Breaking Up Is Hard To Do

Breaking Up Is Hard To Do February 13, 2013 in Featured, Patrol, Posts by Chief Scott Silverii, Ph.D. Let’s explore why it is so hard to “break up” from a job you love and love to not love. before beginning, I was approached by a lady Saturday night while monitoring a downtown nightclub crowd following the Ambrosia Mardi Gras parade. She is not associated with law enforcement and I am not sure who she is. She was kind enough to share having []

I’m Shaping Up; Week 6

I’m Shaping Up; Week 6 It’s Monday and week #6 in my quest for regaining a healthy lifestyle.  I have to say that I still have a way to go but I figured out the secret. Eat less of this – and do more of this – Of course it’s not that simple, but it helps from getting overwhelmed and for setting small obtainable goals. I’ve remained true to Lt. Lane’s diet and earned a “2 Hour Cheat” where I was allowed []

Building Momentum For Your Life

Building Momentum For Your Life It is said that you can take a 4”x4” block of wood and place it in front of a steam engine train and it cannot move. Let that same train build up its speed to 50 mph, and it can blow through a 10’x10’ steel reinforced block of concrete. That is the power of momentum.  Obstacles are a part of life; we all deal with them, but those that are successful in life are people who keep []

Leadership: Trust Me

Thibodaux Police Chief: ‘Trust me’ Editor’s Note: This article is an archived media piece posted in January 2011 when Chief Silverii first took office.  Newly appointed Thibodaux Police Chief Scott Silverii speaks to the department as a group for the first By: Nate Monroe Published: Thursday, February 3, 2011 at 11:01 a.m. THIBODAUX — Thibodaux Police Chief Scott Silverii wanted to make sure his officers were ready to break with the past. In the opening portion of a speech addressed to most of the []

Police Leadership: What’s on your mind, Chief?

What’s on your mind, Chief? Recently, while speaking with a sergeant from another jurisdiction about calling my Patrol Division lieutenant, he suggested that contact would be made over the radio.  The sergeant then asked; “What band is he on?”  Band?  I honestly have no idea.  I know that when I push the power button, the light comes on and I hear radio traffic.  Because I did not know the radio band, does that make me a bad chief? Then I thought, well []

10 Questions with Chief of Police Scott Silverii

10 Questions with Thibodaux Police Chief Scott Silverii Thibodaux Police Chief Scott Silverii shares ideas about the department after being appointed earlier this year. Originally Published: Friday, September 16, 2011. Since taking over the job in January, Thibodaux Police Chief Scott Silverii has changed the structure and ideology of the police department. He has also faced a number of challenges, most notably the brutal murder of 7-year-old Jori Lirette in August. Daily Comet Staff Writer Nate Monroe sat down and talked with Silverii []

I’m Shaping Up: Week 5

Shaping Up Awesome Monday to all & it’s time to change the weekly title of this positive effort. I’m Shaping Up is just what it describes. I’ve been blessed to gain encouragement, training and diet support needed to launch a sensible approach to regaining my fitness. Last week I introduced you to Lt. Kim Lane of the Thibodaux Police Department who volunteered to help with a diet that I could understand and most importantly; follow. It’s been a solid week and I []

Do You Want Justice Or Mercy?

Do You Want Justice Or Mercy A lady went to a photographer to have her picture taken. When she saw the finished product, she didn’t like it. She asked the photographer to take her picture again. The photographer said, “Well lady, what’s wrong with it?” She said, “It doesn’t do me justice.” He looked at it, then looked at her and said, “Lady, you don’t need justice, what you need is some mercy!” Which shall it be; Justice or Mercy Anyone ever []

Death by Down Syndrome

Zero Dark Thirty Death Earlier this year a young man with Down Syndrome sat in a Maryland theater watching “Zero Dark Thirty.” He remained seated for the next showing. Moments later he was dead. Three off-duty sheriff’s deputies having hand-cuffed him, stood over as he asphyxiated. Ruled a homicide by the county coroner, his death is attributed to his having “anger problems” and conditions associated with Down syndrome according to the medical examiner. A Frederick County grand jury failed to indict the 3 deputies []

Empowerment for Today

By: Chaplain Ronnie Melancon Thibodaux Police Department Louisiana, USA Years ago I read a true story of a beautiful little town in Maine. Because of a Hydroelectric plant being built, it would eventually be destroyed by flooding. The news media did a special report on the town, and pointed out its beauty. One year later, the media did a follow-up report before the city flooded. The once beautiful town now was dirty and run down. One of the reporters stopped a gentleman []

Honoring Police Radio Dispatchers Week; Thank You to Allie Hansell

By: Allie Hansell @Alliehans1 Well, this is my very first experience blogging, so please be patient with me 🙂 I was asked to write a little about my job and why I love it. I work as a Police 911 Call Taker and Dispatcher for a small suburb of Vancouver, British Columbia.  I started in this field about 3 years ago and it has been a pretty interesting experience. Volunteering Leads to Finding Her Passion My previous job was that of office []

Honoring Police Radio Dispatchers; Thank You to Carlena A. Orosco

Motivation for Beginning Career At the ripe age of 21, I decided to seek employment with a law enforcement agency in Los Angeles as a police dispatcher, in hopes of gaining some invaluable experience that would help to shape my career as a Criminal Justice scholar. Little did I know, I was about to embark on a nine-year, life-changing experience, one that has forever altered my perspective on the role of dispatchers in the day-to-day operations of law enforcement. Upon being immersed []

Honoring Police Radio Dispatchers; Thank You to Katie Marnoch

I’ve been a dispatcher with the Metropolitan Police Service in London for eight years, and I can honestly say that no two days have ever been the same. Making a Difference I love my job for a number of reasons: the people I work with, the opportunities it has given me and for knowing that every day I have made a difference to someone’s life. In the past 18 months, I have dealt with the London Riots, held the Olympic torch, worked []

Honoring Police Radio Dispatchers Week – Thank You to Candace Gray

By: Candace Gray 911 Emergency Dispatcher When you tell someone you answer 911 for a living, their first question is usually something like “Oh my gosh, isn’t it stressful?” or “What’s the craziest call you have ever gotten?”. What they typically DON’T ask is “Why do you do it?”, so I’m definitely happy to answer this one! I have been doing this profession for the last 12 yrs, starting at the young age of 20yo. I work for a small department in []

Honoring Police Radio Dispatchers Week – Thank You to Reycca Dotson-Middleton

By: Radio Communications Dispatcher – Reycca Dotson-Middleton Dickenson County, Virginia Coming up on my seventh year as a dispatcher for police, fire and rescue in our small county in Virginia, approximate population of sixteen thousand citizens, we are tiny compared to some. We have three town police agencies, three EMS agencies, four fire agencies as well as our county deputies we dispatch for. Some days I come in and/or leave feeling like there’s nothing I love about this job. I chock that []

I’m Fat; Week 3

Continuing Health Partnership Last Monday was so exciting to announce the partnership with CopsAlive.com. It also meant the added pressure of extra accountability and less breaking my diet and exercise commitments. Unfortunately, peer pressure does not lock the freezer from late night ice cream binges. I did however, use the BMI link  (Ouch!!) and measure everything spreadsheet to set goals and monitor my intake and activities. John Marx has included more great information and we all encourage you to join us in []

Why Care?

   By: Chaplain Ronnie Melancon Thibodaux Police Department Louisiana, USA Years ago I went to a John Maxwell Leadership Seminar. I was a young preacher looking to be more effective in helping people and leading the Church I pastor. From what I had heard, Maxwell was the man who could help me. On my arrival to the seminar, one of his opening remarks went like this: Methods are many, Principles are few. Methods always change, Principles never do. He then taught 10 []

Rookie Cop; The Stand-Up Guy

Years ago while commanding a Uniform Patrol Division for a nationally accredited Sheriff’s Office, I worked closely with the Regional Police Training Academy Director. Having previously worked for me in a special services division, we became fast friends. The Question Following the graduation of each academy class, the rookies reported to the Patrol Section for assignment to an experienced Field Training Officer (FTO). The Director made it a point to ask if they still stood up. I’d laugh and say, “Yes.” This went on for just a few weeks, []

Cops; Old Bulls & Young Bulls

January 22, 2013 in Featured, Leadership, Posts by Chief Scott Silverii, Ph.D. Who can forget Robert Duval’s advice to a young LAPD Officer played by Sean Penn in the 1988 movie “Colors?” While Duval’s character may have been referring to operational efficiency more than chronological age, the point is that better results are often associated with maturity. Oakland’s Chief of Police Howard Jordan recently announced increasing the Police Department’s minimum hiring age from 20.5 years to 25 years old. I hope this []

I’m Fat – Week 2 & Joined by CopsAlive.com

Blessed by a New Partnership I posted this just 2 weeks ago for motivating myself to regain healthy habits, encourage others to join in by setting their own goals for holistic health, and creating a forum for sensible information and accountability. Last week, I spoke with John Marx at CopsAlive.com who offered to partner. They provide fantastic practical information ranging from health to spiritual survival. Our plan is to post every Monday. I will give you a brief update of my progress, []

Filtering Out the Negatives

By: Chaplain Ronnie Melancon Thibodaux Police Department Wouldn’t you like to have a filter on your brain that helps filter what is and what isn’t important? Well, you do. It’s called the Reticular Activation System, or RAS. It’s the part of your brain that automatically filters out what isn’t important to you, and brings your attention to things that are important to you. We all have it. A mother can pick out their child’s voice among the noise of many other voices. []

It’s Just Funny

My Bike Patrol Officers are watching Wal-Mart surveillance video for an arrest they made of a thief in progress. One Officer uses the “front brake” at dismount and, well, you see it. The laughter is what you get, the respect is what you earn. These guys have my total respect. I just had to share a lighter moment of Cop Culture.

Domestic Violence Survivor & Life’s Champion – from the UK; Jules

This moving account of pain, punishment, and perseverance inspires me! It will bless you too. Her story of victory is meant to be shared. Please, I ask you to bless others with her open optimism. I came to know Jules as someone I enjoy kidding with. Mostly about our law enforcement jobs, and US v. UK jabs. She shared her story, and I came to know Jules as someone I respect and admire. I have been kindly invited by Chief Scott Silverii []

Domestic Violence Survivor & Life’s Champion – from the UK; Jules

This moving account of pain, punishment, and perseverance inspires me! It will bless you too. Her story of victory is meant to be shared. Please, I ask you to bless others with her open optimism. I came to know Jules as someone I enjoy kidding with. Mostly about our law enforcement jobs, and US v. UK jabs. She shared her story, and I came to know Jules as someone I respect and admire. I have been kindly invited by Chief Scott Silverii []

I’m Fat – Week 1

Sunday’s initial post took a bit of courage to hit “publish.” It’s out there with zero regrets. Seems there are many others willing to team up for health’s sake. I’m thankful for you sharing your challenges and goals. Don’t leave us out here alone. Welcome weekly support from diet, nutrition, exercise and stress reduction team members. Contact me at brightblueline@gmail.com to help Here’s to holding each other accountable when the couch looks inviting and the snacks endless. Week 1 recap; Weight – 222 lbs []

DV Survivor & Life’s Champion – from the UK; Jules

This moving account of pain, punishment, and perseverance inspires me! It will bless you too. Her story of victory is meant to be shared. Please, I ask you to bless others with her open optimism. I came to know Jules as someone I enjoy kidding with. Mostly about our law enforcement jobs, and US v. UK jabs. She shared her story, and I came to know Jules as someone I truly admire. I have been kindly invited by Chief Scott Silverii to write on []

I’m Fat

I weighed a super healthy 180 lbs the day I was sworn in as the Chief of Police. One year later, I was at 225 lbs. Sound familiar? Granted, that first year as Chief also included my last year of a PhD program. Still, having dropped from a 260lbs powerlifter to a 180lbs triathlete (very recreational) showed I had the ability. Christmas morning 2011, I hit the scale, and it hit back with a reading of 225 lbs. I stepped off determined to drop at least 20 lbs by my []

Know What To Do & When To Do It

Know What To Do & When To Do It By: Chaplain Ronnie Melancon From: Thibodaux Police Department Several years back, I read where an Oregon middle school was having problems with girls applying lipstick and kissing the bathroom mirrors. One day, the principal gathered the girls she believed to be involved, and stood them before the kissed mirrors. The principal told the girls, “Please help me to stop this problem. It is so hard for our janitor to clean this off. Watch, []

Black History Month Highlight: Captain Preston Jacobs

No Man Is An Island. No Man Walks Alone In honor of Black History Month, Chief Scott Silverii and the Thibodaux Police Department honors the legacy of a man still fondly remembered more than 20 years since his passing. Preston “Jake” Jacobs began his career with the Thibodaux Police Department in April of 1969. He was only the second black man to join the agency, and was hired by then Police Chief Earl Melancon Sr., who spoke very highly of Jake at []

Discover Our “WHY” Week -Day 5

Once you discover your passion, everything else makes sense. This week, lets discuss and discover our “why.” If you liked this message, please share the vision by passing it along. Help ignite a cultural revolution.

Discover Our “WHY” Week – Day 4 – Guest: Sgt. Todd Prevost

I have known “Pre” for many years, and I am thankful for his friendship. Though I may have taught him a bit about POP Squad and SWAT, it was he teaching us about consistency, committment and humility. I am honored that he agreed to share his passion with us. He is blessed for having discovered his “WHY”  Bike Cop, “WHY?” After sixteen years in law enforcement, thirteen spent patrolling on a bicycle, I am still asked, “why?” Many accompany the question with further inquiries into as why I []

Discover Our “WHY” Week -Day 3

Once you discover your passion, everything else makes sense. This week, lets discuss and discover our “why.” If you liked this message, please share the vision by passing it along. Help ignite a cultural revolution.

Discover Our “WHY” Week – Day 1

Once you discover your passion, everything else makes sense. This week, lets discuss and discover our “why.” If you liked this message, please help share the vision by sharing our site.

Train up a child….

Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.  Proverbs 22:6 Returning to graduate school even before Max was born, he has only known a dad engaged in reading, writing and the joy of education. In addition to the prayers we share at this old table; reading and writing is a passion “we” now both enjoy. And what did my dad do? He was a teacher.  Train up a child….

LAST Day of “PEOPLE I LOVE” Week

The week of February 11 thru 15, 2013 is “People I Love” Week.     Day 1 – Long-term loyalty and commitment Day 2 – Wisdom and spirituality Day 3 – Fearless Christian leadership Day 4 – Forgiveness and reconciliation through prayer Day 5 – Mercy and healing This week of Valentine is traditionally reserved for romantic love. Often times the target of ones affections change and the next commercially driven day of “love” allows opportunities for a new target and new purchases to []

“PEOPLE I LOVE” Week – Day 5

Waverly Mercy and Healing This is the greatest love of all. The love God shows me. I have been obedient at times in my life and I have been downright rebellious in my life. God always loves me. Even when I walked away. In 2006 my son was born. The delivery came fast and complicated.  After a rushed surgery, a beautiful screaming baby boy arrived. He was perfect, and yet there was a sense of “what if” amongst the hospital staff. The next []

Day 4 of “PEOPLE I LOVE” Week

The week of February 11 thru 15, 2013 is “People I Love” Week. Day 1 – Long-term loyalty and commitment Day 2 – Wisdom and spirituality Day 3 – Fearless Christian leadership Day 4 – Forgiveness and reconciliation through prayer Day 5 – Mercy and healing This week of Valentine is traditionally reserved for romantic love. Often times the target of ones affections change and the next commercially driven day of “love” allows opportunities for a new target and new purchases to impress. []

“PEOPLE I LOVE” Week – Day 4

MCR Forgiveness and Reconciliation This is a tough one to share for several reasons, but often times saying “I love you” requires []

Day 3 of “PEOPLE I LOVE” Week

The week of February 11 thru 15, 2013 is “People I Love” Week. Day 1 – Long-term loyalty and commitment Day 2 – Wisdom and spirituality Day 3 – Fearless Christian leadership Day 4 – Forgiveness and reconciliation through prayer Day 5 – Mercy and healing This week of Valentine is traditionally reserved for romantic love. Often times the target of ones affections change and the next commercially driven day of “love” allows opportunities for a new target and new purchases to impress. []

“PEOPLE I LOVE” Week – Day 3

Bill Cassidy Fearless Christian Leadership I was crossing a highway in south Louisiana following the blessing of the fleet ceremony about two years ago. Stopping to say hello to the deputy directing traffic I heard a conversation between he and another person I did not know. They were talking about exercise, and I naturally jumped in. We continued our conversation while walking off the highway leaving the deputy to his duties. Within moments, the conversation turned to Christ. He was on fire []

Day 2 of “PEOPLE I LOVE” Week

The week of February 11 thru 15, 2013 is “People I Love” Week. Day 1 – Long-term loyalty and commitment Day 2 – Wisdom and spirituality Day 3 – Fearless Christian leadership Day 4 – Forgiveness and reconciliation through prayer Day 5 – Mercy and healing This week of Valentine is traditionally reserved for romantic love. Often times the target of ones affections change and the next commercially driven day of “love” allows opportunities for a new target and new purchases to impress. []

“PEOPLE I LOVE” Week – Day 2

People I Love Week Renee Brinkley I love my sister Renee Brinkley for her friendship, spirituality, wisdom, and grace. Renee and I began a friendship in grade school, and continues today. Her depth of spiritual connection and conviction holds me in awe of each word she shares. She is blessed with a natural beauty, drawing people to her. They are immediately struck by her positive energy, honesty, and sincerity. In all our years, I have never heard her raise her voice, though []

“PEOPLE I LOVE” Week

The week of February 11 thru 15, 2013 is “People I Love” Week. This week of Valentine is traditionally reserved for romantic love. Often times the target of ones affections change and the next commercially driven day of “love” allows opportunities for a new target and new purchases to impress. This week’s theme is about love that endures. There are traditionally three types of love originating from the Greek language and referenced in God’s word. Eros is romantic love or physical attraction []

“PEOPLE I LOVE” Week – Day 1

People I Love Week Dave Paul Thibodaux I recently published a book based on my doctoral dissertation research, A Darker Shade of Blue: From Public Servant to Professional Deviant. It is the culmination of 7 years in graduate school while earning a Master of Public Administration and a Ph.D. This is a commitment I made to sacrifice my time and energies in pursuit of something special to me; education. My friend and dear brother, Dave Paul “DP” Thibodaux also made a commitment, []

PEOPLE I LOVE WEEK

The week of February 11 thru 15, 2013 is “People I Love” Week. This week of Valentine is traditionally reserved for romantic love. Often times the target of ones affections change and the next commercially driven day of “love” allows opportunities for a new target and new purchases to impress. This week’s theme is about love that endures. There are traditionally three types of love originating from the Greek language and referenced in God’s word. Eros is romantic love or physical attraction []

Hurricane Katrina “Cry Out to Jesus”

The images were taken first hand as we responded to Hurricane Katrina. Third Day’s “Cry Out to Jesus” was the only song fitting to use. My dear friend Rachelle Hitt Bilbo created this piece and shared a disk with me in 2005. I watched it once, then put it and the memories away. It is a beautiful testimony to the compassion of law enforcement officers as we drove buses, gave water, comforted the old and young and helped bring a slice of []

Hurricane Katrina “Cry Out to Jesus”

The images were taken first hand as we responded to Hurricane Katrina. Third Day’s “Cry Out to Jesus” was the only song fitting to use. My dear friend Rachelle Hitt Bilbo created this piece and shared a disk with me in 2005. I watched it once, then put it and the memories away. It is a beautiful testimony to the compassion of law enforcement officers as we drove buses, gave water, comforted the old and young and helped bring a slice of []

Greatest Speech Ever Delivered

At Buddy Walk Fund Raiser supporting Down syndrome group, Blessed By Downs. I was asked to welcome the large, excited group at the last minute. Coming up empty for words (a rarity) I handed the microphone to Max. What else does a Prayer Warriors do?

The Final Inspection; A Beautiful Policeman’s Prayer

“Step forward now, policeman,
You’ve borne your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven’s streets,
You’ve done your time in hell.” 

I Quit

Johnny Paycheck popularized this song originally written by David Allen Coe in 1977, and despite having been his only #1 hit, we recall with clarity those famous words, “Take this job and shove it.” He sings about the dissatisfaction and hurt of a man who gave his life to his work without reciprocation of reward. Ok, I’m not quitting, but it gets your attention. It also gains the attention of supervisors, Chiefs and Mayors who ask, “Why?” Well, there are many reasons []