-mail and being sworn in. I think I asked "why" more than a 4 year old each time I learned something new.
Now that doesn't mean that there weren't a few challenges. There were so many things coming at me and so many things that are yet to come but I did my best to take it all in. It's amazing that the same problems can have such different approaches. I also used one of my former boss's advice, "Delegate, delegate, delegate". In a few weeks I'll have a better feel of things and start defining my role a little more.
Enjoyed lunch with the D/Lt., our SRO and our senior patrol officer. Good time talking and telling stories and I've seen them all go out of their way to make me comfortable.
My parents have been gone for some time now but this is the first time I really wished they were here. Mom and Dad were always so supportive and proud of all their children and they would have loved to see this day. It's been a long day and I was up really early so I'm ready for bed.
I'll work hard at keeping everyone up to date. More later.
Early this morning was my first "staff meeting" and it was like being at a family Thanksgiving and sitting at the adult table for the first time. I was just taking it all in. Then there was all that stuff of setting up the computer and e-mail and being sworn in. I think I asked "why" more than a 4 year old each time I learned something new.
Now that doesn't mean that there weren't a few challenges. There were so many things coming at me and so many things that are yet to come but I did my best to take it all in. It's amazing that the same problems can have such different approaches. I also used one of my former boss's advice, "Delegate, delegate, delegate". In a few weeks I'll have a better feel of things and start defining my role a little more.
Enjoyed lunch with the D/Lt., our SRO and our senior patrol officer. Good time talking and telling stories and I've seen them all go out of their way to make me comfortable.
My parents have been gone for some time now but this is the first time I really wished they were here. Mom and Dad were always so supportive and proud of all their children and they would have loved to see this day. It's been a long day and I was up really early so I'm ready for bed.
I'll work hard at keeping everyone up to date. More later.
Anticipation
Spent about 4 hours Sunday trying to settle into my new office. There are so many files that I'll have to go through but I've already thrown out a lot of outdated items. Found three guns in my desk drawers (revolvers no less). I can see that I'll have to spend some time after work to go through the stuff because I'm sure the day will be busy enough. It was an odd but good feeling as I finished and went through the mail. I'm beginning to feel like...a Chief.
I've been awake since 3:30 a.m. and couldn't get back to sleep so I read through some more of the ordinances, policies and budget. I kind of feel like the first day of kindergarten; lots of excitement that I'm finally going to do something special but a little scared that the whole thing will swallow me up and I'll never be seen again.
I'll go get myself ready now and I'll report on my first day later.
I've been awake since 3:30 a.m. and couldn't get back to sleep so I read through some more of the ordinances, policies and budget. I kind of feel like the first day of kindergarten; lots of excitement that I'm finally going to do something special but a little scared that the whole thing will swallow me up and I'll never be seen again.
I'll go get myself ready now and I'll report on my first day later.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
The Move
The last week of December was a furious pace.
SUNDAY: Our last regular Sunday at Bethel and I taught Sunday School, sang on the praise team, and did the morning sermon then went directly to the Martin Christmas gathering where I ended the day wrestling on the floor with my great nephews.
MONDAY: Worked a full shift but there wasn't too much to do. I closed my cases down to 1 so I wouldn't leave Rusty with a full basket and Monday night went out to dinner with Tom, Deb, Mick and Julie; part of the old-timers crew.
TUESDAY: My last day at Owosso PD. A little cake and punch at City Hall for my "retirement" and a few gifts from GREAT friends then took the second half of the day off. (I wasn't going to do anything anyway.)
I have been soooo excited about my move to Whitehall that I never felt hesitation or sadness about leaving Owosso and even felt a little guilty for not feeling sad. Owosso was a good place to work and there are a lot of good people and I've spend the majority of my career there but as I was picking up the last of my things before walking out for the last time I did have a moment of a few tears. Then I remembered I was leaving not to an end but to a beginning and the sadness went away almost as quickly as it came.
WEDNESDAY: Thank God for brother-in-laws! Durk and Tony came and spent the day packing trailers and trucks and boxes and we were able to get almost everything in that we wanted to take. Wednesday night was a get to gather at the FOP with the people that I've worked with. It was nice to see everyone and I stayed till 0200 talking with those that were hardy enough to stay.
THURSDAY: Moving day. Got started later than we hoped but moving things from the trailers to the apartment went well and then we hustled back to Owosso for a party with Dena's office. That was another good time with long time friends.
FRIDAY: Loaded the very last of our things into the van and Jeep and headed to Whitehall and officially moved. Actually it went pretty well as we settled in and put our things away but after all that Dena and I are pooped!! New Year's Eve and I fell asleep on the couch at 10:30 so we just went to bed.
SATURDAY: I actually slept till about 7:30, the first night all week I got a full night's rest. Every other night I would wake up in the middle of the night and there was so much on my mind that I couldn't get back to sleep. Dena and I will be leaving soon for a Squiers get together. Hopefully I'll get a chance to move some things into my office later today.
Roger
SUNDAY: Our last regular Sunday at Bethel and I taught Sunday School, sang on the praise team, and did the morning sermon then went directly to the Martin Christmas gathering where I ended the day wrestling on the floor with my great nephews.
MONDAY: Worked a full shift but there wasn't too much to do. I closed my cases down to 1 so I wouldn't leave Rusty with a full basket and Monday night went out to dinner with Tom, Deb, Mick and Julie; part of the old-timers crew.
TUESDAY: My last day at Owosso PD. A little cake and punch at City Hall for my "retirement" and a few gifts from GREAT friends then took the second half of the day off. (I wasn't going to do anything anyway.)
I have been soooo excited about my move to Whitehall that I never felt hesitation or sadness about leaving Owosso and even felt a little guilty for not feeling sad. Owosso was a good place to work and there are a lot of good people and I've spend the majority of my career there but as I was picking up the last of my things before walking out for the last time I did have a moment of a few tears. Then I remembered I was leaving not to an end but to a beginning and the sadness went away almost as quickly as it came.
WEDNESDAY: Thank God for brother-in-laws! Durk and Tony came and spent the day packing trailers and trucks and boxes and we were able to get almost everything in that we wanted to take. Wednesday night was a get to gather at the FOP with the people that I've worked with. It was nice to see everyone and I stayed till 0200 talking with those that were hardy enough to stay.
THURSDAY: Moving day. Got started later than we hoped but moving things from the trailers to the apartment went well and then we hustled back to Owosso for a party with Dena's office. That was another good time with long time friends.
FRIDAY: Loaded the very last of our things into the van and Jeep and headed to Whitehall and officially moved. Actually it went pretty well as we settled in and put our things away but after all that Dena and I are pooped!! New Year's Eve and I fell asleep on the couch at 10:30 so we just went to bed.
SATURDAY: I actually slept till about 7:30, the first night all week I got a full night's rest. Every other night I would wake up in the middle of the night and there was so much on my mind that I couldn't get back to sleep. Dena and I will be leaving soon for a Squiers get together. Hopefully I'll get a chance to move some things into my office later today.
Roger
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