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The LEOW Challenge  #leowchallenge

8/19/2014

70 Comments

 
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There's a new challenge in town. A challenge to all those who love a law enforcement officer.  The challenge comes in the wake of the wave of condemnation, distrust, apathy and hatred for so many in law enforcement, when there is no validity to justify it.  Those of us in the law enforcement community are accustomed to such hatred. There's nothing new about the media sensationalizing every bad cop story they can get their hands on and ignoring every good cop story under the pretense of "that's their job and my tax dollars pay for that".   Well, here's the deal.... 99.9999% of officers are remarkable men and women who put their lives on the line daily in order to save the lives of innocents.  Those officers will lay down their lives without hesitation for one of their own in need, or for a citizen whose life is in danger.  However.... there is a growing misguided opinion amongst the public that there's not much more to an officer than the badge on their chest and the power it holds..... and that is the farthest thing from the truth. 

THE CHALLENGE IS THIS:  TELL WHO YOUR OFFICER (OR THE ONE YOU KNOW AND LOVE) REALLY IS ASIDE FROM THE BADGE.  I accept the challenge started by LEOW Davina Agee, and I challenge each and every officer spouse, partner, loved one, friend and family member to do the same.  Use the hashtag #leowchallenge and continue the challenge by tagging friends, family and supporters of LE to take the challenge.

The Officer in my life is my husband, and this is who he really is....
(and being an advocate for law enforcement, I'm including who my officer is, including the badge).

Officer Bervis Littles of the Edmond, OK Police Department is a 17+ year veteran patrol officer. He is also a suicide prevention officer, and QPR (suicide prevention) instructor. He is a member of the Crisis Intervention Team.  He is an FTO and LEDT instructor, a hostage negotiator, lake patrol officer, SRO and member of the honor guard team.   He grew up in poverty on the south side of Oklahoma City never knowing or meeting his father.  His mother worked numerous jobs to make ends meet and he spent a lot of his time being cared for by other family members while his single mother was doing her best to care for her children.  He saw drugs and crime and violence on his local streets....  He worked in order to help his mother and make a way for himself to attend college. He pursued his lifelong dream of becoming a police officer and has been an officer for over 17 years.  He is a father, a brother, a son, a husband, and a best friend to many.  He has three grown step-children, two girls in college and a son with autism, dysphagia and seizure disorders.  He has a work ethic like nothing I've ever seen.  He's missed virtually every holiday, birthday and anniversary I can remember because he will do what it takes to provide for his family and he refuses to leave a shift shorthanded. 

He has the biggest heart of anyone I've ever seen.  There are countless times our checking account has been overdrawn while waiting for payday and he has used the last bit of security money in his pocket to put gas in the car of a stranded single mother.  He has had to remove countless children from domestic situations and sickening home environments and he quickly pulls a stuffed animal from his trunk, asks the child what music he/she likes, then drives them to get a meal before having to hand them over to the state.  It is those same nights you will find him lingering in the hallway of our home at 3am while he gazes into the bedroom of our son, while holding back tears for the babies he just left in a state of uncertainty.   He is the officer who is approached over a decade later by a man who approaches him seemingly out of nowhere to say "You are Officer Littles, you held my sister's hand while she was dying on the roadway. She was pregnant and scared and dying and alone...... and you never left her side".   He is the same officer who will choke back his emotions immediately after an encounter like that, squeeze my hand and simply say "I need to get out of here...now".   You see, he's not allowed to be human in the public eye.  He's just a badge.  He's worthless.  He's aggressive.  He's violent.  He's a bully.  He's got a chip on his shoulder.  He's looking for a reason to kill someone.    Nothing is farther from the truth. 

He's the big strong man whose cried in my arms after losing a child.  He's the arrogant cop I've had to wake in the midst of nightmares more nights than I can remember..... and upon waking he says "I couldn't get to them quick enough".  He's the officer who works over 80 hours per week, comes home exhausted and lays in the floor to play with his son.  He's the big tough guy who had certain dreams and goals and hopes for his only son, only to have to accept his son is autistic... and he immediately embraced it and took on the attitude of "what do we do to help our son be all he can be?"  He is the man who encouraged me to quit my job in the legal field, knowing it was more than his income, knowing how devastating it would financially be, but who put more value on me being with our son for evaluations and therapies and surgeries and homeschooling, even though it meant even more sacrifice for himself in order to pay the bills.  He is the man who took his mother in to live with us and support financially so she could enjoy some sort of retirement.  He is the father who still helps his daughters who are in college by paying their cell phone and insurance bills.  He is the officer who will get a call from a friend while he is off duty...keys locked in a car, locked out of your house, problems with your teenager?? Call my husband....he's your man. 

He's the school resource officer who will get discredited after seventeen years on the street for becoming a "babysitter", even though he has more arrests and drug busts and thefts in the schools than he ever did on the streets. He will take the time to mentor every child in those schools who were just like him growing up.....no father, no money and a feeling of hopelessness and he will encourage them and guide them and make them promise him they won't give up on themselves. 

He's the officer who takes the time to talk with those he is obligated to arrest. He will ask them how they ended up in his back seat, he will not be so quick to judge them for their actions but will encourage them to ask themselves what they can do to change their own lives.

He's the love of my life.  He's the man who came into my life after I was married to a bad cop.  He's the one who showed me that his character defined him, not his badge.  He is the man who showed me love I never thought possible.  He's the man who loved me back to life.  He's the father of my son, he's my best friend, he's my world.  He's the one I beg and plead and pray will be returned to me at the end of his shift.  He's the one I want to grow old with.....not grow old remembering. 

This is who my officer truly is.  Please..... please take note before hating him without knowing him. 

To all the LEOWs and to those who love an officer..........please...... tell me about yours.

~Mel
Melissa Littles, Founder,
The Police Wife Life.


70 Comments
Davina Agee
8/19/2014 10:29:59 am

I didn't imagine that my little challenge would have ended up going viral. Finally, something positive for our boys! Thank you for helping to get the word out!

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Amy McChesney
8/19/2014 12:46:34 pm

I think we should have our own hashtag to gather all the posts quickly....pretty sure it will be bigger than you imagine. So,....what hashtags to use ladies?

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Meg
8/19/2014 10:30:39 am

My LEO husband is a man who challenges me every day to be the best woman I can be. He has the biggest heart and appreciates every one's own personal story. He loves helping those in need. He has received awards for going above and beyond in the line of duty. He is a husband, brother, son, son in law, grandson, and hopefully a soon to be father! His extraordinary commitment to his career as an LEO amaze me daily. God bless all LEO's and their loved ones!

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Lea Miller
8/19/2014 10:37:39 am

My LEO is Chief Deputy Adam Miller. My husband, lover, best friend. He's been in law enforcement for 11 years. prior to that he was a rancher. Since leaving the ranch he's worked his way up from a rookie deputy to Sargent, to police chief and then back to county law enforcement in rural Nebraska as Chief Deputy. He's overworked, underpaid, unappreciated, hated and resented. He is a natural leader but hates the pressure sometimes. He's FTO, range master, state firearms instructor in pistol, rifle, shotgun and tactical shooting. He has worked 3 suicides in the past month which is a huge number for this rural area and he's received profound thank yous from all of the families for his kindness. He's a man of few words and meaningful action. I fear for his life every day. I fear for all our LEOs lives each day. Recently their department quit wearing white tshirts under their vests because gangs are training their newbies to shoot at the white triangle of tshirt that shows at the base of officer's throat. It scares me to death that there are people out there who want them dead for no reason at all and yet our LEO would give their lives to protect them. These men are extraordinarily brave, strong, hard working servants and I pray for them all every day

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Terry
8/20/2014 12:59:05 am

My Dad was one of my LEO, along with my sister, one son and two nephews. Dad died in 2011and was buried on his 83rd birthday in the Franklin cemetery. He was just, kind, patient and served as the Hastings chief for seventeen years. He was also extremely practical and I think he'd have suggested something like dying your officer's white t shirts to match their uniform shirts. That way they won't show under their vests but will still protect the skin of the men from being chaffed. I pray for all of our police officers along with their families every day too. I feel like they're a whole lot safer with the Lord's protection. Thanks for your story.

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Sarah
8/19/2014 10:42:39 am

My officer is everything I dream of and the most amazing dad I know.

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Cassey Corcorran
8/19/2014 10:48:15 am

Mel, I love your page. I am no where near the writer you are, however I don't have to be. EVERYTHING SINGLE point you just stated mirrors my husband. It's just the cloth they are cut from. My husband wanted nothing more than to serve his country, which he did for almost 8 years. After being injured in a training accident and told he was no longer fit to serve in the army, he went through a very difficult couple of years then found his way to serve his community and country a second time as a LEO. As I said at the beginning your LEO'S days and nights mirror mine. He pulls the extra shifts and security details for his family. We have four grown children and seven grand children. We pay for three of their cell phones and one's home and they know of things get too bad, money or otherwise, all they have to do is call.
People who are not apart of the life will never understand. When others are running away from danger ours is running to it. God bless them all.

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Estela Morgan
8/19/2014 10:50:33 am

My LEO's name is Patrick Morgan. He works for the city of Renton in the state of Washington. He is a father of three and my best friend. He has so many qualities about him that make him not only an officer but the sweetest, kindest, selfless man I know. He works in Patrol, SWAT and DET. He also has told me about transient people that he has grown a heart for and asks and constantly takes blankets and his own clothing to these people without others knowing. He has bought groceries and formula for moms in DV situations and has told me about boys he has a heart for and he talks to. Most recently one gives him a hug when he sees my LEO. When he is not at work he is a full time dad who loves his little girl more then life itself. His mission is to make her feel the love a man should give her someday and respect she deserves. He has taught our boys to be good Godly men and hard workers as well. He goes to every baseball, basketball, football practice when he can. He runs our church security ministry on Sundays. He started his own ministry that is starting to flourish for other law enforcement officers to share their faith, their stories, and just be a support group for each other. Its called The Shepherds Watch. He sees the good in everyone and the most positive person even when life is throwing boulders at him. He is my rock. He takes care of me when I am ill and has always been the first smiling face I see when I wake up from surgery or a procedure. He always makes me feel like I am doing the most important job in the world raising our kids and always makes me feel like everything is going to be ok when money gets tight. I could go on forever with all the wonderful things he does. Most importantly he is our Godly leader in my family. What more can I ask for.

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Christina Swenn
8/19/2014 10:59:58 am

My Leo is Deputy Kevin Swenn- OCSO 20 yr veteran. My husband is team leader, fast team member and on honor guard. He is the man who worked when the 95 bombing happened, and while working at the medical examiners office also, worked non stop searching for and pulling people out of the building and most days going to the ME's office and doing autopsys on same. This is the man that has sacrificed what was needed to provide for our family, and when I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, he cried with me. He's been through some hairy situations, most of which he won't go into detail on. And yes this is the man who has people he has arrested that remember him, and that's pretty scary!! He is my best friend and father of our son, who looks up to him, and goes to every sporting event, knowing that he has to work overnight. This is the man I love with all my heart and whom I pray to The Lord That in whatever he works, that he comes home safe to me. Yet just like Mel he is hated and is a "pig" and just anothe "crooked cop", so I too ask that you not hate him, and don't judge him until you know him. He is not just a badge, and is human with emotions, and feelings.

Christina Swenn

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Rachel H
8/19/2014 11:03:53 am

Beautifully written as always Mel! You have an amazing way with words!

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Stacey Engelhardt
8/19/2014 11:08:32 am

My officer is Sgt. J.K. Engelhardt of the Houston Police Department. He's a 23 year veteran who spent 17 years on the street. From there, he became a commercial helicopter pilot with the HPD Air Support Division. He recently became the Sgt. Over the Texas 1033 Program, which provides military surplus equipment to police officers.

I am grateful that, after so many years of working holidays and nights, he finally has a schedule that coincides with our family's. I dare to say he's earned it. I'm also grateful that, in spite of rolling a patrol car 7 1/2 times, being lifelighted, and coming home countless times with torn uniforms, bandaged, and beaten, he's managed to stay alive. He works as much overtime that's allowed, and picks up any extra jobs he can. He's a friend to so many, a son, brother, uncle, husband, and father, but most importantly, he's a Christian. He's strong and tough as nails, but soft and sweet to those who know him intimately. He has a "glass half full" attitude, in spite of the atrocities he's seen in his career. He's funny and goofy and loves to play practical jokes.

He's a hunter and a fisherman; a true outdoorsman. He's also my hero and the love of my life. As with Melissa, he's "the man who came into my life after I was married to a bad cop." I even said upon meeting him, "I'll never date another cop." Needless to say, I recanted that statement. I couldn't ask for a better man to call my husband. He's my other half, my whole world, and I love him with my whole heart.

Thank you for the opportunity to share a little about MY officer.


Stacey Engelhardt

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Penny Raines
8/19/2014 11:09:19 am

My LEO's name is Stephen Raines. He is a 15 year veteran LEO. He has recently been promoted to Detective. He is the father of 3 beautiful children and the love of my life. He has been a dispatcher, patrolman, and a shift Sgt. He not only is a detective but also an accident re-constructionist. He is a man of God and strives daily to grow closer to Him. He is a wonderful and loving husband. His kids and I are his world. He is our constant and our rock. He makes life worth living and fun. I love my LEO and I support him through the good and the bad. Both of us stand beside each and every officer!

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Patty Agresta
8/19/2014 11:15:27 am

My LEO has been a LEO for 14 ...almost 15 yrs. He is the man who works extra shifts, part-time and over-time to support his family. We have been thru a lot in the last 14 (almost 15 yrs) of marriage. My husband not only got a wife when we married but he got a son too. He does not consider my son his step-son but considers him HIS son. He has done everything he can to support our son who in the last few years has been diagnosed with Bi-polar disorder and a borderline personality disorder and psychotic tendencies. Yes it's been fun the last few years. My LEO is the man who will stop while off duty to check out a drunk driver who is driving thru the neighbor's yard at 3am. My LEO it the father of our 2 girls as well. He is the kind of father who does his best to make sporting events and even try to help coach even though he works late tact (7p -3:30am). He has been known to "sneak" into a game just peak at his girls playing. He tells his children every day how much he loves them and how he is always there for them. He is the kind of father who takes time to play tickle fight and wrestle with his girls. He tries his best to give them the good memories just in case he doesn't come home one night after shift. He is the most kind, caring man I have ever met. He taught me how to love again after some bad experiences in life. He taught me how to trust and he taught me what being a part of a family really meant. He is also the man who feels it every time we lose an officer...a fellow family member in the line of duty. He considers his co-workers part of his family. My LEOs name is Mike Agresta and he is an IMPD officer.....he stands tall and stands proud. I stand right there with him.

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Patty Agresta
8/19/2014 09:29:29 pm

#leowchallenge

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Greg
4/12/2017 08:55:36 am

I know this man and worked with him on several occasions. Definitely one of my favorite officers, and one of the funniest guys I ever met. 👍 :)

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Cassie Withrow
8/19/2014 11:31:04 am

My husband is Wes of the TPD of Illinois. He is a father, brother, husband and best friend. After serving our great nation in the Marines, he worked hard in school to get a good education. After testing and training for almost 2 full years, and an unexpected pregnancy, he was earned his position in the police force. He was in the academy during most of my pregnancy and everyone remembers the hard Sunday's we all endured. Saying goodbye for each week was hard, but he was my rock and helped me through it. I gave birth while he was in the academy, and thankfully he was able to witness this miracle. After our 24 hours together, he had to go and we thought all was good. Little did we know our little miracle has a heart condition. My LEO received a call from headquarters stating "your son is being rushed to St.Louis for emergency heart surgery" I can't even imagine how that felt to hear from a stranger. 2 years later he still chokes up talking about it. After surgery and we were told our son is okay, back to the academy he goes. This takes a special kind of person, and I'm honored to call him mine. This was his calling, and yes going back was hard but he went with no hesitation. To hear negative comments when we go to the store, or to see the bad gestures sent his way when I'm falling behind in the store. You never get used to those. Late shifts, more doubles than you can count. Never home for a holiday, and planning vacation is almost comical. He never calls out sick because that would be letting down his brothers. This is the definition of selfless. We are all honored to be apart of this family.

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susan little
8/19/2014 11:40:01 am

My baby brother, Officer Donald Little, Seattle PD. He is a brother, husband, father and son. He is a friend. He was a pain in the ads growing up, but what a big hearted man he has become. He''s not a cop because he likes to write tickets or arrest people, but because he wants to serve and protect and I worry about hum everyday that he puts on that uniform. but I'm also so very proud of him.

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Jenice Perez
8/19/2014 11:40:23 am

My LEO is Officer Danny Perez...I say it loud and proud!!!! He is known for being the first one through the door and the last one out .Veteran for the Denver Gang Unit 20 years on and now a detective for Denver!! His mother, father, brother and sister are all strong individuals and a loving support family.Everyone goes though tough times and I can't say enough how proud I am if my LEO!!! He has received accommodations, awards but the job in hand is his gratification...

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Rachel
8/19/2014 11:41:34 am

My LEO is Keith Cutcliff an 11 year veteran of the Indianapolis Metro Police Dept. He is a kind and gentle soul who is loyal to all those that he calls family and friends. He leaves every night to keep order in the city when most people are sleeping and he does this because it's his calling. He couldn't imagine doing anything else and I couldn't imagine it any other way. In 53 days I get to marry this man and pledge to stand by him from now until forever. God willing we will have many more years to share together. I can't imagine my life any other way!

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Rikki
8/19/2014 11:46:57 am

I have been with my LEO for 2 years. He is the most brave and stubborn man I have ever met. I love him and support him with all my heart! We truly are lucky ladies!

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Kristina Brackett
8/19/2014 11:55:48 am

My LEO is Officer Mark Brackett with the Melbourne Police Department in Florida. He became an officer late in life. He has been an officer for 7 years and we have been married going on 22 years. He is the proud father of two beautiful girls. He is currently a FTO and loves teaching new officers the ropes. He is a bike patrol officer, PIO and many other things. He is also currently battling cancer. He has faced 6 weeks of radiation and worked up until the last 2 weeks. He has thrown up outside of a patrol car, cleaned himself off and humped it to the next call. He is facing what some people call a year of hell because of the medicine he will have to take but all he can think of is getting back to the job. He can't imagine doing anything else. He was meant to wear a badge. He will get down to look a child in the eye to explain his "tool belt". He will show up to open house night at school in full uniform, wedge himself into a desk just to learn what his children are going through. He will help calm an elderly woman who has tripped on a rug in a restaurant until the paramedics arrive even though he is there to meet me for lunch because that is what he is called to do.
He is the love of my life, my soulmate, my high school sweetheart, my everything. He is strong but can cry openly over a wrong that he can't make right. He is a strong looking warrior in his uniform but is a teddy bear inside.
He is Officer Mark Brackett, a man who takes pride in the badge he pins to his chest.

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Linda Winchester
8/19/2014 11:56:26 am

Chief Bob Fitzsimmons of the Baileyville ME Police Department is a 16 year veteran law enforcement officer. He trained at the Maine Police Academy to become a police officer and also a Maine Game Warden. He grew up in a working class family with his parents and 1 brother. He realized when he was 5 years old that he wanted to someday be a police officer when his father- the then Chief of Baileyville (the position he holds now) brought his bicycle into his kindergarten class for a bicycle safety presentation…the pride in his face still shows when he speaks of that day. He is a father of a grown daughter and son and a special “Bampy” to a grandson that thinks he is pretty special. He has 2 grown stepchildren that you would never know he didn’t raise, he didn’t have to love them, but he certainly does. There are times that they will turn to him, when they will not turn to anyone else… He is a Momma’s boy and even though his mother has recently passed, he will always be a Momma’s boy, and I think that gives him a higher level of respect for women….he was brought up by the best…there is no woman in his eyes that will compare, but they will all be treated with respect and tenderness.
He is all heart…not just the one beating in his chest, but from the top of his head to the tips of his toes….he is all heart. He is a police officer but he is the most forgiving man I have ever known. He sees bad things, he has experienced horrible things, he sees the bad things people can do, experienced bad things people can say to him or his fellow officers…but he still, day after day, sees the good in people. Some days I would like to take more than 1 page from his book. People have said to me more than once…”Is he really that nice, he can’t really be THAT nice?” I reassure them…”he truly is THAT nice, until I got to know him, I would have thought there must be an underlying agenda…but there truly is not. He does what he does for people, because he thinks it is the right thing to do, with no expectations, no reward.
Bob’s biggest weakness is children, he had an undying need to help children, teach children, and lead children down the right path. He spends a lot of his day in the local schools…he organizes events for the children of his town…after school, weekends, through the summer…he doesn’t ever want them to think he is not there… or that he has forgotten them. Bob also takes care of the senior citizens in his town, shoveling their steps, checking on them, visiting someone that has recently lost a spouse. People don’t always know this or see this, but it is being done…because he is who he is. He was asked by the High School Seniors to chaperone their class trip last year...many of the teenagers respect him and trust him.
Bob is fair…he has arrested people …but those same people will walk up to him or me and say “Bob treated me right….I did some stupid things, but he treated me right” He shows them that he has a job to do, they broke the law, but he did not disrespect them as a human being and that means more to these people and just that one bit of fairness might just make the difference in whether that same person chooses a different road next time.
He is a good Chief, he takes care of his men…worries about them, assists them in a nighttime call because he doesn’t want them to handle a possible death or hard situation alone, not that he does not trust them or their ability, but because he wants them to know he is there for them.

He is the man I love…I am proud to say that he is the first man I have every loved…was I aware of this before… no I was not…but I am aware of it now. He tells me that I make him the man he is…but I truly think he makes me a better woman, a better person. I will always have his back and I will always be his biggest fan. There will be days when the people in his town won’t love him, he will upset someone and his world might not be as happy and his love for his job might waiver a little…but I will be there for him…I will support him through it… I didn’t realize when I feel in love with him, that his job would affect us both so much…some things are good, some things are tough, but that won’t ever deter me from loving him…I love him not only for who he is, but also for what he does. Some days I will just watch him, he probably has no idea and is oblivious to it, but I watch him as the butterflies in my stomach just dance around. I often feel as though I might burst with pride…
This man is the most important person in my life, he is my best friend, my shoulder to lean on, my protector…so to think that people could hate him, hurt him, disrespect him

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Christine Johnson
8/19/2014 11:56:48 am

My husband is Jack, a Motor Carrier Officer of the Michigan State Police. He is in his second year as a police officer. He is a son, friend, husband, and most of all my best friend. He is my rock to lean on when life becomes too much. He has the most caring heart of anyone I know, even when he is in his "officer mode". He is the clown when I need someone to make me laugh and the voice of reason when I need help. He is my #1 fan and supporter through anything I want to try. The pride that he shows when he is on duty or when he tells me about his day is something that I haven't seen in anyone else. His determination to become the best officer he can makes me so proud to call him my husband. He has never let me down, in fact he is the person in my life to always pick me up, no matter what I have done. He is the one that keeps me going on the days where I don't know what I want to do with my career. Behind the badge and under the vest is my favorite place to rest my head at the end of the day. My husband is more than just an officer. He is my entire life and everything good to me. He is the one that I will grow old with and someday we will look back at this crazy life and smile, knowing that through it all we were always watching each others 6 :)

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Mandy
8/19/2014 11:58:39 am

My LEO is Burt Hazeltine. He will make 12 years as Deputy Sheriff in St. Charles Parish Louisiana. He is a corporal in traffic division. He is also a DRE and DWI search warrant administrator. He gets called out in all hours of the day and night to make sure that people driving under the influence don't get back on the road. We have four children from 16 to 3 years and we homeschool them, so we have one income. He works a good 60 hour week and still manages to find time for ministering with Healing Rooms, an independent international ministry. He never complains and never seems tired enough to quit. God is his strength and He is not afraid to show his love for Jesus. It is men of faith and integrity that make a difference and he does. So proud of who he is.

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Kerri Greene
8/19/2014 12:00:25 pm


My LEO is James Greene. He is a 17 year veteran of The Metropolitan Polce Department in Washington DC he is currently working as a K9 officer. He is my partner, my soul mate, the father to my children and my best friend.

He is the man on numerous occasions who has pulled double shifts, only to come home change his clothes and back out the door to catch our daughters softball game because there is no where else he would rather be. He is the father that pitches a tent in our back yard to camp out with our son because he couldn't get off for the weekend to take him real camping.

He is a man who has sobbed in my arms for those he couldn't help, and for his friends who he's lost along the way only to pull himself back up and do it again not for the pay but because it is just who he is.

He is the love of my life, my entire world. He can always make me laugh even in those times when I don't find something funny. He is more then a badge, he is a husband, father, son, brother, softball coach, camping buddy, friend.

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Carrie Burk
8/19/2014 12:03:26 pm

My LEO is Joe Burk. We live in Minnesota. He is the best husband and father! When we first started dating 14 years ago I told him I didn't want to married to a cop so he finished his bachelors degree in business, went into the business world made a lot of money, but was not happy. He said that he felt that he was called to be a cop and he is definitely right. He was always a cop but he always wants to make me happy. Yes I felt guilty, but he never once blamed me for his choices. I still married him because he is an amazing person! He makes me laugh all the time and he gets me. He calls me adorable even when I am being ugly. He loves being a cop and he truly feels like his life is fulfilled. We grew up in two different worlds. He grew up very poor jumping for home to home with little stability. He credits the military for saving his life.

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KaSandra W.
8/19/2014 12:06:46 pm

My husband, my LEO, is the best ever! (At least he is in my humble opinion!) He is honest, hard working, loyal, and fair. He is the ONLY LEO in our area that has the respect of many of those that tend to be on the wrong side of the law. Those that have a tendency to do the things to get themselves arrested have hatred toward those in LE......they will fight to try avoiding the cuffs, to provoke the arresting officer, etc. Yet if the arresting officer happens to be SO Williams, they pretty much cuff themselves! They know that Williams is firm, yet fair. He doesn't talk "down" to anyone.
I wish I had a way with words the way that you do, Melissa. I know and feel what I want to say about this most amazing man, but trying to find the right words just seems so inadequate.

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myisha tavalez
8/19/2014 12:23:10 pm

My LEO is Steven Tavalez. He is a Deputy for Paulding County in Georgia. He's on the HEAT team and SWAT. He is also an advisor for the Explorer program. Very dedicated and well respected by all of his peers and superiors.
There have been plenty of days and nights he's given up time with our family to do the job he does so well. I love him dearly for his hard work and dedication to protecting those who can't protect themselves.

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Daphne Mayhew
8/19/2014 12:23:42 pm

My LEO is Randy Mayhew.He has been a LEO for the Columbus, Ohio Police Dept.15 yrs.We have known eachother since High School.We will be married 18 yrs in Oct.We have 4 great kids 2 boys and 2 girls.Our second son was born with a fatal disease Epidermolysis Bullosa. My LEO is a hardworking man who works special duty on his days off to pay for medical expenses.He is passionate about his job.He patrols the poverty area he grew up in with hopes of making a difference. He has seen horrible murder scenes where he found the victims head in the freezer.He has talked down a mentally ill man to put down his knife and thanked by his parents that my LEO didn't shoot him.He has seen women and children abused .He has cried on my lap when the job has gotten to him.He's worked holidays , anniversaries, birthdays and special events to keep the people of Columbus safe.He is my rock and able to function at work while I care for our sick child at home.He's my bestfriend, lover, soulmate and wonderful father to our kids.He's my hero.The man I kiss goodbye everyday as he walks out that door with the hope he's coming home safe in the morning.I'm proud to be the wife of a LEO.

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Molly
8/19/2014 12:25:08 pm

This is amazing!! Thank you for sharing this and "challenging" is all to stand up for our poilce officers!!

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Chelsea
8/19/2014 12:29:33 pm

My LEO has 6 yrs on with the Indianapolis Metro Police Department. He loves his job even when it seems the community and nation at large are against him because he knows he is making a difference to all those who's cries for help he responses to. He is the best father I could ever ask for for our two little ones. He is their hero and mine too! He is a bleeding heart and anyone who knows him well knows that to be true. He is the young men's president at our church where he gets to mentor teenage boys and watch them grow into honorable men. He is the friend you can always count on he will drop what he is doing to go and serve another. He provides for our family through midnight shifts, court time (even on his days off), part time, and very little sleep. He is extremely professional and has an amazing ability to de-escalate situations. You couldn't dream this guy up he is that AWESOME and I am blessed to call him my husband and best friend. I support him always!

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Mandy
8/19/2014 12:37:46 pm

My LEO is a Sheriff's Deputy who works 12 hour shifts in our local jail. He is the one taking care of society's scum and comes home with a smile on his face. He is the one who wrestles with believing there is good in the world and holds me close and says "you are everything good in the world". He is the one who serves double duty on the SWAT team without getting payed. He is the one who helps a perfect stranger with car trouble. He will stay up 48 hour with no sleep to make sure I am taken care of and he is at his second job to provide for us. He is my rock. He is the one who will do ANYTHING for his friends, and I mean ANYTHING! He is the love of my life and the center of my universe. He is my hero, and I am so proud to be a part of the thin blue line. Thank you Melissa-you are an inspiration.

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Virgina
8/19/2014 12:42:37 pm

My wonderful son now has about 7 years under his belt as a law enforcement officer. I love him very much and am very proud of him.

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Melissa Littles
8/19/2014 12:59:45 pm

#leowchallenge

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Brittany minor
8/19/2014 01:00:54 pm

My LEO is my wonderful husband Brandon minor. He has been a deputy sheriff for 9yrs in Florida. He is an awesome husband and father. My husband came very close to losing his life in 2010. He is an amazing cop and loves his job. He puts his self out

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Caitlyn Tidwell
8/19/2014 01:05:26 pm

"Thank you for helping us find our voices, Melissa.

My LEO is a former airman for the US Air Force and proud of it. He joined up at 18, got out 4 years later, and would've gone back, but was permanently disabled by a hand injury while working his summer job. Not serving our country, not being a part of a brotherhood of men and women protecting society was simply not an option for him; he was and is a patriot and a born protector. So, he became a cop. We, newlyweds with a baby on the way at the time, scraped together enough money for the academy, which he attended in evenings after working as a junior corrections officer in a juvenile correctional facility, then he became a city cop. Five years later, he is now a county sheriff's deputy in central Texas, an area peppered with small towns and rural communities. He is on the tactical team, and sometimes serves as a training officer. He is paid very little to do very many things that very many people would never consider doing, because these things are either uncomfortable, upsetting, annoying, painful, or sometimes, just plain smelly. He has been spit at, punched, and (accidentally!) tasered. He has worked grueling all night shifts before training all day, sleeping two hours, then working the following night, and the one after that. He has missed Christmases, birthday parties, anniversaries, vacations, family reunions, and school programs so that our community could be safer. He has been threatened (sometimes), called racist(occasionally), cursed at (usually), and disrespected (constantly), but still is often commended on the way he interacts with the public because he is able to treat everyone, even those he arrests, fairly and respectfully. He spends 66% of his year on night shifts. He works some shifts in which he has just gone on-duty when my children come home from school, and is sleeping when they leave for school the next morning.

He is approached constantly while eating dinner or shopping with the family with questions, but ALWAYS takes the time to answer. He has often stopped to visit with children who were fascinated with his uniform, making sure they knew he was there to keep everyone safe; that the cops are not to be feared, but trusted. He has enjoyed showing off the lights and sirens to friends and family, and even to the children of strangers who asked him to do so.

He has left many a meal unsatisfied because he received a hot call and had to leave.

He has worked many a night exhausted because his body clock is so off-kilter.

He has been called many a name because he dares to do what is right even when people don't want him to.

He has seen and done almost everything a cop can be required to do. He has visited a home on an infant death call and comforted the grieving mother, only to find out later that the cause of death was the habitual abuse of the infant by the mother's boyfriend.

He has literally pulled toddlers out of the gutter, naked except for their full diapers during a thunderstorm, aching for them because they were several blocks from home and hadn't been missed. He has then known their innocent grief as their drug-addicted, negligent, parents were arrested and taken from their hazardously unclean home.

He has saved lives (they all do, you know.). He has caught and put away dangerous drug dealers, would-be murderers, drunk drivers, merciless abusers, and has made a bust that saved the finances and identities of dozens of people.

He has reasoned with those who had given up all hope; helped them not to give up. He has delivered the news of unexpected deaths to unsuspecting family members, and comforted them as they wept. He has witnessed bloody suicides and brutal domestic abuse of children and adults.

Just a couple of weeks ago, he saved a woman's life as her large husband sat on top of her, pinning her down and beating her senseless. The woman thanked him shakily, but less than a week later she was on our local paper's web page, spewing thankless words of hate about the cops.

He has been moved, many times. He's been moved with compassion over the plight of the poor, with righteous anger over the mistreatment of children, with joy over successful capture of a dangerous individual or rescue of a helpless one, and with thankfulness for his life and his blessings after spending time with those who endure the worst this life has to offer; but he has never been moved with anger toward the people that incessantly complain about the cops. He's been frustrated, tried to correct their thinking, but always more respectfully than their comments warrant. By their ignorance, he refuses to be moved; he only shrugs, feels the sting but shakes it off, and goes on with life, with the job, with his duty, with his calling. AND THAT IS JUST HIS DAY JOB.


He often gets home from a night shift, sleeps a few hours, then drags himself out of bed to do carpentry work. The work is sometimes steady, sometimes slow, and keeps food on the

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Jyle Sengkhounmany
8/19/2014 01:13:24 pm

My LEO is Vixay Sengkhounmany. He was born in Laos (Asia). His dad was a pilot in the Vietnam War. He was on the US side. After the war, the Vietnamese went to Laos and started killing the men and their families who were on the US side. Vixay's parents rounded him (age 3), his 3 older siblings (5, 6, and 7) , aunts and uncles and their families and started walking in the middle of the night to get to the Mekong River to get over to Thailand. During that walk they came upon some dogs. It is pure luck that those dogs did not bark and give away their location. If they had Vixay's whole family would have been shot right then. They made it to the Mekong River just before day break. Once they got there, Vixay's parents taped all 4 kids mouth shut so they would not make any noise as they swam across the river. One of Vixay's uncles was shot and killed while crossing the river. Once they made it Thailand, they became war refugees. They had to decide which county was excepting refugees. Vixay's family split up. Some of his aunts and uncles went to France, Canada, and Germany. Vixay's parents and a few aunts and uncles came to the US.

In 1976, each family had a different sponsor. One went to Texas, one to Nebraska, and Vixay's came to Murfreesboro, TN. They were given clothes, a place to stay, and some spending money. Once they got settled, his parents got jobs and learned to speak English. The older kids started school. In the late 70's to 1983 Vixay's family moved to Kansas and then came back to Murfreesboro when Vixay was 10.
From an early age, Vixay's parents explained the importance of an education to each of the kids. They all graduated from high school and college. One is a nurse, one an engineer, one a computer programer, and one is a police officer.
I met Vixay during the summer before our senior year of high school. Our first date was after about 3 months. I was 17 and it was his 18th birthday. We dated the rest of our senior year and all through college. Vixay graduated college in 1997. He worked a few jobs, but couldn't find anything that he wanted to call a career. One day while looking at the job board at MTSU he saw that the police dept was hiring. He asked me what I thought and if he should apply. I told him if he could see himself as a police officer, then go for it. He did and was hired in Feb. 1998.
I graduated college in 1999. At my graduation one of my professors came up to us and asked if this is Vixay. I was in shock. I began to think back to see if I had written a paper or something that had Vixay in it. I hadn't. So how does my professor know anything about Vixay? Come to find out Dr. Bergman and his wife were the ones that sponsored Vixay's family when they first came to the US. They had kept track of the family the whole time. Vixay introduced Dr. Bergman to his parents. It was truly an amazing experience.
Vixay worked at the Murfreesboro Police Dept. for 5 years. He was hired onto the Metro Nashville Police Dept. in Feb 2003. During this time he has been a FTO and worked a few undercover jobs. He is now is a detective and a member of the USAR (Urban Search and Rescue) Team.
Vixay is probably one of the nicest police officers most people come in contact with. He treats people like human beings. He hates writing tickets cause he knows what it feels like to get one or three. (Got 2 in one week right before getting hired in Murfreesboro. LOL!!) He has had several people come up and thank him for treating them the way he did. (Even people he has arrested.) He is very giving, compassionate, stubborn, and loving.

We have been married 13 years and have to boys. Vixay is the best father I could have ever asked for. He is totally involved in the boys life. We have been very lucky that he hasn't missed a birthday cause we usually celebrate on the weekends. He has been off every Thanksgiving and Christmas since our oldest was born. He is a husband, father, son, uncle, nephew, cousin, and a great friend to many. He is an awesome cook. He can mix things together that tastes amazing. He is always saying "It's either going to taste really good or really bad." I have yet to taste anything really bad!! When he has had too much to drink, most of his body, including the whites of his eyes, turns red and he talks nonstop. It's like there is no turn off button and there is no telling what will come out of his mouth.

Vixay is a hunter (bow and gun) and fisherman. We love to camp, canoe, and just be outside. That's why I can't see him doing anything else other than being a police officer. He's not the indoor, desk type of person. He's an outdoor person. I love him for the person and police officer that he is!!!

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Erin
8/19/2014 01:17:52 pm

So my LEO is only 2 years in. He has already seen a ton! He has taken kids away from there parents for hopes of better however it is the system so how much betterr is it. He has been involved in several bank robberies. He has seen a man blow his own head off. He has dealt with everything I'm sure every other LEO has. However, my LEO is still a husband a son a brother and the best stepfather (best friend) to my son I could ever imagine!!!!! My LEO runs off of a hour of sleep just to go help others or spend quality time with his family. He's the most amazing man I have ever met. I truely love this LEO. He has the biggest heart you could ever imagine. He loves God and will do absolutely anything to help someone in need! I truely love this site. On. If hrs my LEO is working this site helps me a ton!!! Thank you so much LEOWs for this bond!!

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Sarah L Deskins
8/19/2014 01:21:58 pm

My LEO is constantly bombarded with hate and apathy on a daily basis. BUT he knows that he is needed by those in trouble and will always answer the call to help those in need. A lot of times, those are people who have said and done hateful things, but that does not matter to an LEO. They will serve and defend ALL against those who think they can do harm to someone or to themselves. He is an incredible father, teaching right and wrong to our son. He is an incredible husband who has empathy and compassion for those he serves in his district. Despite all the negativity, he continues to go to his job and does his best for the people in his community. He is a good guy and his family and peers know this to be true. I hope, pray, wish that other people had the ability to know him and all the other LEO's like him.

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Chelsea Cherry
8/19/2014 01:52:02 pm

My LEO's name is Jesse Harker. He has been a deputy for the Kern County Sheriff's Department here in Bakersfield, California for a little over 7 years. He drives an hour and a half every workday out of Bakersfield every work day, far enough for me to wish he was closer. He an excellent FTO, a brother to his partners, a son, and the love of my life. He is my boyfriend. He chose me, beaten and bruised, with a registered sex offender as a father, and my dark past ridden with sexual abuse. He accepted my past. A past also influenced with an abusive ex-husband. He taught me what love really is. 2 months into our relationship, while on patrol he was t-boned by a semi at 70 miles an hour. But he was tough. He was being strong for me miles and miles away when I was getting the call from his partner and falling to pieces. While he was being extricated and airlifted back home, I was fervently praying that God would grant us a miracle and bring him back to me. He was beaten, bloody, cut, and bruised, but he was alive with broken pelvis and concussion. Months and months of PT followed. A stubborn man would need me to help him undress, sit on the toilet, get in the shower and wash him. This stubborn, wonderful man, would always say thank you when I was done. This seemingly emotionless law enforcement officer would pour out his heart to me with tears, recalling new memories from his accident every day. And instead of being angry, he was beyond thankful that god had saved his life.after 6 months of endless doctor's visits and light duty, he was sent out to the street again. He had a purpose again. This man goes beyond the call every day, not just at work, but here at home. This allegedly trigger happy cop takes extra time and effort not only to reach out, speak, and help the community as on single unit, but also to the communities individually. This so called abusive, cheating cop man had never laid a finger on me except to kiss me goodbye before he leaves for the streets or whenever he so feels like it, work or not, , hug me tight when he's had a hard night at work. He trusts me, I trust him. There is no reason for cheating. He fights for me like I fight for him. This "violent" cop has never so much as even raised his voice to me. We respect each other, and I respect him even more than words can say. No matter who you think is under the badge though you yell, taunt, bully, and threaten, you'll understand soon enough who is to me, to his parents and family, brotherhood of partners and to his community. One word. Hero. Someday he will be my husband, then he will be an amazing father to our future unborn beautiful children, he could be the officer who reaches out his hand to you when you feel there's nothing left, he could be the officer responding to your accident and let you know that you'll be ok, but he will always be a Hero. No matter what others say, we know the man under the badge through and through, not just the man you believe is simply wearing it.

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Joy McLaughlin
8/19/2014 02:23:22 pm

My LEOs are my dad, step brother, step sister-in-law, and two cousins. It IS family for us. Dad worked his way from patrolman to Chief of Detectives for the Huber Heights Police Department (OH) in his 20+ year career, following a medical retirement by heading security for our school system. He survived a shooting while apprehending an escaped felon. He was sometimes unorthodox, but many of my classmates that he "busted" now speak of him fondly and request him to attend class reunions. He's very private and would HATE if I mentioned his name on the internet, which also means I can't name the other LEOs. My step brother is a Deputy in the Montgomery Country Sheriff Department; his wife is an Officer for the City of Dayton. They are raising 5 kids (1 in college, 1 just graduated high school, and 3 under the age of 10) who are very active. One cousin is with K9 for the Ohio State Highway Patrol, has two children, one of which is still in college, and a grandchild. The other cousin is an Air Marshall, with two small children. They are all very different personalities, but each has a very good sense of humor, and the prerequisite gene for pranks. They are spouses, parents, children, brothers, sister, aunt, uncles, grandparent, and friends to many. They volunteer for activities with their kids. Sometimes they miss activities or holiday meals because life is not nice and neat and the bad guys don't follow a set shift schedule. They are overcomers - they do not let the attitude of the haters force them out of a job they were born to hold; they find ways to deal with departmental budget cuts and/or shortfalls; they figure out how to compartmentalize so they can survive the evil and carnage they encounter on a regular basis. They have HUGE hearts and are always among the first to volunteer to help out. The thing that would surprise most people is that they have a hard time letting go of their losses - what could they have done to save that person, prevent that encounter, have a faster response time, performed CPR sooner or longer . . . their sense of responsibility is huge. And I am eternally grateful for that, along with their dedication, devotion, and heart of service.

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Marnie
8/19/2014 02:39:49 pm

My LEO has been my best friend and closest confidant for the last 11 years. He works tirelessly six days a week to provide for our family. He's been in law enforcement for 18 years and has worked the jails, the streets, in forensic psychiatric hospitals, and now as a sergeant detective. He has been stabbed and shot, yet kept returning because it is his job; it is in his blood.
He goes to bed each night worrying about the safety of his wife and son and loves us like no other man can. I love him like I have loved no other and pray that he comes home safe to us at the end of each day and I thank God for him always.

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Jennifer Balentine
8/19/2014 03:05:12 pm

My LEO is Sergeant Eric Balentine of Muscle Shoals, AL and a 17 year veteran officer. He is a S.W.A.T. member and a FTO, and he serves on the board of the local chapter of the PBA. He has also served as the K-9 officer, narcotics investigator, and firearms and PPCT instructor.
He was raised by his grandparents, that also raised 13 other children, (none of which were their own), in Florence, AL, about five minutes from where he lives and works. Living in a home where the essentials like good and utilities were hard to come by, he worked to pay the utility bill at a very young age. Had it not been for his precious grandparent's old-fashioned love and guidance his life could have taken a very different turn. Unlike most, he didn't dream if being an officer, but when he was "called", he answered. As a young father with a 2 1/2 year old and a baby on the way he was in the academy and home for a long weekend when our second child was born an then back to the academy for 10 weeks! He's now the father of a freshman in college and a Junior in highschool. He works at the PD 40-48 hours per week, 4 security OT shifts, helps a friend at his company on the side, and owns his own BBQ business called Bad Boyz BBQ, just to make ends meet and take care of his family on an officer's salary. His work ethic is EPIC!! His recent promotion to sergeant was one of his most proudest, well-deserved milestones to date. Through everything, the human side of mine and our girls hero comes through. His hearts shows when the accident victims hit too close too home, when the unkept, hungry, scared children in the domestic violence chaos need more than he's allowed to give. When the images of his friend from high school lay broken in front of him from an intentional car crash, at the hands if her boyfriend, killing her and her unborn child, and it won't leave him alone for months on end. When he tells me, "There are some things you just can't unsee...." And he gears up and he goes on. He's the officer that went into a burning home through a window to pull a paraplegic man in a wheelchair to safety when everyone else had run away, including his family.
He's the man I'll loan to the streets, but if it's between him and them, it'll ALWAYS be him. He's never been overly romantic - that's okay, we have our own language. He told me once that he's always seen us in a nursing home together, in our twin beds....I'll take that 💚💙

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Porsche McDonald
8/19/2014 05:27:41 pm

My LEO is Deputy Joseph Thomas. He has been with the Sheriff's Department for a total of 4 years, 2 as a Correctional Officer and the last two on the road. Although, it was tough on him financially he did everything he could to send himself to the academy almost immediately after he turned 21. Law enforcement is his passion and I know that's what he was put on this Earth to do. He is absolutely amazing at his job and just a wonderful person in every aspect. I'm so thankful that I get to call him mine and in October I will get to call him my husband. Thank you, Joseph and all his other brothers and sisters in the thin blue line family, for every thing you do for us. For being brave and protecting not only your loved ones and the innocent, but those that want to talk negatively about you until they need you. You are all heroes in my book.

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Linda Winchester
8/19/2014 08:42:01 pm

Mel....some of my message did not come over.....could you add this the rest to mine? Sorry about that.......

him is hard for me to get my head around…people hate police but they don’t see the man that I know, the man that I love…they see someone that got in the way of something they wanted and that is upsetting to me. My heart aches for the families that have lost their law enforcement spouse or loved one…and my head can’t even really go there. I check on him through the day, just to be sure he is ok….and even though we are in a small town, things can happen and I am well aware. I hope he never worries about me while he is working, I don’t want his mind to not be focused…I will be fine, he will be fine….we will be fine. That is where my thoughts will remain as I stand beside him….supporting him.

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Trista
8/19/2014 11:10:53 pm

I ♥️ how beautifully written that is Mel and so true, it describes my LEO to a T. I love my LEO more than words could describe. He is my best friend, lover, my rock. He is an amazing father I could never imagine my life without him! 💙💙

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Jaime Taylor link
8/19/2014 11:32:05 pm

My LEO is Deputy Josh Taylor. He has been in law enforcement for over ten years, he has been on patrol, we have done the night shift, he is on the rifle team, he is a hostage negotiator, a RAD instructor, a school resource officer, and FASRO state corn hole champion. He is also a father to two little boys, my husband, a son, a brother and a friend to many. Josh is the son a pastor, he is an ordained minister, a licensed counselor, a gifted guitar player, an awesome singer, and the best DJ in town. He is an advocate for any one with special needs and has a complete intolerance for bullies and injustice. Listing all of this I realize that this man has way to my titles and hats. In case you didn’t realize most officers do have many titles. Many work two jobs.
This man seems to always be happy and has a gift for making people laugh. He is the man that pays for a person’s lunch without them knowing. He is the man who keeps toys in his car for needy kids. He is a trusted confidant. He keeps a smile on his face and everyone secrets in his heart. When you tell this man something in confidence it stays there. He may tell me the scenario, but never the people. The life of an LEO is different from most. We see the sins and hate of the world on a daily basis, we see injustice, and we live the bureaucracy everyone talks about. Loving an LEO means your daily prayer time is not just a ritual, but a life and death necessity. My husband doesn’t get in that car without me praying for him. It means that you NEVER know what is day will hold. Most days he comes home takes off the badge and has to mentally transform into a loving father and husband. This may seem like an easy task to the outside world, but let me tell you about some of his days and you tell me how you would compartmentalize all of this. He is the man that tried to get a man out of a burning van and failed – coming home with burns, he is the man that has held a teenager as they took their last breath, he is also the man that allows woman to beat up on him, so that they can practice and learn to defend themselves. He works hard to empower women. The thing you may not realize is this is what all LEO do. They save lives, they fix problems, their watchmen! Every LEO has the same stories, they signed up for that. They didn’t sign up to be hated for the brass they wear.
He is my soul mate, my encourager, my rock, my sounding board, my biggest fan, my Bible scholar, my support, my landscaper, my housekeeper and the man who paints my toe nails. He is always striving to me a better person and never quits. He loves his job, he would take a bullet for his brothers or any of the children he protects. This LEO is my past, present and future. He is my hero! How can you hate these men that give a piece of themselves to you every day?

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Amy Brumett link
8/19/2014 11:38:59 pm

My husband is the best man I know. He has a heart of gold (which he definitely gets from his mother and father.) He is caring and a VERY GOOD cop! He has a difficult job to do but will give people every opportunity to avoid making a situation worse.

I am very proud to be his wife and pray every night and day for him. He is a WONDERFUL father and just a terrific person to know. I thank God that he provided me with such a AWESOME man. I am truly BLESSED :)

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Melissa Costello
8/19/2014 11:49:37 pm

My LEO is Christian Costello and an almost 10.5 year officer. He is also a SWAT member. He was made a conditional offer the day before we got married. I never thought in a million years that I would be marrying a cop!! He is the best father to our 3 babies. He is also a husband, a son, a brother (-in-law too), a grandson, a great friend -- and my ROCK. He will do ANYTHING for his kids. When first starting out and was on nights, he would always make sure to call and say goodnight to his little girl. If he is not home now because he is working an extra job he always makes sure to call and say goodnight. He works long hours and lots of side jobs and OT to make sure that the kids have whatever they want and that we have a safe and nice home. Not only does he work a FT job, he also takes care of the kids on his days off. He takes them places and makes the most of their time together. He also cooks, cleans, grocery shops, and can fix anything! He can do it all and I AM SO THANKFUL!! He is always one to help out a brother- either blue, blood, or otherwise in a heartbeat. He is always told that he is profiling, he is racist or he is just plain wrong. He treats everyone the way he would want to be treated no matter their wrong-doing. If you treat him with respect, he will do the same. He never brings his work home with him and I make it a point to ask him what happened that day so he knows he has a place to decompress in me. He sees and hears things that no person should, but he does so you don't have to. I know what I need to do should something happen to him, but I pray that day never comes. I send him to work with a kiss and a prayer every day and try not to worry. But when that SWAT page goes off either middle of the night or day, you can be sure I am not going to be right until I get the all clear. This is what he was called to do and I am not going to stop him. I am going to stand by him and support him so he goes into his day (or night) with a clear head for his safety. He is not just another cop....he is our cop and we have so much more life to live! We love our LEO!!

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Jamie
8/20/2014 12:09:30 am

My LEO is Detective Captain Bryan as our 3yr old often calls him, he has been a police officer for almost 20yrs. He is the Captain of the Detecive Bureau, and Computer Forensics investigator. He was raised by his mother after she left an abusive situation. They had nothing and he has worked since he was a kid. He has read and reasearched and taugh himself everything like working ton cars, computers and to speak several different languages. He has often said if he wasn't a police officer he would have been a criminal. He started as a reserve for a big city right out of the academy where he was responding to a call for shoplifters and met them coming out of the mall where he got in to a physical fight with multiple assailants. He was injured badly in his knee and still to this day complains about the pain. He worked in the jail for 4yrs but wanted to get out on the road. He transfered departments and has quickly moved up in the ranks. He has hearing damage in one ear from being on an active shooter call. I met this man and we became fast friends, we are both LEO's. When he asked me out he told me that he didn't care if cost him future promotions he just wanted to be around me. My husband is a man that propsed to me after 45 days, a secret romantic. He leaves cards for me when I accomplish something small like loosing my baby weight or large like getting a college degree. He brings me flowers when I have a terrible day. He knows a little bit about everything, and always says thats why he can be a little dangerous. He is a father of 2 children under age 5 and is a very hands on parent. He works long hours sometimes and often gets called in the middle of the night to come into work. He always makes sure to help shuffle kids when I have to work or go to school. I think often how lucky I am to have found such a caring, smart and kind man to raise a family with. My LEO is amazing and I pray often my son grows up to be just like him and my daughter gets his brains and patience because they will be unstopable!! Thank you for doing this and supporting all of our LEO's because they are some pretty amazing men and women!! Stay Safe my fellow brother and sisters in Blue!

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Kimberly Peters
8/20/2014 01:33:36 am

My LEO is Derick Peters. He's been an LEO for 9 years and an MA (equivalent to military police) in the Navy Reserves for 14 years. We have been through a deployment to Afghanistan and one to Kuwait in the 9 years we've been married. He works his usual 10 hour shift and then several nights a week he works off duty security at a local hospital, mall, university and movie theater plus drill one weekend a month for the Navy. He is always tired and rarely has a real day off. Even though he is drained he makes time to help with housework, yard work, 2 kids and makes time for me. He doesn't complain about working so many hours he just does it to provide for our family. He will do anything for anyone no matter how big or small. I am proud to call him my husband.

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Jill
8/20/2014 03:32:54 am

My LEO is Derek Tenorio. He's been a LEO for 4 years. He's the strongest man I know. He works for a very small town and most nights is the only officer on duty. He works midnights and works anywhere from 50 to 80 hours a week. He is considered Part-time so he doesn't receive health insurance or PTO. After he works all night he comes home and takes care of our 2 boys until I get home from work. He's my best friend and will be my husband in 2 months.
He is also a monster fighter. We tell our 4 year old that he goes to work to beat up monsters and out them in their cage. I'd be lost with out him. I am very lucky to be apart of his life. I cant wait for this man to be my husband.

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Melanie Judd
8/20/2014 05:37:28 am

Jeremy Judd, Maine Game Warden. An amazing husband, father to two bouncing (literally, on the bed right now) little girls, a brother, a dedicated son, a loving uncle, and a devoted friend. Naturally, he loves being outside. He can't conceive of sitting still, instead always has a new project he's working on. He spends every day trying to figure out how to make our lives better, is always the first one in line to help someone who's found themselves on hard times. He's a planning board member for our hometown, and together he and I have a small landscaping business.
But I suppose I ought to mention his law enforcement history, though it's certainly only a small part of who he is. He's been a game warden for 10+ years, was on the dive team for several years then moved on (at my insistence, I hated the thought of him diving) to the K9 team, which he's worked for probably the last 5 years with his K9 Tundra. He's the president of the Maine Warden Service Association. He's done grant writing to help get guys specialized gear, takes extra shifts, works all hours, gets called out at all hours, but always comes home.
People will always second guess and armchair quarterback my (like all) LEO, but he does everything he does to come home to us at the end. He makes me proud every day with his patience, his strength, his dedication to his family, his ingenuity and kindness.
Thanks for this opportunity to share the side I know to be true...

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Randi
8/20/2014 07:01:44 am

My LEO is a Sergeant, father, brother, son, my best friend and soon to be husband. He has been an LEO for 5 years. He does not take anything for granted and appreciates everything he has. I am thankful for this man everyday. He has given me so many things money can't buy. We have 5 kids between us and he supports every one of them no matter what the challenge. He's a romantic, thoughtful and loving fiancé. I am so proud to be able to call him my other half.

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Anne
8/20/2014 07:48:58 am

My LEO is a huge, strong man who bares the weight of his badge on and off duty. He has 24 years on the job and has seen and dealt with situations you would not wish on anyone. He works hundreds of hours of over time and sleeps very little. He is ridiculed, sworn at and avoided, but will still risk his life to save another. He cries after bad days...he never forgets the bad days. He cherishes the good days and the occasional small acts of kindness and support. He's my husband, a father, a brother and a friend. He's a LEO to the core.

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Sarah
8/20/2014 09:10:23 am

My LEO is Shane. We've been together for five and a half years, married for four, and he's only 8 months into working as a police officer in two small towns. He was the first college graduate in his entire family, and at times he walked miles (literally) to work to support himself through school. This is what he's wanted to do since he was a child.

Shane is the complete opposite of brutal or cold-blooded. His innate gentleness and desire to protect seems so at odds with the perception of law enforcement lately. One of the stories he shared with me after a shift exemplifies this. While on patrol, he saw a kitten in the road. Fearing it might get hit by a car, he stopped and picked it up. However, when he picked the little guy up, it crawled up and over his back so he couldn't quite reach it, so he enlisted the help of some amused neighborhood kids that were passing by to help him remove it. We had a good laugh about that one! It still makes me laugh picturing this six foot tall man in full police gear with a tiny kitten perched on him!

Of course,not all the events that happen on a shift are quite as positive.
At my worst moments of worry and fear for him, I've questioned his career choice, "Are you sure this is what you want to do?" and he never wavers. He made the choice to serve a long time ago, regardless of the potential risks or costs to himself or our family, and while I'm terrified every time he leaves the house, I'm SO proud of him. I'm thankful for every moment we get to spend together.

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Erin link
8/20/2014 09:50:06 am

My LEO is my best friend and soul mate. He is the most caring man and works harder than anyone else I know. He goes above and beyond what is required of him. He does his job day in and day out and rarely gets a "thank you" or "good job." My LEO is an incredible son, husband and father to our two girls. After working his shifts and extra duties, he still finds the energy to play with the girls and make them feel special. I am so blessed to have him in my life. #leowchallenge

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Katie M
8/20/2014 12:00:12 pm

The LEOW Challenge #leowchallenge

Who is my LEO Husband?
***My LEO husband is a man who grew up in a poverty stricken area in south sacramento, known as meadowview. To be more specific, off 69th street/Amherst is where he used to live, play, go to school, etc....where drugs, gangs and violence were a huge part of everyday life. My LEO husband grew up in a poor household where his dad worked hard to provide for their one income household but due to the substance abuse issues both of his parents had, was faced to deal with things no child should ever have to...such as not knowing if they were going to be homeless or if the electricity was going to be shut off etc. In high school he had horrible grades, skipped school often and hung out with a lot of people, in a lot of places he shouldn't have. He had many run ins with the law when he was a juvenile and had a f*ck the police mentality. He was always the punk kid with a fast car doing things he shouldn't be doing when the police got there. He drove his car fast, loud, wild, got into some fights and had some issues with some neighbors usually resulting in the police being called on him. As a juvenile he was actually assaulted by a police officer after an altercation with a neighbor, which of course fueled his disrespectful, hateful attitude towards law enforcment even more. If you asked me or anyone else that knew my husband if he would ever consider being law enforcement, say 10 years ago, we would probably laugh and think you didn't know this guy AT ALL. Fast forward....it's valentine's day of 2005...we have now been dating on and off for about 8 years....we find out we are going to have a baby! He is only 23 years old with a pregnant 19 year old girlfriend...as you can imagine he was scared and didn't know what to do or how he was going to take care of his soon to be family or how we could even survive off the $14 an hour mechanic/lube tech job he had and my $8 an hour starbucks job... We fought like cats and dogs, we struggled like crazy we often broke down as young parents with no money, living as a new family on our own, for the first time...we had constant support and help from family which helped us to raise our son, and worked our butts off trying to provide for each other and live. Once we had our son my husband vowed and made it his mission in life to be the best father/husband he could be and to provide for and protect our family. He wanted more out of life and to be our son's hero and to be able to make a positive contribution to our society. Although it took him 3 years from the time he turned his application in with CDCR, to get to the academy, it was worth it. To see how proud he was of his accomplishment and how proud his family was of him...was worth it all. He worked his ass off in the academy and has now been a uniformed, sworn cdcr peace officer for just over 3 years...he continues to work hard every day for his family. He goes to his son's sporting events, school events, has done career days at the school, goes to our son's therapy/psych appointments and is more involved in our everyday lives than most men are with their families now adays. If our son wakes him up at 1am because he doesn't feel good or 3am because his legs hurt from sports or whatever the reason my LEO husband will hold him and calm him until he falls back asleep, even if he is working a 16 hour shift and has to be up at 4 am..he does anything and everything for our family....if a friend calls or texts him saying they need something, he is there...a family member needs his help with their car or lifting stuff or anything, he is there....he doesn't complain or say he is tired from dealing with Child molesters and rapists and murderers all day, he shows up happy to help and never denies his friends or family help. So before you want to judge him for his badge or for carrying a gun, know who and what he is...he is more than a LEO, he is a patient, kind, amazing, selfless, hardworking, humble, giving, caring, supportive husband, father, friend, son, cousin, nephew etc and we love him. He has his families 6 , everyday, always and we've got his. He will always stand up for his brother and sister LEOs and we wouldn't have him any other way!!!! Ricky Charles THANK YOU FOR BEING MY LEO HUSBAND #LEOWCHALLENGE

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Alisha
8/20/2014 12:17:48 pm

My LEO has been doing this job for 12 years and he can't see himself doing anything else. He is my best friend, my heart, and the love of my life. I'm only a fiancé now but I can't wait to be his wife. He makes me proud everyday.

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Danielle
8/20/2014 01:09:45 pm

My LEO is my husband. He is everything I could have ever dreamed of and I have said often always makes me feel like the only girl in the room. He is so much more than his officer status, but yet that is what most seem to use to define him the most. Truth is he tries so hard to keep that all from me.I can't tell you how many commendations (he never shows up to formally receive) are put away in the closet (literally) for heroics I would have never known about if it wasn't for me reading them. I ask him why didn't you tell me this or that happened and he simply replies "it's my job".

My LEO loves being home with his family more than anything in the world. No one would believe how he takes care of us...of me. He makes sure on his break that when I get home from work I do not have to cook or clean or run around for all those things we LEO spouses usually do because we are usually single parents however many nights a week our significant others are on shift. He makes sure we have time...time to just be together...be us.

You all know what its like shifting holidays and birthdays so they can be there. I have no idea how many Christmases and Thanksgivings have been rescheduled, how many New Years Eve's have been celebrated over the phone. Normal for us I guess but not many others understand. How many times he has had 2 hours sleep to get up early to watch the boys open their gifts from Santa...so many sacrifices that no one realizes and he has never once missed a Christmas morning.

My LEO loves to fish, kayak, yard sale...be goofy with the kids..sit on the porch and do all of those things with me. We are best friends and soul mates.

He has been my hero since before his badge and will remain my hero forever.

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Lester Sousley link
8/20/2014 11:07:04 pm

My Leos are J Ryan Sousley, Bradford Allen Sousley, and Michael Dale Sousley. Two work for Pierce County Washington, one works for Salt Lake County's Unified Department. Combined they have over 40 years experience "on-the-job". All three are dedicated officers who follow the law and enforce the law with dignity, compassion, fairness, and as needed--force. They are fathers of sons and a daughter ranging in age from 1 to 22. They love their wives, provide comfortable homes for their families, and support their communities in a variety of ways off-duty. I pray every day they will return home from their shifts. Late night calls are never good and don't happen often, but the job takes its toll as accidents/incidents and injuries are made known. I'm proud of them and the contributions they make as they Protect and Serve.

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Cortney Johnson
8/21/2014 09:47:36 am

My LEO is my amazing husband. He has been a PO for almost 19 years. His duties include road patrol, FTO and OIC. He has seen the best and the very worst in his career. He is compassionate, a loving father to our 2 daughters and the most gentle soul I know. He's my strength, my rock and with him by my side, my world
is right! He works 6am to 6pm and protects his streets with integrity. He never complains, works detail and OT when he can to support this family. There is no place he would rather be.

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Cindy Thompson
8/21/2014 11:09:22 am

My LEO is my best friend, my husband and soul mate. He has been a Lubbock Police officer for 19 years. He also served 13 years in the United States Army, and fought in two wars. He grew up very poor, his father walked out on his mother when he was five and never paid a dime of child support. His mother was left with five kids to raise by her self. He always wanted to be a police officer since he was a small boy. He a father of six kids of his own and step dad to six of mine. We 13 grand kids together, so yes he is difintley a family man. He wears his badge proudly. He has a big heart and has a lot of compassion for the less fortunate. One night when it was snowing, he came by our home a got a sleeping bag for a homeless guy sleeping under a bridge. It saddens me that people hate him for being a cop and they don't even know him.one night to got a call about two young boys who had ran away from a children's home, he found them and wanted to bring them to our home, but he knew he couldn't. He was so upset when he had to take them back, yes my husband has a soft heart for kids. His very first call he went on 19 years ago, still haunts him, four kids and there mother with there throats cut. He is my hero! This man gives so much of his time protecting and serving, I am proud to be his wife. It is not easy being a police officer, always having to act tough and brave, when sometimes he just wants to cry. He puts his life on the line everyday for complete strangers. He is a great role model for our sons, my 14 year old son has become such a great person now that he is his step dad. My son hasn't seen or heard from his dad since he was 5 years old either, my husband has been where my son is, he understands everything he is feeling! So remember police officer are humans, with feelings just like yours.

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Laurel Stacy
8/21/2014 12:16:34 pm

This is long, so here's the heads up! :)


I recently read about the LEO wife challenge and as I read Melissa Little’s post about her husband, tears flooded my eyes. I asked myself why I was crying, and I began to think the tears came from the touching account of the way she describes her husband, or maybe they came from my frustration at the current media craze defaming and demoralizing officers. Maybe it was a little of both. The more I thought about the challenge and the article, the more I realized that the tears came from complete adoration of MY LEO.

I couldn’t even begin to detail how much I respect and admire my husband for the selfless work he does. I’m not sure anyone could understand even if I tried. In some ways, I think it takes an officer’s wife to understand an officer’s wife. At any rate, here goes my attempt to explain who Matt is and what he means to me.

My husband has always wanted to be a police officer. His parents tell me that he has said so since he was just a little tyke. When we first began dating, I was 17 and a senior in high school and he was 19 and a freshman in college, and as we talked about our goals and dreams, he was always steadfast and unwavering about his desire to be in law enforcement. It was only two short years later that he graduated first in his class from the COPS Program and began this career.

I was (and still am!) young and naïve, and didn’t quite understand the commitment he had to this profession. And oh, what a commitment it has been. From the overnight shift to the weekend shift to the overnight weekend shift. Cold dinners, melted ice cream cake (Yes, this happened. And yes, I was just being dramatic.) missed plans with friends, checking Facebook to see what the latest “news” on where he is/what’s happening (Ugh, don’t get me started!) – we’ve experienced tons in our 3.5 years in the law enforcement family.

Even though I touch on those little “fumbles”, I would never change one single second. Each day I am more amazed with how dedicated and hard working he is. He is completely selfless and constantly risks his life (on and off duty) to save the lives of others. He loves being a member of the SWAT team and the drug team, as well as being an FTO. Matt has such a passion for his career and the impact it has on everyone around him, so honestly, how in the world could I ever want anything more?

He’s more than a badge, gun, and uniform. He’s more than Officer Stacy. He’s a husband of a needy wife, father of our furry babies, son of two amazing biological parents, two sets of in-laws, and many adopted “parents”; he’s a brother, an uncle, a best friend and confidant to countless, and last, but not least, a brother-in-Christ. Matt is a Godly man who loves with his whole heart. He is the least judgmental person I know, and always gives people the benefit of the doubt. I seldom hear him say anything bad about anything. His optimism is simply infectious. I think Matt has a trillion friends. Literally, he gets along with everyone.

He constantly gives of himself. I’m a medical student, and on top of his full-time job, part-time job, and overtime SWAT training, he still makes time to grocery shop, clean the house, do the dishes, take out the trash, and everything else imaginable when school is in session. Outside of taking care of me, he has the most gentle spirit and loves playing with our dogs. We have two lab-mix mutts that are absolutely perfect (unbiased opinion, of course!) that Matt plays and cuddles with all the time.

His attention isn’t just focused on our little family. A year before I began medical school, Matt and I ventured out of comfort zones and began teaching a five-year-old Sunday school class every week for a year. Matt got off work at 6am (if he got off on time) and would sleep for 2 hours until it was time to get ready to go early service then teach Sunday school to the 10-20 (depending on the week) five-year-olds. He was always so patient and loving to these children, and continues to excitedly tell me of the encounters he has with children as they wave to or high-five him. I know he will be an incredible dad one day.

This is in no way all-encompassing of the man I love. He loves spending time with friends and family, being outdoors and watching football. Speaking of football, he is amazingly gracious with me around football season, or basically any time anything about the OU/OSU rivalry comes up. Matt lets me spout off all of my “football facts” and (awesome) put-downs, and never takes my comments to heart. He finds it amusing when he corrects my “facts” and sees how upset it makes me. Just thinking of his smile and goofy laugh makes me laugh.

My prayer is that Matt will never become jaded by the hatred and harsh words of criminals, and ins

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Robin link
8/21/2014 08:32:52 pm

My LEO is a 12yr veteran of law enforcement. Sargeant Dwayne Odom is the kindest and most caring man. He has a heart the size of Texas for kids and will do anything for a child. He would give anyone the shirt off his back just to see them smile. He's stopped on a cold winter night to give a cold homeless man a warm coat and food so he would warm up. He's the type of man that is respectful to his elder generation, often taking time out of his day to sit and talk with them. God bless all of you and your LEO'S and keep them safe so they return home to us all.

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Desiree Scales
8/21/2014 11:41:00 pm

I have more than one officer in my life...I actually have a couple dozen (I'm a dispatcher), but I'll focus on the most important one. My husband.
My husband is a Corporal, an FTO, and has a good sniffer for a burglar or someone on the run. He never gives up.
He is a son, grandson, brother, friend, and most important, a father and husband.
He wakes up at 3:30 am on his day shifts and never sleeps late on night shifts. He wears 20+ lbs of gear on his hip, puts on a vest that when it's 100 degrees outside makes him too hot.
He leaves his supper on the table to go to a call with the possiblity of not getting to come back to eat for the rest of the night.
He works holidays, anniversaries, birthdays. He leaves his daughter to help yours. He leaves his wife to help someone else's. He's not allowed to show emotion because then he's soft. But when he does his JOB, he's a pig, an ass. All because it's a job. People forget that. Just like you get up to push papers around or whatever ever it is you do, he gets up and fights the evil in this world...It's a job others want to tell him how to do, but yet, don't want to do it themselves. No one else wants to wear 20 lbs of gear, a hot vest, miss meals with families and risk getting shot, beat up, or even die. But he does. Please remember he's a human too. He's my hero. He's my LEO. He's my husband.

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Elizabeth Arevalo
8/22/2014 03:21:59 am

My LEO is Det. Alfredo Arevalo from Metro Nashville police department. He is the man that met me as a young single mother of a 3 year old at 18 and took on the responsibility. Had a dream from day one to wear a badge. Couldn't do school and take care for his family so he went and served his country for four years. Deployed to Iraq twice with a very ill wife at home. Hes been wearing the badge now 5 years and he absolutely loves his job. He is respected for his work ethic even when he has too much on his plate at times. We has two little girls that belive their daddy is a real hero. He works long weeks and still has to help me because there are times I'm too sick to do anything. To the streets he might be this evil guy with a gun that is out to get everyone. What they don't see is he buying gifts for the tooled daughters of his homicide victim. Or the countless hours he spends at home studying case files off the clock to find a criminal. I'm very proud of my husband and what I've seen him do in our 15 years together. He's our love, our everything and definitely our hero.

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Joelle
8/22/2014 04:17:44 am

My husband is 605, Officer Lamb. He did not set out to become an officer. He was a Carpentry/Construction graduate who was building houses before we got engaged. Knowing he needed a career that could provide for his family and included health benefits, he applied at the local PD in our hometown that we decided to move back to. He was accepted, and was off to the Academy.

My husband endured a very rough childhood that was full of hate, broken homes, bickering parents, abuse, alcohol abuse, and more. He left his home at the age of 17 and lived with his friend's parents. He learned how to take care and provide for himself.

He worked hard to earn his job and lay concerns to rest. He built a very strong friendship with his Chief, who claimed him as his own personal construction guy. My husband spent the last day of his Chief's short life hanging out with him, fixing things around his house, and made plans to BBQ with him the next night. We went home, went to bed, and then woke up to the tones on the scanner. Our beloved friend and leader had passed due to health issues overnight. He was devastated. He spent the next two years of his career in a tailspin when he was off duty. We went through some very rough times, he took a break and resigned, he sought help, and came out the other side.

He worked extremely hard to prove himself and earned his job back with the unanimous backing of the City Council. He strapped his vest and boots on and faced the harsh critics of this small town. He didn't give up. He fought his own demons so that he could continue to fight the demons of the night. He found that his life calling was to be that barrier between the good and the evil. He is so good at what he does. He is a PTO and FTO Officer. He is one of the youngest guys on the force but has been there the longest. He loves his town.

He recently discovered a man that had been staying at our local park in his car, and decided to check up on him one night to make sure he was okay. He found that he was from a town about 3 hours away who had come in a few days early for an interview at a local hotel for people who are disabled or living in poverty. They allow people to work for them and provide services in exchange for rent. The Ministerial Alliance allows the officers to give out 1 voucher for either a night at the Super 8, a meal at one of the restaurants, or clothing from a department store. My husband took it upon himself to give 3 vouchers, knowing full well he was prepared to reimburse for the other 2. He told him that he wanted to give him a cool, clean place to get a good nights rest, a meal and a new outfit for his interview. I would have never known he did this except he mentioned that he got a butt chewing at the Dept meeting for going against policy, although when he offered to pay for the other two vouchers, he was told it wasn't necessary. He made the right call. He has a heart. Beneath that tough exterior that rarely shows emotions, he cares.

He is the best Daddy to our 3 year old. He picks her up from the Daycare I run to have "hang out time". They go on "adventures" around the neighborhood in her pink princess jeep. They take hunting trips in her bedroom with her toy rifle and toy bow while watching the Outdoor Channel. She loves him with all of her heart.

My husband is the love of my life. We have made it through hell and back and we love each other deeper today than yesterday. He is my world. I am proud to call 605 my husband. I am proud of the job he does. I am proud of the battles he has fought. I am proud that he doesn't give up when the cards are stacked against him. I am proud to stand behind him and be his rock. He will do great things, of this I am sure.

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Ashley Curtis
8/22/2014 11:41:18 am

My LEO is a Maine Game Warden K9 handler, but more importantly he is my best friend, the love of my life and the Daddy to our beautiful little girl. "We" have been in law enforcement for 10 years, first as a town police officer and then moving on to the warden service, fulfilling his life long dream. A few years into his career he joined the K9 team, fulfilling another dream. Alan loves to be K9 handler, and I love that he has a partner with him to look after him. "Bring him home safe" is what what I whisper in now Sig's (his K9) ear every morning or evening he works. He is the hardest working man I know. Never complaining about working all day and night on a search, missing dinner because of a chase, or being so tired that he falls asleep on the floor playing with our daughter. Even though his childhood was far from perfect, he is the perfect example of overcoming challenges - of good prevailing over bad. He is is a provider and a leader for our family. A true example of of a partner. When we were unexpectedly transferred and forced to move, I was naturally upset. He simply looked and me and the said, "I got this. I will take care of you." He built us a new home, by himself,, in less than than a year, while working full time and pulling extra shifts to earn extra money. Simply amazing. He loves deeply, laughs deeper and is my better half. He never hesitates to lend a hand to anyone in need and I know would give the shirt off his back to someone in need, because he knows what it is like to be in need. He loves to hunt, to fish and to trap. We have a farm, with pigs, chickens and turkeys because he knew I wanted that. He makes maple syrup in late winter. Most importantly he loves to play with his daughter in the evenings when he can be home. He is my hero, and all I can do is hope and pray he comes home safe, always.

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Alyssa DeFranco
9/7/2014 01:31:42 am

My LEO is my fiancé Nick Riker. The truth about my fiancé is he is the most helpful, caring selfless person I know. He is always by my side to get me through everything and anything. He leaves work everyday excited to protect and serve the community in the town we live in. He worries about others constantly and from the time he was a little boy he always wanted to be an officer. I wake up everyday praying he will make it home everynight. But I know part of my job is to understand his job and take care of household things. He has inspired me
In so many ways to be a better person and to strive in success. He has helped and protected to many people in our community & I know he loves to hear the community say they feel so safe knowing he is here protecting them. He has done so much good. And I know I am truely grateful and honored to call him my fiancé and soon to be husband. I can't wait for us to have children and a son and for our son to grow up with such an amazing role model. I love you Police Officer Nicholas Riker and all the good you do in protecting and serving our town. And I know not one person could say any bad for all the good you do. ❤️❤️❤️💍💍💍

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    Melissa Littles is a published author, blogger and legislative advocate for Law Enforcement Officers and their families, as well as an advocate for Autism.  To learn more, see our "About" section.

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