Police work, like many intense professions, often feels like a love-hate thing. It’s a sentiment I’ve pondered deeply, especially after a recent experience at the first Cops & Cabins retreat. This retreat, held in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Morganton, Georgia, brought together eight law enforcement officers seeking to disconnect from the daily grind and reconnect with themselves and each other.
I happily rode my Harley over 1000 miles to attend. The goal was simple: recharge, refresh, and bond with fellow officers in a relaxed environment. The retreat was a resounding success. Each participant arrived ready to share their experiences and engage in productive, safe conversations. Despite the inevitable presence of testosterone, the atmosphere was collaborative, not competitive. We were brothers, supporting one another. The experience proved cathartic and fulfilling, even inspiring a popular Law Enforcement Today article, “Sergeant Suckup.”
During the retreat, police officer and filmmaker Patrick Shaver (of Officer Involved) documented our discussions and shared ideas. Law Enforcement Today Radio Show Host Jay Wiley also contributed by posting several Facebook Live videos on the Cops & Cabins page.
As the four-day retreat concluded, I prepared for my motorcycle journey home, primarily along Highway 20 from Georgia to Texas. Zac Brown’s Highway 20 Ride became the soundtrack to my trip. However, Hurricane Nate presented a significant challenge. The storm’s impact reached the South, and I began my ride in heavy rain and thunderstorms.
Despite my friend Danny Griswold of Boynton Beach Police Department providing spare rain pants, I was soaked. Along the way, I observed troopers diligently managing accident scenes in the harsh weather. I passed multiple major collisions caused by the storm, witnessing Georgia state troopers and the Alabama Highway Patrol (ALEA) performing their duties under difficult circumstances.
After encountering the “Sin City Deciples” motorcycle club (yes, Deciples is intentionally misspelled), I learned that even worse weather awaited me in Birmingham. (I wondered if they would have offered the helpful information if they knew I was a cop?) Consequently, I sought refuge from the downpour at a hotel in Talladega.
While drying off in my hotel room, the phrase “It’s a love-hate thing” resonated with me. I realized this sentiment applied not only to interstate motorcycle travel but also to police work. My love for riding outweighs my dislike for the discomfort. I’ve undertaken numerous interstate rides. While I cherish riding under a full moon on a pleasant night, I detest traveling in extreme weather. I love the freedom of the open road without traffic, but I hate navigating congested cities. Ultimately, my passion for riding overshadows the accompanying discomforts.
The same holds true for my experiences as a law enforcement professional. I love apprehending robbery suspects after a series of crimes, but I dislike the subsequent booking and report writing. I value teamwork with my partners, but I resent individuals seeking self-promotion. I relish the feeling of catching a rapist, but I abhor the damage inflicted upon the victim(s). I appreciate the complexities and challenges inherent in our work, but I despise the mischaracterizations we often face. In the end, we pursue our passions while enduring the associated drawbacks.
So, whether it’s interstate motorcycle riding or police work, it’s a love-hate thing. And yes, I eventually arrived home safely in Texas to a birthday party in my honor, which I absolutely loved!
(Photo courtesy DanSun Photo Art)