08/11/2023
Long, slightly dramatic, touchy feely post ahead.
“Why are you still talking about this, it’s been 2 years dude?”
Great question. It’s part of healing. I’m not going to hide from this, and the feeling associated from it. I’m not going to let the emotional response associated with it affect me, I’m going to control it. If you don’t want to hear it, and possibly learn something, scroll on
It’s been 2 years today since one of the worst days of my life, and of my career.
2 years ago, I was fighting to stay alive, and to keep my crew alive.
2 years ago since I witnessed a member of my crew be struck in the head with a battle axe by a deranged EDP who was set on murdering us.
2 years since I reacted without thinking, hitting the emergency button on my radio, and said “10-24, we need assistance!”, which was just enough to Steve Gordon to clear the air, give me the channel, and start Osceola County Sheriff's Office, battalion 6, additional resources for my crew.
2 years since I fought every instinct to stay alive, and instead of running away, I charged the axe weilding psychopath, and punched him (missed his nose, tagged his head. I’m not a very good fighter), but it was enough to distract him, and rescue our injured brother, who’s head was nearly turned into a canoe.
What I’ve learned: Ric Jorge is brilliant. If you get the chance to take his class, take it. Having something to reach back on (the orient in OODA) is absolutely critical. In the preceding weeks, I had been at the range with deputies, going over radio communications, and short distance threats. Without that training, I would have had to think, before I acted.
This job is routine, 99% of the time. But that 1% is the time where you don’t have time to think, you can only react. And I’m lucky enough to associate myself with people who want to train for the worst day of your life.
Have people in your phone who can talk to, and can get you in the right place. Walter Lewis, I am eternally grateful for your phone call. You truly are top shelf, chief. Thank you
Have the courage to know when you aren’t ok. It took Matt MacNab telling me I wasn’t me to get me to pull my head out of my ass, and make one of the hardest phone calls of my life to UCF RESTORES-Trauma Therapy Program. Chief, thank you for that. It has made an enormous difference.
I have started A-Z Training and Consulting, and been developing a training program to teach the highlights of the lessons learned, because I believe there is a shortage of this. We train for maydays, we train to save our own in fires, we train to save civilians, and in EMS, but how many have a plan for when we are attacked? Are you prepared to engage your emergency button, call for assistance, fight your way to safety, and treat your, or your crews injuries?
When is the last time you pushed an emergency button?
Placed a tourniquet?
Packed a wound?
Law enforcement is minutes away, when you need help in seconds.
Love your brother and sisters, train hard, and don’t forget to take a break and enjoy life, friends. 🤙🏼🤙🏼
