Earlier this week I was the keynote speaker at an academy graduation in Southern California. While doing my research for the presentation, it occurred to me how sometimes we become so wrapped up in our careers that we tend to forget some of the things that we really enjoy about being a police officer. So with your indulgence I would like to share portions of my speech with you.

"Now I would like to address these remarks directly to class 135.

Why are you here? Why did you just spend 6 months of your valuable time socializing with the Recruit Training Officer's of the Academy staff?

NOW I HAVE QUESTIONS: Was it worth the many sleepless nights wondering if you made the right decision in choosing law enforcement as a career? Was it worth getting up at O-Dark 30 for your physical training and classes? Was it worth doing push-ups and pull-ups until you felt your arms were going to fall off? Was it worth giving up any social life you may have had prior to the academy?

Well you tell me, and let me hear it - WAS IT WORTH IT?

You bet it was. You demonstrated the TENACITY, INITIATIVE and GUTS in sticking it out during the hard times when you felt like there was really no tomorrow and all for what? For the PRIVILEGE of wearing this (pointing to the badge).

In the classroom we discussed issues regarding the tarnishing of the badge and you all know how passionate I am about our badge. I want to take a few minutes to reiterate what the badge stands for.

The badge that each of you are going to receive tonight is the culmination of all of your hard earned efforts. It is something you should be very, very proud of. But remember, it is a privilege. It is not a right. As you will recall, many candidates started out in this Academy; but only the strong remain.

Let me tell you a little bit about this badge. This is a symbol that is very special to law enforcement officers, and it is not something that we take lightly. The story behind the badge is that in ancient times when gladiators went off to their wars, they all carried a shield and used it for protection. Protection against the striking forces of evil, protection to save their bodies, to save their friends. With all the shields together, they could form barricades, which was another form of protection. If a warrior was hurt, the shield could be used as a stretcher to carry their warrior off the battlefield to safety.