Well, yesterday was Mike's last day working with me. After six years he has decided to follow his dream and Monday begins working with the Bell County Sheriff's Department.
About ten years ago he went through the local Police Academy and passed everything but broke his foot during the final obstacle test and then was too old to start the academy over.
When he started working with me six years ago he said that he just wanted to stay until he found something else. He's had this lifelong dream to be in law enforcement and now that he's almost 41 years old he saw this opportunity as his last chance.
Mike was a tremendous help to me and learned a vast amount about the sign industry while he was here. He has a natural gift of working with his hand and is skilled in almost anything mechanical. While here he did almost all the construction and finish work of the signs I designed. He was really interested in glass etching and carving, along with surace gilding. Over the past few years he became an accomplished woodworker and built many of the gifts he gave as Christmas presents. The shop is much more organized now due to his building shelves and arranging everything so that it can be found without digging through piles of junk.
He will be missed. Now I have to go back to work. Mike will still be available to help me with installations and such on his days off, but it will really be quiet without him around to make the day go easier.
Posted by Duncan Wilkie (Member # 132) on :
Such a noble calling Mike. I'm glad you're finally living your dream. It's gotta be tough Raymond, but you had 6 years many of us parents dream of. Continue making each other proud. ... you know Raymond, I'm really getting the hang of this nap think of yours... I'll check back in an hour or so. Posted by Joe Crumley (Member # 2307) on :
I hope this pans out to be everyting he's looking for.
Good luck to him and you. Life's like a candy store isn't it.
Posted by Stephen Deveau (Member # 1305) on :
Let all the people around him think about his honour in serving for the betterment of life
Hats Off!
Ask him to ripe up my ticket the next time I cross his path.
[ October 20, 2007, 09:17 PM: Message edited by: Stephen Deveau ]
Posted by Dale Feicke (Member # 767) on :
Sorry to hear about your loss, Raymond. And I hope that Mike's dream turns out to be everything he's hoped they will be.
I've been working alone for a few years, and have enjoyed it for the most part. Recently, we found out our son (who was living in Florida) was hurt on a job, and was going to have to have surgery on his back. Having no other family and few friends there, we "rescued" him, and brought him home for awhile....till he gets healed up.
He has been around my business off and on for awhile, and has taken a real interest in it. I'm trying to keep him away from any heavy lifting or twisting, but give him something to do to keep his mind off the impending surgery, while helping me out at the same time.
It's always bothered me that whenever I'm out of the shop getting materials, doing sales calls, etc...production stops. Now, with Eric's help, that will be a thing of the past (at least for awhile). And who knows, he may stay. He seems to enjoy the work, and we work well together, so we'll just leave it in the Lord's hands. He always knows what's best.
Best of luck to you Raymond.
Posted by Rick Sacks (Member # 379) on :
I truly hope his integrity remains intact after a while associating with the law enforcement culture. I've seen several friends become victime of this notion that law people are the only ones that really understand what they're up against and become a culture unto themselves. This creates a very lonely lifestyle with many subjects they can never even discuss with their wives. There are a few that go beyond this, and I pray that Mike is one of those.
What impact will this have on the Texas/Canada router wars?
Posted by Joe Crumley (Member # 2307) on :
Gosh guys,
Every one of knows about going out on their own. We've all done it.
He'll do great. And keep in mind, he could always talk nice to "Pops" and come back to a great sign home. This kid can't loose.
I say Kid: I consider Ray a Kid. That's why I refer to him a "Sunny".
Posted by Kevin Mann (Member # 7161) on :
I can relate, my 19 year old is leaving next month. He has been a great help in my business here-especially this last year. It seems just when they become the most usefull they must pursue their own course. As far as law enforcement, I tried it twice and happily returned tothe sign business (albeit with less "security"). He may love it or long for the more carefree days at the shop. Good luck to both of you.
Posted by Jon Butterworth (Member # 227) on :
Ray, I know how you are feeling. I am learning to work "alone" again and to enjoy it.
I too recently lost my "right-hand-man". Vicki, my daughter, took off on a voyage of discovery around Australia with her boyfriend in a bus converted into an RV and towing a trailer full of sign paint and stuff.
She had been with me for 12 years apart from a couple of years working in Europe and a big vinyl shop here in Brisbane.
I do miss her comapnionship every day. Her enthusiasm, talent and somebody to bounce ideas off. Great with customers and bringing in work too. She kept me in line as well
She's just finished three weeks signwriting in a remote little tourist/fishing town on the Gulf of Carpentaria in far north Queensland. Way outa cell phone/internet range. Every little outback town hasn't seen a sigwriter in years! So she's never short of work.
I managed to contact her on Saturday when she arrived in MT ISA for bus repairs.
We had a laugh together. She admitted she was really back to "basics". No vinyl. Thumbnail designs. Ticking out by hand layouts. Lots freehand lettering. Not only that, but she now has an "apprentice" of her own. Nick is helping, and learning the trade.
"Please Dad, mail me some chinagraph pencils. I can't buy them anywhere, and mine are down to stubbs!"
Although I miss her greatly ... I am a "Proud" step-father today.
Posted by Dan Antonelli (Member # 86) on :
A noble calling for him Ray. My brother is on the job in NY, and recently saved a jumper from the Tappan Zee bridge (she nearly pulled him over as well). As much as we might like to think our work is really important, at the end of the day, we're mainly ink on paper, or pixels on the screen. Those in law enforcement truly have a difficult, and sometimes, thankless job.
Best of luck to him Ray, and tell him to be careful
Dan
Posted by Kent Smith (Member # 251) on :
Hi Ray,
Makes me think of Emmett, who's son, also Mike, is still a cop and my sister-in-law's neighbor. He has had a great career and is well up the ladder now. Best to your Mike in his chosen career. I have been there too with both daughters and Ex-son-in-law. It is like when I came back in the business in '71 full time. At least he will still be in town which is most important for family relationships. The motivation is different but it can be enjoyable to keep your own pace again. Enjoy.
Posted by Donna in BC (Member # 130) on :
I remember well when my employee left working for me and I was left alone in the shop again, having to run my biz AND raise a brand new son.
Some timing seems to be off, but there's always a silver lining somewhere. That move being alone way out there in storefront land encouraged me to build my shop at home at the time. Best choice I've ever made to this day.
But I did miss the companionship terribly for the first while. It takes some time to find your place again. May that transition go quickly for you!
And best of luck to your son!
Posted by Gavin Chachere (Member # 1443) on :
Be proud of him ray,for him i can only offer some advice you can choose to pass on if you wish
-be prepared to realize that the biggest part of what you know is that you dont know anything...pay attention to detail,even the smallest ones and listen to what youre told to do,then do it withut letting your mouth overload your ass. Let them teach you SOP and stick to it
-Listen,listen and listen some more..they will rip on you as the FNG but they do it for a reason. There is absolutely no experience for OJT so listen even more....listen to what the more experienced guys tell you and dont take the ripping seriously....means youre liked usually
-no shame in having some fear....fear keeps you alert and makes you smart...someone tells you they dont have it theyre lying to you
-The only dumb question is one you dont ask.....do not be shy about asking why they tell you to do something a certain way....but ask later,not during the incident.
- you need to take some time to 'put your house in order'. This is something that police avoid like the plague. What that means is this...you need to sit down right now with yourself,then your family whether its wife or parents and realize that this is a profession where there is a very real possibility that you could be killed in the course of a days events. You cannot dwell on that,let your family dwell on that or ignore it...not talking about it doesnt mean that its not there. You need to come to grips with and accept the fact that yes it can come....as well as the fact that you may have to take someone elses life...and if thats something thats going to paralyze you at the wrong time,then its time for a different line of work and thats nothing to be embarassed about. That also means its your responsibility in having any insurance policies,wills,custody agreements,whatever squared away so your family doesnt have one more thing piled on them at the wrong time.
-Having read the above,develop your mindset and get it into your head right now,and i mean RIGHT NOW,that no matter what,and i mean no matter what,you're going home at the end of each and every shift and you will do anything and everything to do it. ANYTHING and EVERYTHING. The most important thing you can do everyday is go home at the end of your shift. Your time in the box will come.....its not a question of if,its a question of when.....and noone can tell you when that when will be...could be tommorrow,3months form now,or in 7yrs,who knows,but it will come. You will go to work one day just like every other and faster than you can blink an eye the whole world will blow up and youre gonna have do what ya gotta do.....and you cant be thinking of your wife,kids,family,dog,what the lord wants you to do or any of that,your world better focus on getting out of the situation and being the winner....second place aint gonna get it. Knowing subconciously that ceratin things are taken care of will keep you focused. Been there done that aint worth a crappy tshirt
-Wear your damn vest,aint foolproof but its better than holding up a peacesign at em....i dont care nor do i want to hear how hot it is,how bulky it is,how much one costs,wear it.....nothing makes me sicker than seeing cops who wont wear one 'beacause the dept wont give me one'.....if you have to pick up aluminum cans to buy one do it,your life is worth more.
-Carry off duty...always. If your dept doesnt want you to,get a texas ccw and carry on your own...you dont ever know who youre gonna come across that you locked up that isnt happy about it at some later date when you may be with family or friends. And dont let those family or friends dictate your carry policy...just do it
-I dont care if you live in mayberry or work for nypd,there is NEVER any such thing as a routine day or routine shift or routine call. NEVER and the fact that so many people pop off with that one especially the news media shows that they really dont understand what it is you do. Anything can happen at any time,and because of that dont ever let your guard down and dont ever get complacent. WATCH THEIR HANDS no matter who it is. Treat everyone and i mean everyone you come into contact with professionally as someone that can kill you till youre dead whether its an 80yo lady or a 14yo kid,you dont need to act like the waffen ss but you stay focused and stay on your game while being polite and professional,time and observation will teach you how to balance that...UNDERESTIMATE NOONE FOR ANY REASON....being nice is easier than you think and when you do run into that self important ninny who wants to tell you how to do the job b/c hes smarter than you and of course knows the law. 99% of the time the more you smile while mr law is ranting,the more ****ed he gets,its great fun
-you will get to see the world as it really is,and will see the human race at both its best and its absolute worst,as well as how pathetically self important most people you come into contact with are. So many people you come into contact with suddenly become not only a constitutional law scholar but an immediate expert on municipal codes...in reality they havent read the constitution in their lives but it makes them feel good to act immature,quote things they saw on tv and throw a fit because they cant accept responsibility for their own actions...let them rant and cry,eventually they get tired and pipe down
-learn to use everything on that belt,learn where it is,learn how to access it with either hand whether its day,night,youre on your stomach,on either side or on your back and practice it until it becomes automatic and you absolutely cant get it wrong
-before you go on duty,check your flashlight,cuffs,baton,taser,make sure your weapon has a round chambered....even if you just took it off 7hrs before make sure your batteries are good,cuffs are oiled,baton works,taser charged etc....mr murphy is a bitch...attention to detail....complacency gets you dead and dead ruins your day
-get yourself a small trauma kit,carry it with you when you work and get some training on how to use it...not a first aid kit,a trauma kit,you can get good ones for under $35
-gloves are your friend.....patrol gloves for somethings,surgical gloves for others.....people are nasty and have things growing in them and on them that dont have names yet....nothing like cuffing a guy security is throwing out of jc penney only to find out he wasnt shoplifting but posing in front of the mirror urinating into his dasani bottle and seeing how far he can stick his fingers in his butt....tend to want gloves for something like that. Hand sanitizer is your friend whether its gels or wipes,use it and wash your hands often
-take the extra 5minutes everyday to make sure your collar brass is straight,polished,nametage straight,shirt starched,pants lint free,boots polished...be proud,hold your head high and look the part,dont embarass yourself by looking sloppy or acting sloppy
-have fun,i cant think of many other jobs that give you the opporutunity to have so much fun on a daily basis.Learn to see the humor in everything and you'll never be bored...enjoy it....enjoy the camradery as well.....believe me nothing compares to going to roll call and watching a particularly uptight sgt go into self inflicted palsy because someone glued a buzzing dildo to his desktop with industrial silicone and seeing everyone in the room claim they did it so their buddy doesnt get busted. Enjoy it....you are doing one of the few things anymore that can truly make a difference in someones life...sometimes for better,sometimes for worse,nothing is ever routine and you never have the same day twice.
talked enuff here
Posted by Dan Sawatzky (Member # 88) on :
I was blessed to work with my son Peter for 14 years and my son-in-law Phoenix for nine. It was a sad but proud day when they struck out on their own dreams. Lonely for me, but a new adventure for them.
Although they both recieved all the teaching I could muster, they taught me far more themselves.
These days I work with my daughter Rebecca, as well as Michelle and Donna. The blessings continue!
Be proud Raymond. Its someone else's turn to work with you.
A little lonely after an intense weekend of learning in Yarrow...
-grampa dan
Posted by Curtis hammond (Member # 2170) on :
ya to what gavin said. especially.
quote:i mean no matter what,you're going home at the end of each and every shift and you will do anything and everything to do it. ANYTHING and EVERYTHING. The most important thing you can do everyday is go home at the end of your shift. Your time in the box will come..
This word given to all of us is what keeps us from being a statistic. There will come a day to shine. There is no need to be a wyatt earp.
I can tell you personally first hand he told it right. I've been there and had to break leather a few times and it is a total responsibility.
Hide a hand cuff key on you where you can get to it if you are handcuffed yourself. There are a few places easy to get to but hidden. And always carry a knife. Fully sharpened and easily pulled. You will need it.
been there got the trophy..
Posted by Kelly Thorson (Member # 2958) on :
I'm touched by your pride in Mike that shows in your post Raymond. It's nice that he will still be around somedays to help. That should make the transition easier. My son in law is currently going through the process of trying out for the police dept. too. In my case though it will bring Jess a little closer to home.
Posted by bill riedel (Member # 607) on :
Does this mean you will not be able to go to Atlantic City? Bill
Posted by Raymond Chapman (Member # 361) on :
Bill - No, I am still scheduled for Atlantic City.
One good thing about having Mike around for the past six years was that when I left for various workshops he would still be back at the studio keeping everything in order and producing work. Now, the shop will just be closed while I'm gone.
It's been a few years since I've been to the USSC show and I'm really looking forward to seeing old friends again and being part of the Bullpen.
Posted by Sonny Franks (Member # 588) on :
Gavin, your last paragraph begins with "Have fun".
Your preceding paragraphs pretty much negate that.......
Posted by Gavin Chachere (Member # 1443) on :
quote:Originally posted by Sonny Franks: Gavin, your last paragraph begins with "Have fun".
Your preceding paragraphs pretty much negate that.......
Nah,prob just seems that way. I dont know ray really and never met his son and i dont know that he will ever read this,but if it gets passed on to him or anyone that reads it takes one thing out of that and remembers it when he needs to then it was worth it and i did what i was supposed to do.Theres really no upbeat way to say some of that,nd like i said far too many people think that if its never mentioned it wont happen,and life is good because they dont have to think about the ugly part....they never have to develop that mindset,trust me he does. You learn to do the things i said and more automatically and as second nature without having to think about it....a little experience and its not as hard to do as it may sound once some of the **** and vinegar of being brand new wears off and you learn not to take things necessarily personal and that you cant always save people from their own self absorbed stupidity.....and its not all that hard to enjoy yourself while you do it .....trust me
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