Are you OK?

It's great to hear from your Officer when they're able to check in during their shift. Just to say hello or good night. Not so great when your hear, "I've been in an accident. I'm ok. Watch the news. I gotta go."  I got one of those calls. You barely have time to process the words before he has to hang up. Millions of thoughts and images run through your head. Is he really ok? Or he is just saying that so I don't worry. 

I got on Twitter as fast as I could. The news stations had posts. There were pictures and even videos. The early posts had conflicting information. I tried texting B. back. I didn't hear back from him. 

I usually don't watch the nightly news, but I guess people still do. Around 10:00, I started receiving texts. That's not B., right? When I replied, Yes, the overwhelming answer was, "Oh my gosh!"

It was a very long and sleepless night. I couldn't sleep not hearing back from him and following the news on my phone. There was definitely an angel watching over him. We finally got to talk on the phone the next morning and I rushed home from work to see him before he left for work again. "Are you ok?"All I could do was hug him and hold back tears.

Reflecting back on 2014

2014 had it all, it began with the last three months of the Academy, graduation day, months of Break-In and finally B. being on his own. I can't believe all that happened in the same year. 

Just in the last month, we've survived weeks of protests, 16 hour nights and now the cold (50 degrees is cold to me).  I couldn't be prouder of B. He's gone through so much in the last twelve months. We've gotten stronger as a family and realized how much we depend on each other.  We've all adjusted to life as a CHP family. Three to four days a week I'm a single parent, but the girls know why their Dad isn't home. Some days we just go driving to catch a glimpse of him on the road. They get so excited to see what B. does. 

I'm so grateful for being a part of the CHP family especially in the last few weeks. The support we have given each other even though we have never met is incredible. To the families of Cadets and the new Officers still on Break-In, it really is worth it to become a part of the CHP. You may question if all the sacrifice is worth it, but when your Officer is truly excited about going to work and loves what he does, it really is worth the blood, sweat and tears. 

Wishing everyone a Happy New Year and a safe start to 2015!

Thanks again for following. 

Amynoellemaia@gmail.com

Protests, Holiday Party and Welcomes

The last few weeks have been hectic and trying to say the least.  CHP officers from far and near have been activated to protests across the state.  You hope to get the phone call or text saying, "I'm on my way home." Instead, the text reads,"I've been activated, I'm going to be late."  Being late usually means midnight for my swing shift officer, but late has been 3:00 AM.  It's hard to go to sleep knowing that they are in harms way.  Just last night several CHP vehicles were severely damaged by objects thrown by protesters.  These same objects are being thrown at our officers.

Our CHP Holiday party was this past Saturday and it was definitely a welcome change of pace.  It was nice to meet so many of B.'s coworkers.  Both Lieutenants and the Captain came up to introduce themselves.  You hear so much about the CHP Family right before graduation and now I know why.  It really felt like you were part of a family at an event like this.  We were debating where to sit when we arrived and B. mentioned as a new officer, you always sit near the front during briefing.  Of course, there was an empty table at the front, so the newbies all sat together.  This also meant they were an easy target.  The four of them (two from CTC II-13 and two from CTC II-14) had to sing in front of everyone.  They didn't do so well on their own with Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, so a Lt. stepped in to help them out with Jingle Bells.  It was a fun night.  I'm looking forward to the next office event.

Welcome to CTC IV-14.  Pick up day was this morning for 135 new cadets.  To the families, stay strong and be supportive of your cadet.  It may be difficult to be at home and not be anxious with all the police activity going on.  The training at the Academy is top notch to prepare them for situations they are facing now.  Don't be afraid to reach out to others for advice or support.  There have been thousands of us who have been in your exact shoes. 

As always, thank you for finding my blog. 

Amynoellemaia@gmail.com

Congratulations CTC II-14

As written by CHP Recruiting:

"October 17, 2014, California Highway Patrol welcomes 59 new officers. Congratulations to CTC II-2014. The newest CHP officers will be reporting to their new assignments around the state. The following areas are expecting our newest officers: Altadena, Arrowhead, Ventura, Santa Cruz, Rancho Cucamonga, Bridgeport/June Lake-Lee Vining Resident Post, Hayward, Monterey, Garberville/Laytonville Resident Post, Baldwin Park, West Los Angeles, Indio, San Jose, South Los Angeles, Redwood City, Ukiah/Fort Bragg Resident Post, Newhall, San Francisco, West Valley, Morongo Basin, Victorville, Santa Barbara, Crescent City, Castro Valley, Marin, Garberville."

Congratulations and welcome to the CHP Family. 

Photo from CHP Recruiting

Graduation Pictures Arrived

We finally received our long awaited graduation pictures. I can't believe it's been six months since graduation and only six months until probation ends.

Break In: Done!

We are DONE with Break In! Phase III and IV are complete.  B. is rolling on his own.  Break In is defnitely difficult and draining on the the officer as well as the family adjusting to the new normal of law enforcement life.  Shift work takes a huge adjusment, especially graveyard shift.  We bought black out blinds to add to our bedroom windows.  It helped for a while, but any little crack would let in light.  We would go 3-4 days without seeing B.  He would leave for work before we got home or we would leave for school before he got off in the morning.  There would be a few days here and there where we would run into each other for a few minutes in the garage.  The girls know their Papa is at work.  They get so excited when they see a patrol car on the freeway.  They always want me to see if it's him.  I get just as excited as they do.  I work in the same city as B. and actually drive by his office on the way home everyday.  One day, he actually pulled out of their lot as I drove by.  I got a glipse of him in his uniform driving the patrol car.  Gotta love a man in uniform.

I've received a few emails in the last few weeks from girlfriends, fiances, and wives of Cadets starting the Academy next Monday, August 25th.  I was in your shoes a year ago.  It's a long journey, but so far it's been totally worth it.  The first four weeks will be the toughest for you and your Cadet.  They will be bombarded with information and you will be adjusting to life apart.  Be their support system and do not let them give up or quit.  You may get the phone call saying, I think I want to come home.  If it's any day but Friday, tell them you'll see them at the end of the week.  Tens of thousands of people want to be in their seats at the Academy.  They made it this far, do not let them quit. 

Thanks for following our journey from Cadet to Officer. 

Please don't hesitate to send any questions to amynoellemaia@gmail.com

Congratulations CTC I-14

Congratulations to CTC I-14! You've made it to graduation day. The six and a half month journey is only the beginning. Soak up the next ten days with your loved ones. Best of luck at your new offices.