The start of my 19th year in law enforcement. Things that have altered my brain chemistry... “How come the ambulance hasn’t left yet, is my baby breathing?” “I hope you get shot today.” “Counties asking for assistance, shots fired, officer down.” Things that have made me proud... “Officer Kate, I remember you from the schools! I just want to apologize to you for the way the way I treated you and other staff. I got a job and a place and I removed myself from bad situations...I’m doing really good.” Seeing a parent of a student during elections this past November, met by a warm hug and an update on all the kids’ lives. “Officer Kate, I remember you from the schools, will you hold my hand while they put this IV in?” “Officer Kate, I’m not sure if you remember me, but you saved my life.” While this wild ride is now on the downward slope to retirement {10.5 years to go, I’m not counting} I’m proud of the places I’ve been. I’m proud of the way I’ve treated and continue to treat people and I’m proud of the people I work with....even if they ask dispatch is the computers are still down.