Badges of honor
Today was cold. Damn cold, and had been for days. As we drove on 160 hwy back to our land outside of Frontenac I was more than ready for our warm living room and to ignore the weather.
Yet, the snow did what it loves to do, and ruined someone's morning. As we passed Cayuga we noted a small car in the middle of the far right lane. The owner desperately tried to get it unstuck from the driveway onto the highway where it had become high centered. We immediately stopped, we've all been there after all, and tried to help push it out.
Unfortunately, it was really jammed, and was going to require some time. Time I realized as cars whipped around us, you simply don't have on Highway 160. The situation was clearly unsafe as hell.
So I did what I've done my entire life. Every time a situation becomes dicey. I called for flashing lights. For help. I picked up the phone and called Frontenac PD. And like always, they answered. In their usual calm way they told me no problem, they'd get us some help right away.
Within moments Officer Hale showed up, quickly followed by Fire Chief Jim Long. As Officer Hale slowed down drivers, Jim told the guys how to get the car unstuck. Less than 20 minutes later the highway was clear, and we were back in our car heading home.
It wasn't until we were gone from the situation that I reflected on how lucky I am.
I didn't even hesitate to call PD. I have no anxiety around our cops. I was relieved to see Hale show up with the big black truck to block the roadway. I was delighted to see Jim as he's like Mr. Taylor only as a fireman. Jim always has a smile and a good answer to whatever problem I've dropped on him.
I realized even if I've done something wrong and am about to get a traffic ticket, I've never been afraid of our police. I don't hesitate to pick up the phone when things go pear shaped. I didn't years ago when I was calling for Randy or Carl Flora, and I don't now when it's Cody or JJ.
I understand how lucky we are. I know in many places in this country calling for police is a scary thing people hesitate to do.
However, in Frontenac, our police and fire understand something unique. It's not their police chief or the city council that gives them their “real” badges. It's the town. The people. It's a badge of honor. It's earned by those officers and firefighters.
It's earned when they lead the 4th of July kids parade or talk with crowds at Mining Days. It's earned when they walk through the school and give out high fives. It's earned when they ask an older Frontenac Friend how they are and really listen. They earn them every time they show the kids fire safety or make breakfast at Mining Days. All those times when it seems like it doesn't matter, they KNOW it does.
They earned our love and trust by showing up when there was no glory in doing so. They've done so for generations. They do the little stuff. They teach young officers to do community building because it matters, and pass that legacy along. They spend the time so that when it's important, we don't hesitate, we're not afraid. We just call them.
Frontenac's emergency services understand that the relationship with the townspeople is not only important, it's essential. I know I for one am extremely grateful for it. Thanks for the help today guys. - Keesh
