That's professor-officer gary to you, pal

I know I haven't been posting very frequently on my blog lately but I've vowed to make a better effort. I was sent to a hospital last week to check up on some painters who fell off a high scaffolding unit. One of the workers was okay but the other was in critical condition and not expected to live. After the detective arrived to take over, I swung by my old employer to check in on my fellow ex-coworkers.

I had not been back to the corporate cubicle world for over two years but it seemed just like yesterday when I walked in. I think they were shocked to see me drop in unexpectantly in my uniform. I received a very warm welcome and felt a bit nostalgic. Many of them mentioned their appreciation for my blog and asked why I hadn't updated it lately. I guess I'm getting used to the job cause most of my nights seem unworthy of a blog entry. My wife and friends, however, still seem anxious to hear my stories (even the ones I think are boring).

With this boost of encouragement from my former coworkers, I'll make a better effort to update the blog more regularly.

GENERAL INSTRUCTOR
My two year anniversary from academy graduation arrived and I was finally able to take the state certified 'General Instructor' course. This 40 hour course is required in order to teach the multitude of specialized courses to others (like firearms, driving, defensive tactics, etc.)

The class was made up mostly of officers from different agencies with a few civilians. We were required to get up in front of the class and give a 2 minute impromptu speech about ourselves. Most of us did okay but a few speakers were terrified. It's ironic we've entered a career steeped with moments of terror, panic, and fear and willingly run TOWARDS gunfire but have trouble talking in front of 15 peers.

The class gradually built up our speaking abilities and climaxed with a 20 minute presentation on the final day. I used my prior knowledge of finance to talk about participating in our employer retirement plan. I think I successfully scared enough of them into signing up for the plan later that day.

I felt sorry for the instructor as he had to listen to presentation after presentation of motorcycles, ATV's, guns, ammunition, and fishing. He's been doing this for about 15 years and must have heard these topics a million times.

Now that I've completed the class, I'm certified to teach at the academy. It's hard to believe I'm eligible to be an instructor at the same academy I feel like I just left.