With the ringing in of the New Year, inevitably comes new challenges and new opportunities. For me, this is my last On the Beat article as the City of Tucker Liaison Officer. By the time you read this, I should have finished picking up my new uniforms to prepare for my promotion to Captain. While I would have preferred to announce my retirement, I suppose getting promoted is the next best thing!
These last few years working with the city have been one of the best professional experiences of my career. I will always remember the bi-weekly crime meetings at City Hall with city officials, Mayor Auman, and elected Board Members. While the questioning was tough at times, it was all done respectfully and with the safety and security of all Tucker citizens coming first.
Fortunately, crime in the City of Tucker has been relatively low for several years. Nevertheless, there will always be crimes of opportunity in every city. Over the years, for example, I’ve talked in particular about one “thorn in our side” crime – the abundance of vehicle break-ins that have occurred throughout our community. I encourage all residents to be mindful of what they leave in plain sight in their cars. Vigilance in all is the best way to keep our city and our county safe.
I am confident the new City of Tucker Liaison officer will tackle any crime-related challenges head on. With our newly arrived Tucker Precinct Commander Major Harden, along with Assistant Precinct Commander Captain Toledo, I am leaving the Precinct in very good hands. Although our manpower is a bit lower than in previous years, the officers we have at Tucker Precinct (including several new ones just released from training) are all hard workers who care about the community. It still amazes me the types of calls our officers handle and the positive difference these dedicated men and women make every day.
I want to thank everyone with the City - its employees, elected officials, and most importantly, its citizens – for allowing me this opportunity to serve. In the end, while I am not leaving the Department for a condo in Costa Rica, I am excited to be able to help in other areas of the Department. However, you may see me again. If not at Tucker Precinct, then at least at one of the city’s many great restaurants. I need to maintain my energy for a few more years!
