Facebook.
Twitter.
Blogging (like the one you are reading now!).
Pinterest.
All of these are social media platforms for people to interact with other people and companies. According to Merriam-Webster, social media is described as “forms of electronic communication through which users create online communities to share information, ideas, personal messages and other content.”
And in case the title and first few sentences of this post didn’t give it away, yesterday was my first day as the Vancouver Police Department‘s newest Social Media Officer within the Community & Public Affairs Section.
Whoot, whoot!
The position has been filled by Cst. Anne Longley since 2010, and she has been instrumental in bringing the VPD into the 21st century in terms of Facebook and Twitter. Cst. Longley’s foresight, ability and passion for social media make the VPD one of the front-runners in the policing, and law enforcement agencies from all over the world network with her to share advice and tips.
However, Cst. Longley will eventually transition to another section and the VPD realizes how important her position is. I applied for and was interviewed for the job, and was advised late last week that I had been successful.
Now, for the next few weeks, I’ll be shadowing Cst. Longley as she passes on her social media playbook - I only hope I’m up to the task! What remains clear, though, is the impact social media has on police/community relations, and it’s something I take very seriously.
Talk about a different career direction, eh?
From being in operational policing for 18 years, driving a K9 SUV and tracking bad guys with my police dog to steering an electronic device.
Posted in A Day in the Life by .
Apr 13
13
A Fresh Start
During my last few years in the Dog Squad, I had thought my career would progress on the expected path of developing the skills required for promotion to Sergeant.
What I did not expect was the drastic turn my personal life would take when we lost my husband’s sister to cancer last year. Her death rippled through my husband’s large family and it affected everyone. This wonderful woman left behind a dearly loved husband and four chersished daughters.
Promotion to Sergeant was suddenly low on the priority list. Writing became near impossible. Exhaustion was ever present.
We grieved as a family and we grieved by ourselves. Our children had never been exposed to the loss of a loved one. My husband, who has always been my constant supporter, needed me to be the oak tree – strong and unbendable, able to support our family through an extremely difficult time.
I was like an oak tree.
Because I, in turn, had my own grove of oak trees – my fellow dog handlers, fellow officers and friends.
********
Hondo’s cancer diagnosis was a direct kick in the gut.
On the heels of everything else, my first thought was, “Really? You have got to be kidding. No.”
I miss him.
********
My temporary assignment to an investigative squad was arranged well in advance of my departure from the Dog Squad.
I’ve been working in this investigative spot since the beginning of January but have been given the green light to pursue another avenue within the police department.
It’s an avenue that I’m very passionate about, and one that is very important, especially in today’s world.
In a sense, this green light signals a fresh start.
I begin on Monday.
I’ll fill you in then.
***
Posted in A Day in the Life by .
Jan 13
5
Thank You
It’s been a tough week filled with major life changes.
From losing Hondo on January 1st, to starting in a new section within the VPD on January 2nd, to our new puppy arriving on January 3rd, to a home reno starting later this month…well, I’ve never started a year with such upheaval before.
I’ll fill you in on the pup and the new job during future posts. As for the home reno – it’s going to be plain crazy around here.
Now about Hondo.
It’s been hard. Tougher than I expected. From taking his collar and leash out of my pocket upon my return home, to writing the last post, to cleaning out his home kennel, food dish and water bucket…I don’t think you’re ever supposed to be 100% prepared for those tasks.
But there are some things that make this difficult time more bearable.
First, the outpouring of support from all of you, both in and out of the VPD, has been tremendous. Our family has read each expression of sympathy and comfort, and your sincere words are like a balm. For that, we thank you.
Second, the support from police dog handlers has been heartfelt, and it is the strength of their understanding and compassion that I’ve leaned on. To the handlers – I thank you.
Third, I’m secure in the knowledge that Hondo loved the life he lived.
Hondo was a very driven dog whose purpose was filled by working. General patrol dog work came naturally to him, and he proved to be an excellent narcotics and firearms detection dog. He loved working with the VPD’s Public Order Unit, and he was fearless during the 2011 Stanley Cup Riot.
Hondo was motivated and determined. He was protective and, when he needed to be, fierce. He was loyal, friendly and sometimes goofy. Hondo was great with kids, and was known to cause mass giggling when he flopped over on his back in the middle of a kindergarten class to get his belly rubbed.
If looked at from a dog’s perspective, Hondo’s life was pretty cool.
Finally, I know I’m one of the lucky ones. Not many have had the opportunity to work alongside a police dog, and it really is an experience like no other. I was blessed to have worked with such a wonderful animal.
To quote one reader, Hondo and I shared friendship, loyalty and love. For Hondo, it was a life time. For me, it was 8 years with no regrets and sweet memories.
The bond between handler and dog runs deep.
***
Some of you have asked if there will be a memorial service. There will not be, as those events are reserved for when a K9 is killed in the line of duty.
And that’s the way it should be.
***
I’ve also been asked if I will continue to blog and keep up with the Twitter account.
Here’s a firm “Yes” to both.
The job of policing continues after re-assignment and even after the loss of a partner. I’m not sure what my future holds, but I am sure of one thing – this blog will continue. Like policing and dog handling, writing is in my blood.
***
“When our time together is done
And you move on in the world,
Remember me with kind thoughts and tales.
For a time we were unbeatable,
Nothing passed among us undetected.
If we should meet again on another street,
I will gladly take up your fight.
I am a Police Working Dog, and together,
We are Guardians of the Night.”
- excerpt of poem, Guardians of the Night
***
Posted in A Day in the Life Guardians of the Night by .
Jan 13
1
Guardian of the Night
***
Police Service Dog #0478 Hondo
Yesterday, December 31, 2012, Hondo and I went for a walk. It started as a run, but Hondo was too busy sniffing-this-and-peeing-on-that to keep up with me, so I slowed my pace and kept time with his exploring on both sides of the wooded trail.
Normally, Hondo runs alongside or slightly in front of me, but yesterday, he was like a pup with renewed interest in the flora and fauna of our regular route. It was a fine day, and I did not push him to keep up, nor did I scold him for lollygagging. Eventually, I simply walked while Hondo took time to stop and smell the world.
At about the halfway point, we came to a fork in the trail and I snapped a photo on my iPhone and Tweeted it with the caption “Which way do we go?”
It was a special photo, as Hondo actually sat and seemed to contemplate in which direction we should turn:
Hondo, Dec. 31, 2012
Now, 24 hours after I snapped that photo of my four-legged partner, I am left to make the journey on my own.
Hondo passed away this afternoon.
After struggling to get out of his dog house this morning, Hondo collapsed against my legs when he finally freed himself. His breathing was laboured, his gums were white, and he was suffering.
My dear, sweet dog, my faithful partner since 2005, was leaving me.
The vet who treated Hondo for the cancerous tumor on his spleen said that when the cancer came back, it would be very sudden. I would know when it was time.
Hondo was propped on his forelegs, labouring for breath. It was clear he had suffered a catastrophic setback – he made a soft cry with every breath.
It was time.
My husband gathered the kids. I made a couple of phone calls.
Then I lay beside Hondo on his bed in front of our fireplace. He lay his head in my hands and let out a whimper. My tears fell on his fur.
***
My husband drove us to the vet, and other dog handlers met us en route.
Red and blue lights flashed as a convoy of K9 SUV’s enveloped us in their midst to escort us for Hondo’s final call.
***
I was with Hondo until the very end.
Eight years of companionship, service and loyalty.
Curled around his back, I cradled his head and buried my face in the thick fur around his neck. Hondo managed one last nuzzle against the palm of my hand.
Then he was gone.
***
“He is your friend, your partner, your dog.
You are his life, his love, his leader.
He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart.
You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion.”
- author unknown
***
Police Service Dog #0478 Hondo
March 7, 2004 – January 1, 2013
*
Posted in Guardians of the Night by .
Dec 12
25
Merry Christmas!
Here’s to a Merry Christmas to all of you, especially those working to keep the rest of us safe.
Somehow, I’ve managed to have the last couple of Christmas’s off and it’s been glorious.
I know firsthand what it’s like to work Christmas and other holidays, so I’m particularly thankful to my brothers and sisters in blue and in other emergency services/support agencies who are working today.
***
On a side note, we have been busy putting the final preparations on our family’s new addition.
Yes, we are getting another dog. Yes, you may call us crazy.
This has been in the works for over a year and it is FINALLY almost time to bring the little squirt home.
Noel
So far, her name is Noel (how appropriate, given the day!), but we may change it once she’s here. We’ve a plethora of names to pick from – we’ll wait and see which one suits her best.
She’s a Deutsch Kurzhaar (German ‘Registered’ Shorthair Pointer), and we’ve been waiting for her for a long time.
Noel on point
As you can tell from the above photo, certain dog breeds instinctually behave in certain ways – here, Noel is ‘pointing’ an upland bird feather just out of camera shot. Pretty cool, huh?
Now the only problem will be keeping Hondo from getting his nose bent out of shape when this little squirt gets preferential treatment for a few days on her arrival next week.
***
Posted in A Day in the Life by .
Follow Me on Twitter
Follow Cst. Sandra Glendinning at twitter.com/BehindBlueLine.Polls
Loading ...