Third Annual Police Memorial Motorcyle Ride – May 10, 2008

May 11 - 17 is designated National Police Week.  This is a time to remember those officers who have paid the ultimate price.  As a “Kick Off” to this important week a Third Annual Police Memorial Motorcycle Ride will be held in Palm Beach County.  The ride will be escorted by Police Motor Officers from various departments and consist of the following stops: 

• Jupiter Police Department
• Palm Beach Gardens Police Department
• PBSO District Nine at Royal Palm Beach
• Boca Raton Police Department
• Lantana Police Department

At each stop the names of Fallen Officers from that department will be read with a Memorial Prayer to follow.  At the Lantana Police Department a Full Memorial Service will be held at the Memorial Fountain.  Lantana will have their Color Guard set the pace for this service which will include bagpipes, 21 gun salute and helicopter fly-over.  Other departments will have opportunity to have a designated person read the names of their fallen officers.

Following the service there will be a Memorial Lunch in honor of the Fallen Officers.  All in all this will be a very inspirational day in which we remember those who have given all.  It is also a time of recognition of the Fallen Officers families.

 Any motorcycle rider may be involved simply by being at the Jupiter Police Department no later than 7:45 AM located on Military Trail just South of Indiantown Rd. in Jupiter. 

 Reservations are requested by calling or emailing Chaplain Jim Shackelford at 561-307-3361 or chaplainjimshackelford@yahoo.com

What’s it all about?

LAW ENFORCEMENT … that’s what it’s all about!  My tenure with the Ohio State Highway Patrol was before some of you were born.  Ever since I can remember I had a deep respect for law enforcement.  I’ve said it dozens of times and I firmly believe that being a “Good Cop” is a high calling of God.  When I say “Good Cop” it is more that writing tickets, competent report writing, in depth investigations, etc. …. it has to go deeper than that.  I am talking about the quality of the man or woman who is wearing the badge.  What’s inside the heart?  What about ethics and morality?  Someone once said, “Show me a man who does right when he’s all alone and no one is watching and I’ll show you a man of high character”.

We don’t have to be rocket scientist to realize our world in on a slippery slope.  All one has to do is listen to the news.  To the average “joe citizen” it may be just so many words but it will catch up to  them sooner or later.  To you and I who care deeply about our country, families, relationships, etc. it goes much deeper.  I have to admit I am deeply concerned about the good old USA.  I don’t like what I see in so many areas that touch our lives.   Isn’t it sad when we anticipate our  politicians to be caught in lies, corruption and immorality?  To tell you the truth I believe it is more sad when those in law enforcement are caught in lies, corruption and immorality.  I don’t believe for a moment that it has to be that way.  I believe in taking the “high road”.  Living a life that I don’t have to be ashamed of.  Not having to worry about being caught or found out.  Not having to tell one lie to cover another.  Being able to genuinely love and respect my wife and expect the same in return.

 In coming “Blogs” we will discuss all the above.  I’ll include articles from those who are experts in certain areas dealing with daily issues of law enforcement.   I’ll draw from many personal experiences that have impacted my life.  I’ll even use your input – that is if you give it.

I invite you to send in questions, comments, upcoming events, newsworthy articles, suggestions, etc.  If we can help one person in law enforcement to become a better, more proficient officer that can walk with their head held high and not have to wonder if they’ll get caught … I will be more than satisfied.  We will deal with inspiration, investigation, police jargon, police humor and all the above.

I’ll leave you with a John Maxwell quote, “Your Attitude Determines Your Altitude“.  Don’t forget to let me know your thoughts.

Chaplain Jim

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