The Sandy Springs Police and Me

One year ago, I was seriously wondering what I was going to do with the rest of my life.  What I mean by that is: I had been volunteering for the past 11 years with an organization I  enjoyed being with. I met many wonderful people, some of whom I am still friends with. 

As a volunteer, there is always room for more responsibilities. No problem, I stepped up to the plate and assumed chairmanships, committee head and in some way training. It kept me busy four to seven days a week. I loved it.

Those that know me are aware of how on the go I am.  No objection to the occasional day or days home, however for the most part, I need to know that I have something to look forward to each day. Big difference between I want to be busy, and I need to be busy. 

Last year it was time for others to step up to the plate and for me to step down.  For everything there is a season. My concern was what now? A door was closing. Would another one open. It felt like I was in a hallway with many doors, none of which were open and I wasn’t sure which one to go to.

The universe works in its time.  Patience is sometime needed.  This seemed to be one of those times.

I met with a neighbor who was telling me about the Civilian Police Academy, class that she had attended right here in Sandy Springs.  It sounded wonderful, and I contacted the officer in charge. I was so thrilled when we became a city and was so grateful for having our very own government that to learn more about it sounded right up my alley. 

I was put on a waiting list, eventually the class was scheduled. We were class # 5. I was amazed at those in attendance. Men and women, young and retired, professionals and non-professionals. A wonderful bunch of people.

It was a 12-week course and in those 12 weeks we learned about every facet of our police department. The chief and the deputy chief welcomed all of us and so began our classes. The officers that taught us volunteered their time. After a days work, there they were Wednesday nights, full uniform, vests and all, with a smile on their face and a passion for what they were teaching us.

Twelve weeks later there was a graduation ceremony at City Hall.  I felt like a kid again.  What a wonderful feeling. Graduates had friends and family in the audience and we had pictures taken.  The real thing.

When the call for volunteers was raised, my hand went up, along with many others. I have not looked back, I am going forward. Taking more classes, learning more and giving my time to those who give us so much of theirs.

This past weekend the department moved from it’s Barfield Road location to Morgan Falls.  For anyone who has ever moved I do not have to tell you what it is like. Now picture a police department, computers, files, telephones and all that goes with being a department on the move.

Friday you are at your old location and Monday morning you open in your new spot. Again the volunteers came forward, no hesitation at all. What could we do? How could we help? To me, and I am sure to others as well, the Sandy Springs Police are a great bunch of men and women.

I often have said one of the requisites for being a Sandy Springs Police Officer is a sense of humor. If you are on the wrong side of the law you may not appreciate their humor. They are always thanking us for whatever we do. As much as we appreciate them, they too, appreciate us.  It is a very warm down to earth relationship between them and us.

Saturday, at the new location, (parking lot to be exact) a BBQ was provided to all the officers, staff and volunteers, I believe it was  compliments of the Chief. 

My compliments to the Chief and all who serve with him. Sandy Springs is not only fortunate to have it’s own force, it is fortunate to have who we have. 

Here is where my sense of humor kicks in. This article is not a paid endorsement. I wrote this on a whim. To show my support and to maybe reach those of you who are not familiar with SSPD. Next time you see one, say Hi, and thanks