Change #1: 16 Nov -- added "A Side-Note -- An Opinion about Our Unknowable Good Acts," at the very bottom
The Pittsburg, CA Police Department's
2014 Swearing-In & Awards Ceremony
It is important to our future for Civic Mentor to keep helping to stimulate public awareness and interest in the magic that goes on within the machinery of government, every day. I, myself, am still on a great and rewarding journey of discovery -- and I mean to share what I encounter.
1. Starting Point:
On Tuesday, 12 November 2014, at City Hall, Council Chambers, the Pittsburg Police Department conducted its annual, public ceremony to recognize and celebrate exemplary performance of duty -- under the direction of Police Chief Brian Addington, in order:
- to swear-in four brand new officers and
- to recognize special achievements of 56 sworn officers and the Department's Civilian of the Year and,
- to render a general and sincere salute to the superlative Department, as a whole.
I CAN'T SEE ANYONE COMING AWAY FROM THIS, NOT FEELING RE-ENERGIZED, EXTREMELY FORTUNATE, AND PROUD OF THE FINE HUMANS WHO CARE ENOUGH, AND ARE COURAGEOUS AND SKILLED ENOUGH, TO DO THIS ARDUOUS, RISKY, CRUCIAL THING FOR US -- and do it so well!
2. Purpose of this Bulletin
ASSUMPTION: I think it is a safe bet that many more fellow residents would have attended this inspiring, fascinating, and uplifting event had they known about it, understood its amazing civic power, and/or could have arranged their affairs to attend. Most of us well understand what an incredibly successful Police Department we have and surely feel deep gratitude and respect -- which would have been cheerfully shown, in person -- were circumstances different.
THEREFORE: This bulletin tries to describe (and interpret) the event, at least a little, so we can all savor (and remember) at least the stunning fact that such a huge number of these trusted public employees deserved special recognition for exemplary service -- and at least consider deeper meanings perceived. Our Department is a busy and supremely effective one and it's of immense value to review a small but highly significant portion of what they do for us, through the year -- every hour, minute, and second.
CONTENT: To fulfill the stated purpose, you will find, below:
- My after-action summary which offers a narrative, describing the experience as best I can.
- A post-event statement from City Council Member Ben Johnson
- Mr. Johnson, being an avid photographic-recorder of the City's unfolding history, has placed a fine array of event-photos in his Facebook album (click here) -- WHICH INCLUDES MANY OTHER PITTSBURG EVENTS HE HAS DILIGENTLY RECORDED FOR US, AS WELL.
- Mr. Johnson also digitized and posted on Facebook a facsimile of the printed program hand-out, replicated separately (click here), which includes a list of honored officers, organized by awards received.
Thank you, Council Member Johnson!
It is so very impressive to note that, once again, a number of officers received MULTIPLE awards. Repetition is a wonderful way to burn someone into your memory -- and to see one achievement after another covering single specific officers in glory -- is a most inspiring memory, indeed.
3. An After-Action Summary
First, let me confess that the accuracy of this report is tempered by an aging memory and awkward note-taking conditions -- I'll try to do much better, next year -- AND IMMEDIATELY, AS ANY ERRORS OR OMISSIONS BECOME KNOWN TO ME.
That means that the sequence and details are my best approximation of memory. BUT I DO KNOW I have expressed how I felt and feel, with honest sincerity. And, as in all my bulletins, I try to keep polishing as new information or corrections come to light -- welcoming all the help I can get -- and indicating any significant changes, by revision number, up in the title.
3.1 THE SETTING
Our modern, attractive, hallowed Council Chamber had extra chairs out into the foyer. The large audience seemed only slightly smaller than last year, but no less enthusiastic -- comprised of proud families and friends of the honorees, numerous brother and sister and senior officers, City officials and staff, and other friends and supporters of the Department.
3.2 GETTING STARTED
The Award-winning Police Color Guard, in smart uniforms and perfect military demeanor, "trooped the colors" forward, from behind the Council podium, as the audience stood and saluted the national ensign and the State and Departmental Flags -- followed by our singing of the national anthem, led by a lovely singer, whose name I don't yet have, but will endeavor to get. Considering what such a procedure does to ennoble such an occasion and to the feelings of those who experience it, it is small wonder that such has gone on long before us and will likely continue long after, down the generations, till then very end.
It should be noted that, affixed to the Departmental standard are three "battle streamers" emblazoned with the names of Pittsburg's three fallen officers: Officer John Joseph Buckley, Inspector Raymond Joseph Giacomelli, and Officer Larry Elwood Lasater, Jr.
This special tradition was created, before our very eyes, at last year's awards ceremony. Much more is told about their ULTIMATE sacrifices through links contained in the Civic Mentor bulletin, entitled "THE POLICE: Heroism and the Last Full Measure of Devotion" (click here), published in honor of Police Memorial Day 2013.
The immaculate Sergeant-in-Charge (I regretfully missed his name) then smartly dismissed the color guard and turned the ceremony over to Chief Addington.
I. THE SWEARING-IN CEREMONY
There was no such swearing-in last year (no new officers in time), and so I was at first curious, then thrilled, by this awesome addition -- which I had never seen.
*As he took the podium, Chief Addington recognized the 10 November 1775 birthday of the U.S. Marine Corps (click here) and then, immediately called forward the four new officers about to be sworn-in. Four male officers, this time.
3.4 THE NEW OFFICERS
And what fine, impressive young men they are. Perfectly erect and correct in their immaculate, deep blue "Class A" uniforms. Clearly filled with the power of a strong sense of purpose.
Three of the four inductees were classmates in the Academy and sat near the front of their class during their graduations -- an indication of superior performance during training, the Chief pointed out. The other, Officer Spires (whose sister is also on the force and who pinned his badge) had graduated a couple of months earlier, also having achieved distinction.
Taking them one-by-one, the Chief gave brief bio's -- which pointed out their impressive academic and professional training and other diligent preparations and dreams that got them to this day.
Each new officer made a concise, manly, and moving statement describing why they have entered this crucial field and their high purposes for doing so in Pittsburg -- sharing their basic hopes and dreams. I found myself thinking, "WOW," constantly. Every statement revealed inspiringly high-levels of intellect, maturity, optimism, and a burning determination to serve the public good. It was such a fine thing to witness and remember. How lucky we are in the quality of the extraordinary human beings who are already doing this work and their ability to attract yet others of like quality. Lucky, lucky us.
3.5 A MOST MAGNIFICENT OATH OF OFFICE
What a beautiful, stirring oath. Never heard one quite like it. Because of its great significance, it is published as a separate Civic Mentor bulletin (please click here). Everyone should read this masterpiece. It starts with the most solemn promise to uphold the Constitution -- which, with mostly minor variations, all public officials and military personnel must take on entry to public office...
But, then it continues on to express special qualities demanded of Police Officers. What an enlightening experience to hear their willing commitment precisely spelled out in this way! Please watch for the oath when it is published. I, too, want to read it through, line-by-line -- again and again. It's fantastic -- and I had no idea it would be.
Standing in front of the row of inductees, calling for the right hands to be raised, the Chief read that beautiful, solemn oath -- in a deeply touching, profound scene. A special scene which these officers will remember all their lives -- as will surely be the case for any who were privileged to be present -- I can't imagine any witness not being deeply moved.
3.6 PINNING-ON OF BADGES
The audience was clearly amused when the Chief quipped that:
The audience was clearly amused when the Chief quipped that:
"Well, we gave them their bullets this morning. Now it's time for the badges."
THE FINAL STEP TO TRANSCENDENCE. The Chief explained that this pinning-on is a singular honor which the new officer has bestowed on someone of special significance to him -- namely, the honor of being chosen to be the very last human to ever touch this former civilian and to be the very first to touch this brand new officer (my paraphrasing, I believe). It so happens that the Chief, himself was one of those so-honored. The other officers selected a family member or special friend -- and the work was done. The next instant, before us stood a brand new police officer, with a bright, golden, 7-pointed star adorning his uniform and establishing and declaring his authority for all to see -- until there were four.
The stunning transformation. It may have been my imagination but I am certain that I sensed a perceptible change -- when the weight of authority was added to their uniforms and into their souls. Almost as if a switch had been clicked. I actually saw and felt the magical, transcendent moment when hope-filled inductees became real officers, instantly -- as if one door loudly slammed shut and another opened. And, that too was an electrifying thrill I would not have wanted to miss -- which I feel deeply privileged to have seen, at least once in this life -- and which I shall never, ever forget.
The enthusiastic applause indicated strong public approval of the Department's most recent injection of highest quality into its ranks.
II. THE AWARDS CEREMONY
3.7 OVERVIEW
The Chief conducted this second part of the occasion in the following sequence. THE ACTUAL RECIPIENTS ARE IDENTIFIED IN A SEPARATE BULLETIN (click here) .
THE PERMANENT CIVIC MENTOR BLOG-RECORD: Once this "rough" bulletin becomes stabilized on this blog, following any Departmental review and advice, a copy of the smooth will become permanently posted and accessible on the CMCPPS blog, along with any other available supporting documentation.
ALL AWARDS TO SWORN OFFICERS ARE MILITARY-STYLE WEARABLE RIBBONS (or other wearable devices): Here is a link to the CMCPPS blog's color-copy of the DEPARTMENTAL AWARDS CHART (click here), showing what the ACTUAL awards look like, as worn on the officers' uniforms, so all can know of the officers' important achievements -- at least the publicly-recognized ones -- this last point has given me pause to again notice a few things about this life-aspect and offer a side-observation (at the end of this report).
LIST OF AWARDS IN ORDER PRESENTED
Here is a link to the blogged copy of THE DEPARTMENT'S AWARD REGULATIONS
which Define and Explain the Awards (click here)
Here is a link to the blogged copy of THE DEPARTMENT'S AWARD REGULATIONS
which Define and Explain the Awards (click here)
Physical Fitness Award
Auto Theft Award
Distinguished Service Award
Chief's Commendation Award
Fire-Arm Enforcement Award
Life-Saving Award
Meritorious Conduct Award
Civilian Employee of the Year Award
Sworn Employee of the Year Award
3.8 PRESENTATION
For each award, the Chief called forth the recipients -- individually and in appropriate groupings -- and in several thrilling cases, repeatedly. Such marvelous compounding of achievements is a electrifying thing to witness. This very thing happened last year, as well -- and heaps even more luster on the Department and its members -- even beyond all due recognition and esteem for the exemplary individual accomplishments that generated the multiple awards -- and, indeed, the single ones, as well.
That 2013 Ceremony is documented on the Civic Mentor / City-Level / Pittsburg, CA / Police Services (CMCPPS) Bulletin Board (blog) (click here).
For each individual and group, the Chief described his high opinion and detailed the exploits which merited such special recognition. To hear the individual stories that brought these men and women before us was absolutely spell-binding, without exception -- far better than any movie drama, for these were really OUR stories. Oh, very well done, officers!!!
Here is a broad summary. If possible, the specific citations will also be posted, as soon as feasible:
Here is a broad summary. If possible, the specific citations will also be posted, as soon as feasible:
Incredible feats of physical strength and endurance; defeat of costly auto-crimes in cooperation with the CHP; subtraction of significant quantities of the deadliest of weapons from our midst and from evil hands; brilliant detective-work that promptly closed difficult cases; great, unselfish acts of human compassion -- skillfully executed; incredibly efficient searches, apprehensions and arrests; heroic life-saving interventions; stunning quick-thinking; willingness and capacity to tirelessly comb through huge masses of data and successfully discover crucial crime-solving clues; off-duty professionalism and devotion in other jurisdictions; and a broad range of other circumstances in which admirable professionalism was shown.
And, then the ceremony was closed with the retiring of the colors by that magnificent Police Honor Guard; an exhilarated and refreshed audience broken into smiles and hand-shakes and back-pats and happy side-conversations; posings for proud photographers -- all gradually dwindling until the Chamber was again vacant, to silently await the next exercise of the society's democratic forms and awesome privileges -- so as to insure that the well-being and betterment of a fine American city continues to be nurtured, advanced, and PROTECTED.
And so, for me, the drama of the City life-experience took on a far deeper significance than ever -- forever.
4. From Council Member Johnson:
"Today the Pittsburg Police Department Swore in four new officers and gave many well deserved awards to deserving officers for Safety, Service, and Honor (below is a copy of the program).Thank You to all recipients -- well deserved!Ben Johnson"
Link to: Council Member Ben Johnson's Pittsburg Photo Album on Facebook (click here)
The digitized event program is published, separately, for technical reasons, in the bulletin, entitled: "PRINTED EVENT PROGRAM: Pittsburg Police 2014 Swearing-in & Awards"
"Uncommon valor was a common virtue."
David Nelson
16 Nov 14
A Side-Note -- An Opinion about Our Unknowable Good Acts
The thought of "the unrecognized good act" came to mind when I was thinking about all the righteous acts that pass by, unnoticed, because it is impossible to recognize them all. The Chief even mentioned one that almost slipped "below the radar screen," because it happened in another jurisdiction, during a fine officer's off-duty time. Which got me thinking something I had come to believe over the years -- and couldn't resist noting, in light of this "Civic Mentor project" and this perfect opportunity:
There are, without the slightest doubt, phenomenal, unselfish, good acts, brought into our world every day -- by sheer force of character -- such as manifested by individuals and concentrations of them, who constitute vital social entities (like the public policing organizations) -- and even less crucial ones -- that unite around high common purposes -- purposes which can make heavy demands that so many others can never, ever know about or understand -- precisely or completely, if at all. And few purposes are ever higher than protecting the innocent (and, in America, protecting the guilty, as well); salvaging the salvageable; and bringing justice and succor to the victims of life's worst features.
UNKNOWABLE. That is just the way of life and good acts -- usually knowable only to ourselves or very few. You do them because that's who you are or who you've turned yourself into. You do them, because you have no choice you can live with -- and so, the world changes for the better -- because you were born into it and were nurtured and shaped by your particular circumstances -- to become the unique YOU -- a YOU that prizes good over evil -- and tries to act upon this sentiment, consistently.
ALAS, NONE OF US CAN EVER GET TO SEE how far our good acts ripple out from us to favorably influence the entire "great human chain-reaction" which interconnects us with the very FIRST humans and with the very LAST -- and with everyone in between -- and which makes the universe even more remarkable. And most others are unlikely to ever discover the total cause of their resulting good fortune -- nor our contribution to it. Our every act or omission continues on far beyond the horizons of our senses -- even beyond our life-spans -- bettering things as they go (just as do our bad acts worsen things) -- long after we had forgotten we so-acted or restrained ourselves, righteously. And the world becomes blessed because you existed (or, in the negative case, worsens).
Though the world may never even begin to realize all you've done for it... at least YOU know you are worthy of thanks, and would have received your due, if life worked differently. At least YOU know what you've done or refrained from doing. In this life, good acts usually have to be their own reward, and are sufficient, in and of themselves -- if you choose to look at it that way -- and understand that you are not going it alone in valuing what is right and true -- and that this all means something crucial in the supremely serious "game of life" we are privileged to play.
And the world is changing. It, too, has no choice, because of the TOTALITY of circumstance that shapes it, as it shapes each of us.
In the human aspect, humankind continues to mature in reasonable health -- thanks, in large part, to the stepping-stones of historic experience we've inherited and are building upon.
And because of our anonymous (as well as our famous) good and unselfish acts, we give the whole human condition deeper meaning and higher hopes for the better days that will surely come, once we mature enough to transcend our former natures and become something entirely different -- something superior to what we were.
And this is ALSO largely THANKS to the individuals, social entities, and collective wisdom we've built-up to give ourselves our most decent chance to survive, better ourselves, and be well -- like our police forces and the type of society from which they emerge to serve -- and to the type of righteous person who is drawn toward the good -- in all fields of endeavor.
DN
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