I think most of us have idly thought at some point about how we would react if we were involved in a shooting incident. Maybe not as the shooter, but perhaps because of a news story or television show or movie, the thought came unbidden. We can’t really know until we know, as the saying goes, and may I add that I don’t want to know. When Officer Britt Sweeny – on her second night with training officer Tim Brenton (#6699) – was faced with just that situation she learned, as the rest of the police force and the city learned how she would react. Her partner was killed instantly, and without hesitation Officer Sweeny radioed the call for help “shots fired”, and she jumped from the patrol car and returned fire. When detectives found the car used in the attack they also found that one of Officer Sweeny’s slugs had hit the fleeing vehicle. How terrible it is that Officer Sweeny had to learn firsthand and unequivocally of her mettle, created by an internal strength that cannot be taught. She will say that her training is responsible for her actions, and to an extent that is true. It is also no doubt true that she reacted in a split second to a threat, called instantly for aid, and still managed to step out of the patrol car and return fire. I’m sure there were many veterans, fine officers all, who privately wondered if they’d have responded so brilliantly in the same circumstances. How sad that Officer Sweeny, in her first year as an officer, has had to learn what she has learned about herself. I am certain she’d have loved to be one of those officers who have never fired their gun on duty. But that wasn’t Officer Sweeny’s lot. She drew a very short stick – only Officer Brenton’s was shorter – in a very high stakes situation, and she mastered it. I believe that training is excellent. It is exceeded in excellence by this officer and her sense of duty, and her courage.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Monday, August 03, 2009
Not All Men are Created Equal
Sergeant Seth Howard of the 3rd Battalion, Third Special Forces proves that in battle, one man can do the impossible in defense of his brothers at arms. Don’t miss this story, whether in the more restrained Army Times article Ten Soldier Receive Silver Star, or in the perfectly awed Badass of the Week article. Here is a real life hero, and an amazingly resourceful, personally courageous and incredibly loyal soldier. Thank you for your service 3rd Battalion, 3rd Special Forces.
And thank you Sergeant Howard for making sure the men in your unit made it home.
Friday, July 03, 2009
Moral Courage?
Okay, so I realize that using the phrase ”moral courage” to describe the act of a person giving the finger to another does not at first blush seem to be a very clever or deep example of moral courage. I invite you to look again.
Am I right or am I right? From Punditkitchen.com
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
It May Not Be the Way You or I Would Handle it, but you MUST Admire the way Diaz Walks his Talk
from Zen Moments (original links at end)
"This is the amazing story of Julio Diaz, who was on his way home one evening. His normal routine was to get off the train one stop early, to visit his local diner. The station platform was empty, but as he was walking towards the stairs something dramatic and unexpected happened. Suddenly a young teenager came up to Julio, pulled a knife and demanded money.
Julio just handed over his wallet, saying: “Here you go”.
But as the teenager turned to go, Julio said: “Hey, wait a minute. You forgot something. If you’re going to be robbing people for the rest of the night, you might as well take my coat to keep you warm.”
The story unfolds with Julio offering to take the teenager to the diner to eat with him. He explains: “If you’re willing to risk your freedom for a few dollars, then I guess you must really need the money… I figure, you know, if you treat people right, you can only hope that they treat you right. It’s as simple as it gets in this complicated world.”
When they have finished eating, Julio asks for his wallet back in order to pay for the meal. He then offers to give the teenager $20 in exchange for one thing…
His knife."
http://www.zenmoments.org/victim-treats-mugger-right/
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=89164759
Sunshine on Discovery Bay
As always, the photos we use are either my own, or in the public domain. Please let me know if there are any errors and I'll correct them immediately.
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