The bond connecting peace officers is forged in the common fight against those who threaten the badge and everything it represents. It’s a shield built through chaos, meant to secure safety for our citizens. We stand shoulder-to-shoulder with like-minded professionals as we combat those who inflict harm – physical, emotional, and economic. We are teammates, regardless of schedule, shift, or jurisdiction. When our true goal is public safety, not personal gain, the resulting synergy illuminates light in the darkness. This unity becomes a constant in a world that has often gone wrong.
Within law enforcement, a tight-knit group emerges: those we call “partners.” These might be peers on the same shift or squad. Personality differences may prevent a deep bond with everyone, but these are generally the people we face danger alongside. We fight crime together, utilizing the best resources our organizations offer. At the end of a shift, we acknowledge our shared victories with high-fives, backslaps, fist-bumps, or words of encouragement.
Yet, there are also those we call “partner” – the singular term reserved for a select few. Over my career, I considered six individuals as such. Our laughter was frequent, and our conversations were safe spaces. We practiced catharsis – unfiltered communication – in almost every dialogue. When we exercised catharsis, there was no fear of reprisal, regardless of rank.
I had the privilege of working in a small, five-person Special Investigations Unit (SIU) for 10 years, first as a detective and then as a sergeant. We had some of the loudest, most cathartic sessions behind closed doors. Those working outside our office often joked that the walls seemed pressurized, expanding like a balloon being filled to capacity, but never popping! The bond I shared with each partner was a shared philosophy on taking calculated risks in pursuing criminals. We weren’t always of one mind, but we were of one heart. At the end of every conversation, we stacked hands and pursued the bad guys with precise calculation and a touch of reckless abandon. The people in our office were indeed my partners – plural – but a few of them became lifelong professional partners – singular.
The cathartic process of working through our differences and then catching the fish – big and small – allowed me to reap rewards for which I am grateful. Moreover, I know our community was better served because of it.
With the Gulf War, the Iraq War, Operation Enduring Freedom (War in Afghanistan), and the ongoing global War on Terror, many former military service members have entered civilian law enforcement with combat experience. With rare exceptions, they have become some of the finest police officers I have seen in the past 35 years. I am especially thankful for a lifelong professional partner, Detective Bob Gallaugher, who was also a sergeant major in the USMC Reserves. He was activated and deployed by the Corps during Desert Shield and Desert Storm to liberate Kuwait from Iraq and Saddam Hussein. Years later, Bob was activated for deployment during the Iraq War. He had been sick but still reported to receive his medical inoculations in preparation for deployment.
Later that day, after receiving his shots, our police department received a 911 call from Bob’s home. Our officers responded and found Bob asphyxiated in his vomit caused by the illness. Responding officers performed lifesaving efforts, but to no avail. He was transported to the hospital where he was pronounced dead. Another partner and I had the regrettable duty of notifying his wife and two sons. My heart mourned for them as I witnessed their reaction to the news, especially his boys. Instead of seeing Bob deployed for the Iraq War, we buried him. The events were so sudden, unexpected, surreal, and sad.
I encourage partners everywhere to remember the true enemy is outside the organization. Stack hands in mutual agreement to fight side by side and appreciate the sacrifice made by each person on the team. I was grateful for the privilege of sharing stories of my partner at his funeral. I am thankful that Bob knew how much I appreciated our relationship before that tragic day.
May I encourage partners everywhere to remember the true enemy is outside the organization. Stack hands in mutual agreement to fight side by side and appreciate the sacrifice made by each person on the team. Five team members working in unison will accomplish more than 10 people working independently. If you are in a position to exercise cathartic communication, do so. But it only works when pride is checked at the door and individual accomplishments are shelved. If you have that relationship with a partner or two, you are indeed fortunate. If you have it with more, you are in possession of rare treasure. Let them know!
JURISDICTION: A COP AND A PASTOR TALK ABOUT LIFE (AND DEATH)