Honorary Police Officer Joe Turner

It was through the "a Wish with Wings" Butterflies and Baseball banquet last spring, that the Fort Worth Police Department heard Joe wants to be a police officer when he grows up. That wish came true as Joe was granted the status of "Honorary Police Officer" and had a one day crash course at the police training academy. When Officer Miller contacted me a few months ago and asked if Joe could visit the police department, we had no idea what was in store and could never have imagined the extensive and outrageous day we would experience. This was a once in a lifetime situation and a day that we will never forget.

Joe's day of training included a S.W.A.T. briefing with a rescue mission to include climbing to the third story of the fire tower, rappelling down to the second story, and throwing a flash-bang into the building. We all rode in the Bear Cat (bullet proof vehicle) with S.W.A.T. team members hanging off the sides as we drove over to the rescue site. The boys charged ahead up the stairs in their vests and helmets and I soon saw their heads pop out on the third floor with big smiles across their faces. They were harnessed up and bravely stepped out of the window to rappel down the tower (they were assisted by a member of the S.W.A.T. team). When it was Joe's turn he stopped at the second floor and tossed in the flash-bang and we all heard the loud explosion. They all made it down safely to some high 5's and cheering. On the way down Caleb kept declaring, "There are no bad guys, no bad guys!"

Next up was a tour of the Police Air Support helicopter and an introduction to the pilots. Joe jumped right up into the cockpit and made himself at home. The boys were able to look around the helicopter and ask questions. When they were done, we stood back and watched the helicopter lift off and take a swooping pass above us. It was really a spectacular sight.

Standing by was the Mounted Patrol, two officers with their horses. They gave us a demonstration of how their horses could be used in crowd control and taught us about what they do as Mounted Police. Joe and Caleb were allowed to get up on the horses for a quick ride which was a very special treat.

Then we walked over to the training area to visit the K-9 Unit. There we met a Labrador named Kelev with his Handler. Kelev demonstrated how he can detect narcotics and ran through the obstacle course with ease. It is amazing what these dogs can do and how important they are to the police force.

We could hear some of the noise from the gun range and that was next on Joe's schedule. Once we were all fitted out in our "eyes and "ears" (glasses and ear protection) we entered the gun range and watched a training class in session. Then it was Joe's turn. The officers pulled out a table with a 22 caliber rifle and got Joe set to shoot. He did real well hitting the target and thought it was pretty awesome. All the boys got to partake in these events and shot the rifles right along with Joe. I may have forgotten to mention that this entire day Joe and his brothers had huge smiles across their faces. The boys also discovered the "brass" (left over bullet casing) and started to collect them in their pockets. Everywhere we went from there on out we heard a little jingling as they walked after "policing their brass."

The simulators were the following stop. First, it was the "Judgement" simulator. This was an interactive screen that allows simulated gun range practice in real life situations. Joe did the gun range practice first to get the hang of it and at one point when he completely missed the target asked, "Did I hit it in the same place?" He also got to engage in a scenario to help another officer look for a lost girl in a building. It is very realistic and a wonderful tool for training the officers. Next, it was the driving simulator. I think this was one of Joe's favorites. It completely resembled an actual patrol car and Joe was excited that he had his own air conditioning and could control it. The simulator was not like a typical video game, which can be a little more forgiving. He had to drive on the streets and try not to crash while he controlled the radio, lights, and siren as well. Joe did well the first time around and made it back to the station safely. The second time he raced Dad and ended going around 80 mph through a parking lot and into a building...I think he forgot which one was the break pedal. He was a little distraught that he damaged his car too badly to continue on...not quite like those video games that give you a second chance. It would be nice to have one of these simulators around to teach the boys when they are ready to drive!

At the end of the day it was time to go in front of the class. Ben, Joe, Will, and Caleb marched into the classroom with the Sergeant, and the class of trainees stood at attention with a loud motivated "greeting". Our boys quickly stood up tall and straight and put on their best behavior with big surprised eyes. A trainee asked the boys a question about how their day was going and Joe answered for his group. Then the Sergeant told them to fall into line and head down for inspection by the Fort Worth Chief of Police. Our boys followed intructions, joined the line in the hall and marched out with the rest of the class to the auditorium. There they filed into formation and waited for inspection by the Chief. Joe was sent to the front of the formation and Ben, Will, and Caleb stood at attention with the class near the back. Kevin and I enjoyed watching the boys being so still and so proper without encouragement from us. The inspection went well and our boys passed along with the other trainees. I think our kids were sweating it just as much as the training class!

Finally, it was ceremony time. Joe was given a framed certificate as an Honorary Fort Worth Police Officer by the Chief of Police, Jeffrey Halstead and Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price. With the help of the Chief, Mayor, and Officer Miller, Joe presented Certificates of Brotherhood to Ben, Will, and Caleb for being the world's best brothers. As it said on the award, "Sometimes being a brother is even better than being a superhero." Joe received an awesome jacket with all the patches from the departments sewed on it. The boys also collected special coins from the various departments as they visited them throughout the day.

We cannot thank the Fort Worth Police Department enough for this chance of a lifetime! We appreciate each and every person involved in making Joe's dream of becoming a police officer come true. The joy from this day will be remembered by all of us throughout our lives. Everyone we met since the moment we stepped onto the academy campus was friendly and welcoming. We will always have a special place in our heart for the Fort Worth Police Department and its officers. Thank you Officer Miller for organizing this special day and for all of the very special touches you added. Thanks to our friends at a Wish with Wings. If we were not part of your Butterflies and Baseball Event this never would have been possible. Thank you Chief Halstead and Mayor Price for making Joe an Honorary Police Officer. There are so many people we could thank. Each and every person we met was delighful and we are so blessed for the opportunity. There is no way we could ever show our sincere gratitude. God has once again blessed us beyond measure and we are humbled and grateful.

I now have four boys that want to be police officers and a husband who wishes he had been one!