I very fortunate to have been involved in law enforcement training for over 20 years now. The last 8 1/2 years of my policing career were spent in a full time training position. I love being a trainer, but I also understand the realities. The hours are long. The work is often under appreciated. In many organizations trainers are seen as a necessary evil rather than than a valuable asset.
Throughout your training career you will have some people that will thank you for what you do. Occasionally you will get one of the three greatest compliments I believe a trainer can ever receive:
- An officer tells you that what you taught them saved their life.
- An officer tells you that what you taught them changed their life.
- A trainer tells you they became a trainer because of you. That you set an example for them to aspire to.
If you are lucky you will hear each one of these at least once in your career. If you are very lucky you will hear each of them a number of times.
I am here today to remind you that what you do makes a difference. What you do saves lives and what you do changes lives. Those you influence will not always let you know so I am letting you know. Understand that the impact you have extends beyond the job.
I received a call today from a fellow trainer who related a story about one of their officers who was severely injured in an incident at his home on an acreage. It took a heroic effort on his part to get himself into a position where he could get help. The doctors and medical people say it is a miracle he is alive. He credits his ability to overcome those odds to his training. The imagery training to always keep focused and always keep fighting along with the training in tactical breathing played a huge role in his ability to perform despite the massive nature of his injury. He continues to remain positive during his recovery.
Thank you for what you do. Thank you for willing to step up and be a trainer. I encourage you to stay focused on What’s Important Now, stay positive, keep learning, keep training yourself, keep innovating and keep making a difference.
Take care.
P.S. Until the end of August I am donating $10.00 from every copy of W.I.N. Volumes 1 and 2 and If I Knew Then: Life Lessons From Cops on the Street sold through Warrior Spirit Books to the ILEETA Scholarship Fund to help send trainers like yourself to the ILEETA Conference in April. To take advantage of bulk discounts for orders of 10 books or more contact me at winningmind@mac.com.
P.S.S. Last weeks post did not get posted until Thursday. If you looked for it Tuesday and did not see it make sure you go back and read it.
Brian Willis
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