Author Archives: donofalltrades

On violence and the mental health of police officers…Who cares?

Posted on September 29, 2015 by donofalltrades

“Why don’t you go back in service, Don.” It wasn’t a question so much as it was a request. There were enough police officers on the scene and I wasn’t needed anymore, so the sergeant was cutting me loose to … Continue reading →

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It’s a tuesday night…

Posted on September 3, 2015 by donofalltrades

“I’m scared. Please don’t leave me alone.” I was standing over a boy with dark curly hair and big brown eyes. He was sitting on the floor in a back room of a small, two family house with his back … Continue reading →

Posted in Police Stories | Tagged , , , , , | 66 Comments

Murder? Hmmmph…

Posted on August 27, 2015 by donofalltrades

“Is he gonna make it?” The woman asked with no real concern in her voice.  Her tone was so matter of fact that she may as well have been asking me about the weather or how my day was going. … Continue reading →

Posted in Police Stories, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 59 Comments

Here’s how it feels…

Posted on July 16, 2015 by donofalltrades

“Born Brave was the officer shot last night,” my coworker said as I was slipping my office key into the keyhole to start my Tuesday morning. “What? What are you talking about?” I responded. “Sgt. Brave was the cop shot this … Continue reading →

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Just writing some words here…

Posted on May 16, 2015 by donofalltrades

Pay me no mind, it’s been a long two months since I’ve written anything, and I had a sudden urge to type some words onto a page, so here I am. As some of you may remember, the last blog … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 88 Comments

A senseless death…

Posted on March 12, 2015 by donofalltrades

We arrived at the Children’s Hospital Emergency Room at the same time. He and his partner parked and I pulled up to their left and did the same. I got out of my car and watched as the officer hurried … Continue reading →

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Winning a routine call for crazy…

Posted on December 21, 2014 by donofalltrades

The call was for an “OBS.” If I’m remembering correctly, OBS is an acronym for Organic Brain Syndrome, but it’s used in my circles to refer to somebody who’s basically crazy. I guess crazy isn’t politically correct, and maybe OBS … Continue reading →

Posted in Police Stories, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 38 Comments

An atypical typical traffic stop…

Posted on December 17, 2014 by donofalltrades

I pulled a car over recently because it had an illegal temporary license plate attached to it. The driver, who I couldn’t see as I turned on my lights, was a young, black woman. She cracked open the door, as … Continue reading →

Posted in Police Stories, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 105 Comments

A chat with some protesters…

Posted on November 18, 2014 by donofalltrades

Hi protesters, it’s me, Don. Do you remember me? No? I’m a police officer. We’ve met before. Excuse me? Did you say Ferguson? No no no, not there. I’ve only been there a couple of times, but never in riot … Continue reading →

Posted in Police Stories, Stories, The not meant to be funny stuff | Tagged , , , , , | 96 Comments

Last week, sort of. a stray dog, bloody nips and funny signs…

Posted on October 6, 2014 by donofalltrades

Well, since the wee gray organ inside my skull is unwilling to spew forth anything new or creative, I’m just going to rehash the week that was. That just was? Is it rehash my last week? Whatever, I’m going to … Continue reading →

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