FIT@50 / week 76 Not There: I’m prompting Max to prep for bed. While it takes a little longer, he eventually gets there. I finally warned him with a stern wag of my finger to wrap up the tub time. I came back in his bathroom after sorting his school clothes and he had a head of hair slathered with Old Spice body wash. I grunted, “No. Not there.” He proudly continued to rub it over his head. It never registered with […]
FIT@50 / week 73 Kinda Weird: We came back to Louisiana for a few days while the kids were tucked away at […]
The occupational dichotomy between the enforcer and guardian ethos is a powerful pendulum swing in either direction.
FIT@50 / week 66 True Power: “When the power of love overcomes the love of power the world will know peace.” – Jimi Hendrix This week I received two notices about Chief of Police positions in Louisiana. My immediate thoughts were “No thanks.” It was about this time last year that I’d announced my August 28th retirement date. I would’ve never in a million years thought retirement from the only job I’d known would’ve been a reality. To be honest, […]
They’ve been an amazing experience, and while times were trying, most were rewarding.
Hi All, It’s official – I’m retiring from law enforcement on August 28, 2015. I tried to think of an introspective post about bringing a career that began in 1990 to a close, but I could never capture what these years have meant to me. I told a friend that cop years are like hard dog years. I’ve had times that tore at my soul, but as many or more than have touched it. In the end, it’s been faith, family and […]
FIT@50 \ week 14 Balance Thursday night at a family birthday supper my niece said how odd it looked to see a wedding ring on my hand. I said it throws me off balance. Then I thought about what I said. There’s a weight associated with this ring. It’s called balance. To shift from decades of doing what I wanted, when I wanted to coordinating daily calendars for meeting the needs of the family took balance. Shifting gears from an “I want” […]
I have no agenda, or master plan—I just enjoy people.
FIT@50 \ week 5 Legacy Building Talking with a newly promoted commander I encouraged him to consider how he wanted to be remembered. “Think about building your legacy today,” I said, “not on your deathbed.” He leapt to his feet and shared a movie scene he felt applied. Warring kings agreed to have their respective champions fight in their place. King A calls a giant, menacing soldier. King B calls a guy—who’d decided to sleep in that morning. An apprentice was dispatched […]
the sacrifices are noble when offered with a sincere heart.
Last month I visited the National Law Enforcement Memorial in Washington, DC. I stood over the granite wall with the carvings of more than 20,000 names of officers killed for no other reason than reporting for duty. I knelt at panel 38-E:25 and ran my fingers over his name – Octavio Rafael Gonzales. The feigned smile exchanged the grief I’ve carried over the years for a public show of respect. On the very next panel, number 36-E: 27 – Timothy Bergeron elicited […]
“We are a shining example to the nation that you can combine compassion and policing to achieve great things.” Those are the words heard by Thibodaux Police Department personnel as Thibodaux Chief of Police Scott Silverii spoke at Blue Summit, the agency’s annual departmental meeting. The entire department gathers once a year to share a meal, receive awards, and hear from Mayor Eschete and Chief Silverii, who recap the previous year and share a vision for the next. “We’re going to continue […]
What’s the best time to plant a tree? – 30 years ago. What’s the next best time to plant a tree? – Today In general, law enforcement has made for horrible horticulturalists. We’ve not tilled the soil of community engagement as a practice. Now we wonder why no one understands us. When an incident like Ferguson erupts, the pundits hurry to fend off allegations from a civilian population incessantly asking for answers. I’ve had so many tell how they’ve unfriended people on […]
“If Not Us, Who?” My heart weighs heavy in this week before the important decisions contemplated by a civilian grand jury in another state. After nearly 25 years of serving my community and country, I see the potential for an occupationalrevolution. The potential for substantially significant cultural change. While most revolutions are spurned through violence, this cannot be one of them. Soon, events born in violence will again effect this country. Not just for today, but years to come. Regardless what you […]
Us versus Them: Sunday I shared the burden on my spirit in anticipation of the grand jury decision, “If Not Us, Who?” (https://www.facebook.com/CopsWritingCrime) It wasn’t about an outcome. It was that our nation rallied on either side of the issue based not on facts and evidence, but on historical perspective. Truth is, there’s more than one narrative to American history. Just before turning off the news, I received a private message. Simply, it read – We Won! In clarity, I saw this […]
Always fun to shoot up stuff. Ever heard of a Nor’easter? We bayou boys learned real quick out in the plains of West Texas.
The Thibodaux Police Department challenges each officer to create innovative social media messaging that relates to our citizens and demonstrates our willingness to extend ourselves to serve the city. This selfless demonstration by Public Information Officer Detective David Melancon illustrates our vision of service. Way to Geaux
It was around 1981-1982 that I decided to quit my job and pursue the full-time ministry of an Evangelist. I had been taught by my Pastor that you never make major changes without prayer and fasting. I had a wife and two children at this time (my youngest was not yet born), and making this decision was serious because it would affect their lives greatly. I had to know it was God directing me. I took a few days off from […]
Looking forward to this summer’s Big Fun Day for Thibodaux Jr Police and families.
Captain Keith Paul Chiasson is my Brother, and I miss you Captain Keith Paul Chiasson Thibodaux Police Department, Louisiana End of Watch: Monday, March 10, 2008 Bio & Incident Details Age: 51 Tour: 31 years Cause: Gunfire Incident Date: 2/19/1980 Weapon: Handgun Captain Keith Chiasson succumbed to gunshot wounds sustained in 1980. He was shot several times after responding to a complaint at a local night club. He died as a result of the wounds on March 10, 2008. Captain Chiasson had […]
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; – Matthew 5:14 It was a humbling presence to pray for our law enforcement and military on Thibodaux’s courthouse steps. The representation of spiritual leaders, prayer warriors and praise partners gathered to pray for our nation, state and city illustrates that God is Not Dead – He’s roaring like a LION in the City of Thibodaux – Our city on a hill.
By: Officer Johnathon Fontenot Thibodaux Police Department (LA) I am a Christian, but I am also a Police Officer. The challenges of being a Christian or a Police Officer are in and of themselves diverse, but being both at the same time has proved to be more challenging than I could have ever imagined. My journey with God began in the summer of 2009. My life was completely transformed, and God gave me an intense desire to know more about him. So, […]
Can You Quiet Your Mind? From John Marx’s CopsAlive.com For law enforcement professionals the importance of being able to quiet your mind is critical as the thoughts, ideas, plans and excessive noise in our heads can become overwhelming. Even in their more mild expressions these thoughts can keep us from being focused, attentive, alert and might disturb our sleep. The profession of law enforcement can be quite toxic and contributes many direct threats to your mental and emotional well-being, not to mention […]
Lead Thyself: Quick Tips for Those Managing Themselves There’s a common misconception regarding the title of “leader”: You don’t have to be a manager or a supervisor in order to lead. If you’re providing direction or support to fellow colleagues, you’re a leader. More importantly, being a leader starts with being able to manage yourself effectively. If you one day wish to move up the corporate ladder and lead others, you must start with yourself. Even if you have no interest in entering […]
I’m often asked by officers, media and my college students about leadership. Seldom is asked what it takes to be led, or how to actually lead; but mostly when do “I get a chance to lead” or “I want to lead now.” I appreciate the enthusiasm, and if sincere, the desire to offer themselves up for the sacrifice to lead others. Sacrifice? Did you say “sacrifice?” No one ever mentioned sacrifice. Guess what? Servant leadership requires sacrifice. You must understand that to […]
NOTE: I am posting this message received for two reasons; 1. It was sent via social media, so I trust I’m not violating a confidence by posting. 2. It is possibly the nicest message I have received, and moves me to know that our actions, as important as our words, speak volumes about who we are and what we do. Hi, Scott. I found your sight by clicking on a twitter link tweeted by an author friend. I was curious because of […]
Developing a talking theme for the year’s last quarter, I thought about leadership. Everyday my inbox is inundated with training solicitations for courses on leadership. Sure, everyone wants to lead, guide, direct and command. It’s our manifest destiny standing at the helm with a sword in one hand inspiring the troops. Today we can learn how to do it for a very reasonable registration fee, travel, hotel and per diem. Then I thought about learning to serve instead. Jotting ideas of what our commission as public servants […]
Call it a sixth sense, but for 24 years I have felt the gaze as I enter public places. There is usually at least one set of eyes that lock onto the police uniform and refuse to disengage. Even as my senses alert me to the activity, and I identify the exact person engaged in the stare down, they refuse to unlock the look that screams, “Policeman.” It can make you very uncomfortable. It can be intimidating. It can be downright frightening. I’ve […]
Amazing what common sense and compassion accomplish. Keep it in your pocket.
I am so fortunate to be associated with men and women who hold this sacred. I’m thankful for their friendship, service and sacrifice. Who do you know living by this ethos? Thank them. Thank you.
I’m Shaping Up; Week 22 Hi everyone, good to be back after a week in North Dakota. No exercise, unless you call reading highway safety reports and eating hotel food all week exercise. Did you know that it’s hot and humid in south Louisiana? You’d think I would know that too, but it didn’t stop me from overdoing it this weekend. But don’t “I told you so” too quickly. I was inspired by the wonderful folks I’ve rejoined in our Bayou Country […]
Recently returning to recreational cycling, I’ve enjoyed heading out after work for as long as the sunlight allows. These rides are usually alone, and the hours of solo saddle time allows for so many thoughts to get sorted out. It’s amazing how mental the physical act of cycling can be. There are also the other fantastic times when I join other cyclists. With a little experience, instruction and commitment most people become comfortable in a pace-line, or “train.” The benefits of working as a team in a pace-line extend beyond […]
NOTE: This is the last in the 4-part series of Walter Bright’s “Benefits of Genuine Worship.” I trust it has blessed you, as it does me. Our Police Chaplain Ronnie Melancon will be back in action next week, but please continue to share and support Walter Bright’s ministry. July 5, 2013·by walter bright· in Worship. · Worship increases spiritual strength and endurance in the life of the worshiper Isaiah 40:28-31 says, “Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord […]
Thibodaux kids have the right to remain entertained. The Thibodaux Police Department partnered with the Thibodaux Library to have officers read stories to kids at least twice a month. Detective Douglas Fontana, who read stories Monday evening, said the program started about three months ago as a way for officers to get more involved in the community. “It really gives us a chance to expand and do things we normally wouldn’t do,” he said. Fontana said his favorite stories are the ones […]
NOTE: Our Agency’s Chaplain is back, but I really want to share the rest of Walter Bright’s message “Benefits of Genuine Worship.” Please visit his site, as his ministry is a blessing. July 4, 2013·by walter bright· in Worship. · Freedom Reigns I want to thank the Lord because every opportunity we get to meet with him and worship him is an opportunity for him to release into our lives all of His goodness. I pray that on this independence day, we […]
July 18, 2013 By Eric Covino NOTE: Great post from my friend Lauri Stevens at ConnectedCops.net. Please check her out! Did you know that 76% of survivors of natural disasters use social media to let their friends know they’re safe? You can find more interesting facts about social media’s role in the wake of a natural disaster, including Sandy, in the following infographic developed by University of San Francisco’s Masters of Public Administration department. The infographic was most recently used in a congressional hearing […]
NOTE: This is an article from 2001, but I find it’s perspective of police force interesting. I want to share this alternative view by Daniel McCarthy. What do you think; how much police brutality is enough? “…I’m one of these guys who thinks cops can slap people around from time to time — if it’s called for and if they don’t get caught….” “The thin blue line needs to operate in a wide gray area when it comes to maintaining the social order….” The quotes are […]
I’m Shaping Up; Week 20 How to you benchmark 20 weeks of concerted efforts for reclaiming health? Just show up. I’ve been chipping away with daily runs, yoga and cycling. Most after work rides allow about 25 – 30 mile rides through beautiful bayous and endless acres of sweeping sugarcane fields. My cycling club, Bayou Country Cyclists held the regular Saturday ride. The club president, Christy J. e-mailed me Friday and said just show up. 75 miles and 4 hours later, […]
I’m Shaping Up; Week 19 This 4th of July holiday provided great opportunities for family, fun, food and showing my siblings who is boss. OK, actually I over ate at a family BBQ, chased kiddo down at a Veteran’s celebration in the park, and blamed the mysterious disappearance of about 6 homemade brownies on my youngest niece. Yes, I was out of character but we all need a break sometimes. As for exercise, it was another great week to include running, walking and […]
I’m Shaping Up; Week 18 This week was about finding inspiration when totally not expecting it. I’ve been back on the bike steadily and enjoying the return in the saddle. Either alone or with the fantastic club members of our Bayou Country Cyclists, it’s great to be back. Motivation came when I met 2 team members for a quick 20+. One of the ladies forgot her cycling shoes. Her friend offered to forgo the ride and head home. The shoeless rider refused […]
I wondered this morning was it raining, as I struggled between more sleep and exercise. Remembering the awesome encouragement and motivational replies over the last weeks, I popped up and hit the early morning road. It was raining! Last week was another productive effort. three days of morning & evening training sessions, prepared meals at home and away from restaurants, and a consistent BP reading have me steadily moving towards regaining health. I even hit the gym after a blistering afternoon of lawn […]
I’m Shaping Up; Week 16 This week was awesome for so many more reasons than 2-a-day workouts. By regaining a level of fitness, this weekend’s searing heat was much more tolerable while spending time outdoors. I trust you Dads enjoyed your day, and today is a great opportunity to join us in Shaping UP! Week 16 Here’s to holding each other accountable when the couch looks inviting and the snacks endless. Weight – Don’t know. Still not worrying about these numbers. Exercise […]
Horatio G. Spafford was a Chicago Presbyterian layman. He was born in North Troy, New York on October 20, 1828. After graduating from college and passing the bar exam, he established a successful legal practice in Chicago. He enjoyed a very lucrative law practice, yet always maintained a keen interest in Christian activities. He was personally acquainted with D. L. Moody, and the other evangelical leaders of that era. George Stebbins, a noted Gospel musician of the day, described H. G. Spafford as “a man of […]
The Christian Police Officer – By: Officer Johnathan Fontenot I am a Christian, but I am also a Police Officer. The challenges of being a Christian or a Police Officer are in and of themselves diverse, but being both at the same time has proved to be more challenging than I could have ever imagined. My journey with God began in the summer of 2009. My life was completely transformed, and God gave me an intense desire to know more about him. So, […]
I’m Shaping Up; Week 12 What happened to Week 11 you may be asking? Well, more travel equals less time to write, but well needed rest from most activities. I have also decided to stop obsessing over the scale for a few weeks. My low-end weigh-in of 208 was so welcomed, but it made the slight bounce during travel too stressful. It’s funny that after monitoring your caloric intake and physical output, you can tell where your body falls along the numeric […]
In Honor of National Police Week, I will dedicate each day to a personal friend lost in the line of duty. Each loved their country, their community, their agency and mostly their families. Please join us in celebrating not how they died, but how they lived their heroic lives.
I’m Shaping Up; Week 9 Though I’m not a big fan of this word, it describes last week’s shaping up efforts; NO. No weight training. No cardio exercises. No adherence to Lt. Lane’s diet. Have I fallen off the health wagon? No. Times like last week can come out of nowhere, and rob us of the luxury of time we thought was ours to schedule. What does it mean for me personally? Well, it does not good beating myself up over it. […]
Police Foundation President Jim Bueermann approved the appointment for City of Thibodaux Chief of Police, Dr. Scott Silverii as an Executive Fellow and member of its Research Advisory Committee. The Police Foundation also sponsors the Cambridge Police Executive Program Executive Fellowship Program Executive Fellows at the Police Foundation are current or retired executive-level members of criminal justice organizations whose knowledge, experience and skills help advance the Foundation’s mission. They serve as members of the President’s Practitioner Advisory Board to help ensure the Foundation is […]
I’m Shaping Up; Week 8 Salt Lake City, San Francisco, Sacramento, Charlotte, New Orleans My cross-country excursion last week threatened to break my efforts right open. I returned at o.2lbs heavier than I left. Yes, 0.2lbs! I even spent time in a small hotel gym on a loud and unstable treadmill. Most importantly, I ate smart and in moderation. I did give in on the flight from San Fran to Charlotte and accepted the kind hostess’s offer for pretzels though. Week 8 Here’s […]
I’m Shaping Up; Week 7 213, 137, 99 – HIKE! While losing a healthy level of fitness is not a game, it is fun and challenging to develop creative ways to regain it. Racquetball, stadiums, dodge ball(?) Yep. Actually I watched. I have mostly maintained strict adherence to Lt. Lane’s diet plan, but when the Kiddo is asking for his traditional Thursday night out at his favorite pizza place, I did have part of a child’s pepperoni. Of course, I’m not the reigning […]