Corey's Graduation

Today Corey, my brother in law graduated from the Spokane Police Academy. He was hired with the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife and after some post academy training will be heading over to the town of Forks, WA (should ring a bell for all you 'twilight' fans). The day started at 9am and didn't end until about 2:45pm. Long day when you're toting around a couple of toddlers. It was really fun and sort of nostalgic to attend another Police Academy graduation. It was nearly 4 years ago when it was Justin's turn.

They started the day with a flag ceremony and the pinning of badges. Each officer was able to come up one by one and have a family member pin on the official badge of their respective agencies. That was something we didn't get to do when Justin graduated, but that's OK. After the ceremonies outside, we went into the auditorium of the Academy for a talk and video presentation by one of the instructors. It was the same talk that we were "privileged" to hear 4 years ago. They talked about "emotional survival" of a law enforcement officer. I remember feeling a little depressed and anxious after hearing that talk the first time. They tell you about the divorce rate being higher than 80%, the suicide rate being 3 times the national average, they tell you how your husband is going to come home from work and be a total channel flipping lump, who sits around with no energy and feels depressed. BUT! Then they tell you how to NOT become that person. It made me feel really good as he went through all the stats and different stories, to realize that Justin does an amazing job! He is first and foremost a husband and father and dedicated family member and we definitely have a life outside of law enforcement. I feel very thankful that we have the church as a foundation as well. The only thing I could see that really has happened with Justin is that 4 years ago he was the type of person who wanted to give everyone in the world the "benefit of the doubt". Now, he is much more cynical-as they discussed today. Pretty much most people out there are probably scum bags. I have to try and bring him back to reality some times or tell him to not be so judgemental, but if it keeps him alive, then that's OK with me. Today I felt extremely proud to be the wife of a Law Enforcement Officer and I also felt very Patriotic.

Here is the class marching before the flag ceremony.

Sarah, pinning on Corey's badge

The muchkins


Ezra-proud of his daddy

Sarah, Ezra and Kathy-Sarah's step-mom

Justin and his mom, Joyce (she'll thank me for that picture later, I'm sure)

Dean (left), Corey & Justin's dad and Jeff, Sarah's dad

Corey eating lunch with all the big-wigs from his new agency

Corey & Justin

Hmmm. Not sure what was going on here, but this

is a classic Corey face.

Corey getting sworn in by the Chief of Fish & Wildlife

Getting the badge pinned on...again.

And below: All the people from Fish & Wildlife who came for the Graduation.

It was pretty cool, we got to go outside after everything was over and

have a private swearing in party. It was really nice and personal.

Congratualtions Corey!