In the last month I have heard a few people talk about the nautical phrase “Hold Fast. Stay True.” in various interviews and presentations. My understanding is that it originated in days of wooden ships. In a storm sailors would tell each other to “Hold Fast”, meaning to grab on to rigging or something solid and secure to prevent being swept overboard. “Stay True” was the direction to the man at the helm to stay true to the compass heading to avoid being blown far off course.
Today law enforcement is in the midst of an intense storm. A storm of media coverage, condemnation, and criticism from uninformed politicians, special interest groups and police haters. The profession is in the midst of a storm of verbal, social media and physical attacks.
In the midst of this storm you need to Hold Fast and Stay True.
Hold Fast and Stay True to your “Why”. Why you got into this profession and why you show up every day despite the storms and turbulence.
Hold Fast and Stay True to your personal core values.
Hold Fast and Stay True to your agency’s core values.
Hold Fast and Stay True to your professionalism.
Hold Fast and Stay True to your commitment to something bigger than yourself.
Hold Fast and Stay True to your commitment to the people in your communities who need you, trust you and want you there, but are too afraid to speak up.
Hold Fast and Stay True for all the victims and their families who rely on you every day.
Hold Fast and Stay True for the children who still look up to you and want to be like you when they grow up.
Hold Fast and Stay True for the people you have the privilege to lead, coach and mentor.
Hold Fast and Stay True for your brothers and sisters in the profession who look to you for leadership and support.
Hold Fast and Stay True to your commitment to the important relationships in your life.
Hold Fast and Stay True to your commitment to self-care through your daily practices around fitness, nutrition, sleep, hydration and stress management.
Hold Fast and Stay True to your commitment to learning and growing.
In the stormy days ahead remember that What’s Important Now? is to Hold Fast and Stay True.
Take care.
Brian Willis
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