John's Cop Stuff

MORE COP STUFF 4-23-10

2010-04-23T18:32:00.001-07:00

I AM STARTING TO UPDATE JJ'S COP STUFF. THE PICTURES WILL BE FROM DIFFERENT TIMES, SOME NEW, SOME OLD. I WILL DO A POST ON AN EVENT IF THERE
ARE ENOUGH PICS OF THAT EVENT TO WARRANT A POST. SO, SCROLL DOWN AND ENJOY. REMEMBER: IF YOU WANT TO SEE THE PICTURE BIGGER, JUST CLICK ON THE PICTURE..

MIKE AT THE GAS STATION HE OWNED AT JACKSBORO HWY & NORMAN

DON AT THE TIMBERS APARTMENTS

WHAT'S LEFT OF THE DAIRY QUEEN AT WINDTHORST RD & US 287 FOLLOWING THE APRIL 10, 1979 TORNADO

A COUPLE OF THE NEW HARLEY POLICE BIKES AT THE NEW TRAINING CENTER ON FLOOD ST.

MORE WFPD HARLEY POLICE BIKES

THE NEW PUBLIC SAFETY TRAINING CENTER. WHO WOULD'VE EVER THOUGHT THAT WE WOULD HAVE THE NEW TRAINING/DISPATCH CENTER BUILT ON FLOOD ST?

TH NEW TRAINING/DISPATCH CENTER. WICHITA FALLS TEXAS

ORLANDO AND CARMEN AT THE TRAINING CENTER WHEN SHE RETIRED

CAPT. MANUEL BORREGO & ME AT THE TRAINING CENTER

GREG GETTING SOME GOODIES AT THE TRAINING CENTER

JOHN & RUSS AT THE TRAINING CENTER PARKING LOT

ME & JOHN AT THE TRAINING CENTER PARKING LOT

OUR HOSTESS'S LORI & CHRISTI AT THE TRAINING CENTER

CHRISTI & ARLENE AT THE TRAINING CENTER

CARMEN'S RETIREMENT CAKE

DALE, HAROLD AND TOM'S RETIREMENT CAKE

TOM RECEIVES HIS RETIREMENT BADGE FROM CHIEF DENNIS BACHMAN

DALE GIVING HIS ADIOS SPEECH AT HIS RETIREMENT

CHIEF DENNIS BACHMAN PRESENTS A RETIREMENT SHADOW BOX TO CARMEN

CHIEF BACHMAN GIVES JIM & PATTIE, JIM'S SERGEANT BADGE & STRIPES

JESSICA WITH HER NEWLY PROMOTED DAD, SGT. JIM JACKSON

THIS IS CHRISTI. SHE TOOK OVER AS CHIEF BACHMAN'S SECRETARY AFTER CARMEN RETIRED

CHRIS, CARMEN & ARLENE AT THE WFPD

CARMEN GOT THESE FLOWERS AS A RETIREMENT GIFT.

THIS IS LORI. I THINK SHE IS ARLENE'S ASSISTANT

THIS IS CHRIS. SHE IS,WICHITA FALLS STREET SUPERINTENDENT, LARRY'S WIFE

THIS IS ARLENE. SHE IS HARD WORKING AND ALWAYS ON THE GO. I WISH I HAD HER STAMINA

THIS IS POLICE CHIEF DENNIS BACHMAN, WICHITA FALLS POLICE DEPARTMENT, WICHITA FALLS TEXAS

THIS WILL CONCLUDE THIS POST. SCROLL DOWN FOR MORE POSTS AND DON'T FORGET TO CLICK ON THE "OLDER POSTS" LINK AT THE BOTTOM OF EACH PAGE FOR MORE OF THE SAME.

I WILL POST AGAIN HERE IN THE NEXT DAY OR TWO. UNTIL THEN, STAY ALERT & AWARE OF YOUR SURROUNDINGS AT ALL TIMES.......JOHN

THE GOOD OL' DAYS

2010-04-19T05:48:00.000-07:00

Below are some old pics of police and related police stuff taken over the years. Scroll down and enjoy these few pictures and REMEMBER: IF YOU WANT TO SEE THE PICTURES BIGGER, JUST CLICK ON THE PICTURE.

I went to Montego Bay Jamaica back in the 80's. This is a picture of a Jamaican police officer at the airport in Montego Bay.. These guys were everywhere. They were friendly but no nonsense type of guys.

This is at a Police Motorcycle competition here in Wichita Falls back in the 80's. From left to right: Officer Kenny Lyons, Officer Paul Harper & Officer Leland Wright

This is the sign at the Police Station in Wait-A-Bit Jamaica. That is the actual name of the little town

This is in 77 when our police academy graduated. I am receiving my Diploma from Chief Curtis Harrelson. The Chief died a year ago. The two guys you can see behind me are: Officer Keith Jenkins (on the end) and Officer Jerry Jack Riley (right behind me)

I come from a family of Police Officers (on my mom's side of the family). These are from back to front: Officer Johnny McCrady (cousin), Lt. John McCrady (Uncle), Sgt. Jim McCrady (Uncle), me and Officer Mac McCrady (Uncle).

I was in the WFPD Motor Unit for 3 years back in the 80's. This is my son, Matt, on my police bike. Little did we know then that he would be a WFPD officer 19 years later

Our 1977 Police Academy graduation picture: left to right: Officer Keith Jenkins, Officer Connie Josey, Officer Don Gossett, Officer Jerry Riley, me, Officer Bill Pursley, Officer Russ Melvin, Officer Mike Bogart, Officer Bob Marsh, Officer Bobby Dilbeck, Officer Bob Guerin, Officer Ricky Alsup, Officer Chuck Black, Officer Sarah McGinty and Chief Curtis Harrelson sitting down in the middle.

A tornado blew thru Wichita Falls April 10, 1979 and cut a path 1/2 mile wide and 8 miles long, killing 55 people. This is at the Sunnyside housing addition out near US 287/Windthorst Rd.

this was the uniform's we wore until about mid 80's. Then we went to dark blue (black) shirts and pants. A perfect color to wear in the typical 100+ weather here in the summer..

I had driven to the PD with my son & Officer Arnold to get my paycheck. Before my son & I went inside the PD, I placed my Beretta .380 on the front seat of the police car. I figured it would be safe with another officer in the car. I figured wrong. While I was inside, the officer got to jacking around with the .380 and it went off, putting an entrance & exit hole in my dash. the bullet ricocheted, hit my keys that were in the ignition (sending them all over) and a piece of the bullet or pieces of the keys hit the officer in the thumb. We both got written up for that one..

Four of us lived at the Timbers Apartments. Left to right: Russ, Me, Don and Rodney

We had the "take home" cars and we could drive them around the city when off duty. The theory behind it was the more police cars visible, whether on duty or off, then they would be a deterrent to crime... Here is my son Matt down at Central garage where the gas pumps are located.

This is Officer Dale Sweeney in a 1979 Dodge St, Regis as he comes by the apartment complex parking lot to check things out

One of the first Motor/traffic units at the PD. Left to right: Officer Bob Marsh, Officer David Stout, Officer Fred Smith, Officer Jerry Thomas, Officer Wylie Hopson, Officer Rodney Busby, Sgt. Don Raines, Officer Joe Mendoza and Officer Carlton Reimers.

This will conclude this post. Come back and check frequently as I will be posting more Police stuff such as Retirements/promotions, Blue Knights TX XX rides & meetings.

Scroll down for more posts. Remember to click on the "OLDER POST" link at the bottom of EACH for more of the same.

Until the next post, ya'll be careful out there and watch each others back...............JOHN

Annual Police Fish Fry (Don's pics) 9-27-08

2008-10-15T12:17:00.000-07:00

Tony, with the sunglasses, talks to the cooks

Sgt. Vernon & his wife

Tony, the host of today's event...Ya done good Tony!!

Roy Don (black), Eric (green) , Norman (orange) and Curtis (Light blue shirt) all in a conversationBill & Ken

Charles, Wentzel & Harvey

Wentzel, Charles, Deborah & John

Tommy & family

Roy Lee, Roy Don & Curtis

The cooks & relatives & friends of Tony's

Kyle enjoys a cold brew

Harvey

Wives

Mrs. Gene & LeeAnn

This will terminate this post. Thanks again to my former supervisor, Sgt Don, for sending the pics and letting me put them on the blog. Scroll down for more posts and don't forget to click the "older posts" link at the bottom of each page for more posts..Until next post, ya'll be careful out there and stay vigilant...........JOHN

Annual Police Fish Fry (John's Pic's) 9-27-08

2008-10-04T21:56:00.000-07:00

Saturday, 9-27-08, Tony hosted the Annual Fish Fry that his deceased father, retired police Sgt, Leroy, had started years before. There were numerous folks there, some I knew, some I didn't know, some I knew but forgot their names (S.O.P. with me lately. I have BAD CRS). Scroll down and check out the few pictures I took. I did not take many pictures because a coupleof folks were taking pictures and they sent them to me which will be in separate posts. Those will be from Don & Gene. REMEMBER: IF YOU WANT TO SEE THE PICTURE BIGGER, JUST CLICK ON THE PICTURE!!

After arriving and parking Ms Clone, (my motorcycle), between two pickup trucks, this is the view that I was met with went rounding the corner of the garage. That is Kyle, bottom right, grinning at me.

Here is Norman, Tommy's wife, Cindy, Tommy & his kids. Tommy is running for Sheriff this year..Cindy just retired from the PD as a Sgt. Norman retired awhile back.

Here is Guy, Ken, Kristine, Bill, Ginger and some their kiddo's..

Kyle had his kids there and was having a good time. That's Roy Don in te bottom left corner.

Sgt. Charlie & the crew were there and I didn't know a lot of them..They have added a lot of new faces since I retired in 2004..

This will conclude this brief post. No pun intended, but I ate like a pig and left feeling fat. It was good to see alot of the guys , who retired way back. I will have them posted on the next post or two.. Scroll down for more posts and don't forget to click on the "older posts" link for more previous posts. Until next post, ya'll be careful out there and support the blue!!.............JOHN

Retiree Breakfast 10-2-08

2008-10-04T20:54:00.000-07:00

Thursday, 10-2-08, we had our weekly retiree breakfast that numerous retired law enforcement officers from the area attend. You never know who is going to attend or what stories are going to be told.. We have both kinds of stories: war stories & fairy tales. Scroll down and see who showed up this week and REMEMBER: IF YOU WANT TO SEE THE PICTURE BIGGER, JUST CLICK ON THE PICTURE.

Russ arrives at my house at 0745 hrs, so we can ride together to the breakfast.

Russ making the circle at the end of my street.

We get to the cafe and here are some of the guys there: Mark & Russ

Mark & Russ. Mark just bought himself a Harley Ultra Classic

Bill & David.. David has been having allergy problems with all the crap in the air lately and had to leave early to go back home and go to bed..

Jerry (Pappy), Roy Don & Kelly..

Left to right: Roy Don, Kelly, Dale, Bill & David

Here is Iris, the Cafe manager and head waitress. She really busts her rear waiting on us and she is part of "our" family there.

That is Dottie, the head cook and mother of Brenda, co-owner of Stone Creek Leathers in Burkburnett Texas. Brenda also used to work at the cafe for 8 years.. For more on Stone Creek Leathers, see The North Texas Bikers blog at: http://www.jjskewlstuff.blogspot.blog/ and this post: http://jjskewlstuff.blogspot.com/2008/07/stone-creek-leathers-7-19-08.html

The table: Left to right: Jerry, Roy Don, Kelly, Dale, Bill, Mark & Russ.

Jerry telling a fairy tale as Russ listens in, smiling in appreciation..

As Brenda also checks this blog, her mom Dottie & I got this picture taken to wish Brenda a Happy Birthday, that was tomorrow: 10-3-08. Ain't gonna say how old Dottie said Brenda was, because I value my life and Brenda knows where I live...(grin). But Brenda is a young thing compared to me and some of the others...

Here are some of the bikes out front of the cafe..Russ is by his Bike, Mark's Bike, my bike and the red bike is Dale's bike.

Here is Kelly's bike. We have been trying to get Kelly to ride with us but he usually has something going on..We are gonna stay after him, though..

As we get ready to go, here are me & Russ, and up top are Bill, Roy Don and Jerry

The Wrecking Crew: Dale, Jerry & Russ and top are : Kelly, Bill, Roy Don & Mark

Dale, Jerry & Russ...Kelly, Bill, Roy Don & Mark are above..

Jerry wants to "get the motor running..Head out on the highway" on Mark's Harley. Russ, next to Jerry is getting ready to head out to Dallas Tx for some appointments and a new tat..

Dale, putting on his helmet, watches as Kelly loses a few more bricks from his load, on Ms Clone...Ms Clone is the nickname for my bike for obvious reasons..

Kelly's tribute to J.H. J.H. was a retired officer that died a couple months ago and he always wore his hat like Kelly is wearing the helmet..

Here is Russ, Iris & Dottie as he prepares to leave for the "Big D"...

Here is Kelly & his bike. He says it gets 74 mpg..

Here is mark on his Harley. His wife, Jennifer, loves that bike.

Here is Dale on his bike. He will be joining the Blue Knights soon and we look forward to having him with us in the Chapter and riding with us.

This will conclude this post. As always, we had a great time. Scroll down for more posts and don't forget to click on the "older posts" link at the bottom of EACH page for previous posts. Until next post, ya'll be careful out there.................JOHN

BLUE KNIGHTS TX XX MEETING 9-30-08

2008-10-04T20:42:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday, 9-30-08, the Blue Knights Tx XX had its weekday monthly meeting. This was a great turnout for being a weekday. Although, no pictures were taken during the meeting itself, due to the meeting being all business, we did manage a few afterwards. Scroll down and check out who showed up and REMEMBER: IF YOU WANT TO SEE IT BIGGER, JUST CLICK ON THE PICTURE!

The Blue Knights Tx XX in the setting sun: Left to right: Kyle, Clint, Casey, Russ, David, Rodney, me, Alan & Steve.

A view outta the sun: Kyle, Russ, Clint, David, Rodney, me, Alan, Casey & Steve

This is Dale, President of the WFPOA and a soon to be member of the Blue Knights Tx XX. Dale was there getting the building ready for the CLEAT Convention this weekend..

David standing & Russ on his bike fixin' to head to Cheddar's for our Tuesday get together with everyone. However, the get together was at 6:30 pm and we didn't get there until 7:30 p.m.

Rodney, Steve & Alan getting ready to head out..

Casey, Clint & Kyle getting ready to leave. Kyle was heading to the Blue Knights Saturday meeting and his right saddlebag came off his Harley and bounced & slid down the Parkway. Kyle was not a happy man Saturday night when I talked to him about it

Last picture before we headed out is of Donna (Dale's wife) & Dale. They were really busting their butts to get the building ready to act as the Hospitality Building for the Texas State CLEAT Convention...This will conclude this post. Be sure to scroll down for more events, rides & posts. Don't forget to click on the "older posts" link at the bottom of EACH page for more posts back to January 08. Until next ride & post, ya'll be careful out there, ride safe & keep the rubber on the road............JOHN

Cops, Retired Cops & Cheddars 10-2-08

2008-10-04T20:08:00.000-07:00

Following the Blue Knights Tx XX meeting on Tuesday, 9-30-08, some of us went to Cheddar's to eat. When we finished and were getting ready to leave, some familiar looking folks walked out..Scroll down and meet them and REMEMBER: IF YOU WANT TO SEE THE PICTURE BIGGER, JUST CLICK ON THE PICTURE..

The Cheddar's Sign on Kell West, Wichita Falls, Texas

As we were getting ready to leave Cheddar's these four came out. I never saw them inside. From left to right: Casey (Arlington Tx Police Officer), Heather (his wife), Rachel (Matt's girlfriend), & Matt, (my son, a Wichita Falls Police Officer)

Casey, Heather, Rachel & Matt at Cheddar's

Casey, Heather, me, Matt & Rachel.. We got there when it was light out, but dark when we left & all I had with me were my prescription sunglasses.

Another of Casey, Heather, me, Matt & Rachel

Rachel went over and climbed on David's bike.

Matt went & got on my bike. That's David talking to Rachel, next to Matt

Matt, kicked back on Ms Clone, in the Cheddar's parking lot

Casey & Heather

Rachel checking out her pictures

Rachel, my future daughter in law.

In most of my motorcycle posts, Russ usually flips me off. Russ had just left, so Heather took the honors..Ya know, I think she enjoyed flipping me off a little too much...

Casey & Heather. I enjoy seeing them when they drive up from Arlington. They are both from here originally and Matt & Casey have been friends for many years.

Matt & Casey. Casey tried for several years to get on the WFPD but couldn't because of the nepotism thing. His cousin is the Chief...

This will conclude this post. Enjoyed being with the guys tonight and seeing Matt & Rachel and Casey & Heather. Scroll down for more posts and don't forget to click on the "older posts" link on the bottom of EACH for more posts. Until next post, ya'll be careful out there and beware of your surroundings...........JOHN

Retiree's Breakfast 9-18-08

2008-09-19T01:48:00.000-07:00

Thursday morning. 9-18-08, retiree's from various area law enforcement agencies get together for our weekly breakfast at one of the local eating establishment. What makes these Thursday get togethers interesting is: A) you never know who's going to show up. B) The War Stories, fairy tales & and other topics are usually hilarious and if when you leave, your stomach doesn't hurt from eating too much of the good food served there, then your sides hurt from laughing so hard, you almost cry. And today was no exception. So scroll down and meet the folks who were there this morning and REMEMBER: IF YOU WANT TO SEE THE PICTURE BIGGER, JUST CLICK ON THE PICTURE!!

Today, the right side of the table was Mark, Billy, David & Bill.

The left side was Russ, Jerry, Roy Don & Norman.

This is Dottie and she is the cook. Dottie is also the mom of Brenda, owner of Stone creek Leathers up in Burkburnett Texas. See my motorcycle site, North Texas Bikers, at: www.jjskewlstuff.blogspot.com post dated 7-19-08.

This is Iris, our waitress & Russ. As we always say in these posts, Iris is an excellent waitress and runs her butt of keeping us happy.

The table included Don on one end and me on the other. That's Kari at the end standing up. She works at the newspaper and comes in every morning for coffee and to say hi to us on Thursdays.

Closest to farthest: Russ, Jerry, Roy Don, Norman & Don...

Mark & Billy listen in to a war story being told...

Norman, Don, Bill & David having a serious talk..

Bill & I on the porch. Russ, David & I were fixin' to ride the motorcycles up to Mangum Oklahoma to do a recon for Monday's (9-22-08) Blue Knights Tx XX Weekday run. We asked Don to go but he had too much to do at his house, so he opted out of going..

Bill & I. Bill can get everyone laughing so hard it hurts..He is one hilarious man..

Mark, Roy Don, Jerry & Billy on the porch of the restaurant..

Last picture at the breakfast was of Norman, right before we left. We had a great time today, as always, and I look forward to the next breakfast. Scroll down for more cop stuff and don't forget to click on the "older posts" link at the bottom of EACH page for more posts. Until next post, ya'll be careful out there and be aware of your surroundings at all times..................JOHN

Retiree's Breakfast 8-14-08

2008-08-15T09:41:00.000-07:00

On Thursday, 8-14-08,retiree's from different law enforcement agencies in the area met for breakfast in Iowa Park, Texas, as is the routine for every Thursday. Scroll down & see who showed up this week and REMEMBER: IF YOU WANT TO SEE THE PICTURES BIGGER, JUST CLICK ON THE PICTURES.

This is Dottie, the cook and mother to Brenda, one of the owners of the Stone Creek Leathers Store in Burkburnett, Texas.

Here is Dale.. I caught him by surprise when I took this picture..He is a riot to be around.

This is Roy Don, Norman, Dale & Bill diggin' into the great food they have at the cafe.

This is Rodney & Bo..This was Rodney's first time to the breakfast

This is Iris & Rodney. Iris gets her picture in all these posts because we run her butt off waiting on our table..

This is Kelly, Sam & Bill. This is the first time I have seen Sam since he retired many moons ago.

Bo, Roy Don, and Norman at the table.

This is Adam, Kelly's son. Adam is off work on an OJI. He was attacked by pit bulls while on a call where the guy sic'd the dogs on Adam. (Adam is a police officer). Both pit bulls were shot at the scene and are now in doggie heaven. Or in their case, doggie hell. Their owner should be with them, in my humble opinion..

Here is the back of Adam's leg. He also has puncture wounds on the left leg.

After eating, we gather outside to tell stories and stuff. Here is Roy Don, getting ready to leave..

Here is Rodney & Kelly. I'm not sure but it looks like Kelly is trying to make farting sounds with his hands. Heck, with the food & peppers he just ate, the sounds oughta be coming out of his butt. Thank God for us, they weren't.

Here is Norman listening to a yarn from Kelly

Dale's reaction to one of the many stories being told...

Bo & Rodney cutting up with Kelly

Bill takes a call outside.

Bo's Harley & Dale's Intruder. We hope that both will ride with us. Dale says he is definitely going on a ride with us..

My Vulcan & Rodney's Harley. Got talking to Rodney and his Harley is a 2003 and he has 12,000 miles on it. Mine is a 2008, got it new in January, and I have got almost 12,500 miles on it..Man, I gotta slow down!! NOT!!!

That will conclude this post. Tune in next week and see who shows up at the next retiree breakfast. We always have fun at these. Until next post, ya'll be careful out there and beware of pit bulls....John

Sgt. Rains Pictures

2008-07-25T20:58:00.000-07:00

On Friday, 7-11-08, a bunch of us went to Cheddar's to eat. While there, we ran into one of our former supervisor's, Sgt. Rains, now retired. See this link:
( http://jjskewlstuff.blogspot.com/ post 7-11-08). We talked & I told him if he sent me some pictures, I would put them on the blog. He has been sending me one or two a week. Scroll down & check out his picture's.REMEMBER: IF YOU WANT TO SEE THE PICTURES BIGGER, JUST CLICK ON THE PICTURE..

Here is Sgt Rains at Cheddar's the night we were all there

This has got to be the biggest catfish that I have seen. Could eat on that thing for a month

Sgt. Rains, when he was a WFPD officer, in the good ol days..I think he was a Sgt in this picture

The "Little Constables" & WFPD officers. Looks to be in the early 60's

Sgt. Rains as he was when he was my Sgt. We all had the light blue shirts back then..They have black now or what they call, dark blue...real dark blue..

The WFPD retirees: back row left to right: Bill, Gene, Curtis, Pappy, Harvey Katie,Pete, Roy, unk, Robert, Ed, Roy Don, Wencel. Seated: left to right: unk, Don, Mike, Leroy

Seated: Sgt. Rains & Luana Hutson. Standing Left to Right: T.Lewis, Sam Dobson, & Robert Whiteacre

That will end this post. Thanks again, Sgt. Rains, for the pictures & permission to share them with everyone on this blog. Scroll down for more of John's Cop Stuff and be sure to click on the "older posts" link at the bottom of the page for more of the same. Until next post, be careful out there................John

Assorted Police Pictures 2003-2008

2008-07-25T19:17:00.000-07:00

While looking through some disks, I found some assorted pictures of some of the police officers from the Wichita Falls Police Department. I still have over 100 disks of pictures to go through, but here are some of them now. REMEMBER: IF YOU WANT TO SEE THE PICTURE BIGGER, CLICK ON THE PICTURE.

Back in 2004, the City of Wichita Falls was in the process of getting rid of some top administrative types ie: Mayor, City Manager & Personnel Director. I got into the spirit of things, donned a sombrero, called myself Juan & began the "FUBA" campaign.

My son, Matt, now wears the badge with the same badge number that I wore for 27 years.

Here are a couple of Matt's academy partners at graduation, John & Adam. Adam is Kelly's son. John, unfortunately is on his way to another career endeavor...

Me & Matt the day he graduated from the Police Academy. The air conditioner was broke in the police training room and I was sweating like a bad boy in church..

Capt. Manual. Manuel & I go way back..In our Army Reserve days, he was on my fire support team and the driver of our teams APC.. He is now a Sgt. Major in the USAR..Great guy in my opinion & a good friend.

Another shot of Manuel. He can be hilarious, especially when we are sliding down the mountain in our APC and he forgets he is in the Army & reverts back to his USMC days. We think we are gonna die & he keys up, not on intercom, but on the battalion freq and starts doing that Marine Corps bark..you know, the "oorah" thing..

Janice, my wife & Cindy, Norman's wife..She is a Sgt at the WFPD and she and Janice are friends..

Here is Glenn, Matt & Rachel, Matt's girlfriend. At one point, when Matt & Glenn's son, Brad, were a lot younger, they were on opposite teams in soccer & played against one another for a season or two...

Kelly & his son Adam. Matt, Adam & John are second generation officers, along with several others that have been there longer. Police blood runs thick in some family's. Everyone in my mom's family in St. Louis Mo, are cops & my brother's son, Shawn, is in college & wants to join a PD when he graduates up North in Michigan.

Kelly & Adam. Kelly is as proud of Adam as I am of Matt

Matt, working over by the house, stops by at 1:00 am to get a bottle of water..

Things remain the same...Report calls are what it is all about...

Matt in his car..

When Matt was in the academy, I met him, my two former partners, Paul & Michelle, at The Branding Iron (BBQ Place) for lunch. I was retired & here is Matt leaning up against my former patrol car, 5865, that Paul now drives.

My other car, before 5865..This is my beloved 5801. Some kid t-boned me while eyeballing some blond in a Firebird.

The left side of 5801

The inside of 5801. For a month or two after the accident, these little blisters would pop up on my left arm & neck, and little slivers of glass would emerge..

Last view of the car..Adios 5801....

Me & Michelle, my former partner. She injured her back on duty & is now looking at medical retirement from the PD

I think this was taken in 2004. Me & 5865 at the Street department fixin' to pick up Janice for lunch

Matt & his car, taken last week..He came by for water..I keep a lot of water for him here and any of the guys who might stop by..

Put that seat belt on Matt!!

Saddled up, belted in & ready to resume patrol.

A view inside Matt's car. It was in the 90's still (at around 10 pm) so in addition to the bottled water, I gave him some cold, Frost Gatorade..It doesn't take long to get overheated in those dark uniforms, even at night, when it's warm and some dirtball runs from ya on foot...

And he's off..

Me & by my car....2003, I think.

Another shot of me & my car, 5801, when it was still healthy

Last view of me & 5801. I retired in 2004. I miss the PD & the camaraderie that we all shared.

That is it for this post..Scroll down for more posts of different police stuff. If you come to an "older posts" link at the bottom of the page, click on it for more of John's Cop Stuff..Until next post, ya'll be careful out there and keep aware of your surroundings.............................John

Retiree's Breakfast 7-24-08

2008-07-25T05:53:00.000-07:00

Thursday, 7-24-08, retiree's from various law enforcement agencies met for our weekly breakfast in Iowa Park, Texas. As you look at the various posts, you'll see someone new at the breakfast's and some that have been there previously not there this time. We never know who is going to show up...Scroll down and see this weeks crowd.REMEMBER: IF YOU WANT TO SEE THE PICTURE BIGGER, CLICK ON THE PICTURE.

This is Russ & Greg. We rode the m/c's today. After breakfast, I dropped my bike off at the shop to have a new rear tire put on. As of this morning (Friday 7-25-08, it's still there)

Russ, Gregg & Bo talking at the cafe.

Russ & Greg talking about the Rider's Edge program out at Red River Harley Davidson, (http://redriverharley-davidson.com/) where Greg runs the program & Russ is an instructor

Jerry (Pappy), Kelly & Herman. You can tell by the look on Kelly's face that he is fixin' to retaliate on Pappy for his comments...

Glenn takes this joyful picture of Kelly. However, the last picture on this post depicts the real Kelly, as seen through our eyes

JR, a friend of mine, that rides with us on occasion, also goes to the Cafe. He is not law enforcement though. He is a Vietnam Vet and the olive drab cap, on the table, is a cap with the recon's death card on it. I had picked the cap up at an Army Surplus store near Claire Michigan. I found out JR & the guy on the right were in that very unit in Nam. I gave the cap to JR & having my brother, Bob, in Michigan, swing by the Surplus store & get me a couple more for JR, the guy & some of their buddy's.

Here is Kelly, Roy Don & Norman. Breakfast is on the way because the green & red stuff on the plate are peppers Iris brought just prior to the main course...

Herman, Bill, Glenn & David having a light hearted discussion

Kari talks to Herman...We were curious about Herman's coffee cup....

Bo contemplates life and the quantum physics of the celestial void above.

Herman, Bill, Glenn, Iris walking by, and David

Bo, me & Pappy at the table..I am just finishing glass one of water.

Bo getting close to the answer...

David & Mark..David's not feeling too good...Left pretty quick & went home to lay down..

Bill, Glenn & David are having a good time

Mark, Iris & Russ..Iris works her butt off trying to wait on our table...

David looking for sympathy for being sick..He gets a hug from Kari as a possible cure...Didn't work..

David, Greg & Kari having a good time..As always.

Last but not least, here is Kelly as seen through our eyes!!

That's it for this post. Tune in next week for our next Thursday old farts Breakfast in Iowa Park Texas..Scroll down for more posts and until next post, ya'll take care and be careful out there. Oh yeah, almost forgot. Got a call from Brenda of "Stone Creek Leathers" (SEE http://jjskewlstuff.blogspot.com/ post 7-19-08). Seems she was browsing my blog sites and looking at the pictures, and recognized the cafe we are in for the breakfasts. She worked many years at the same cafe and left there in 2000. The lady that was pictured in 7-10-08, Dottie, in the kitchen...she is Brenda's mom, who started working there when Brenda left...Small world eh? Till next post..................JOHN

Retiree's Breakfast 7-10-08

2008-07-10T18:34:00.000-07:00

Today, Thursday , 7-10-08, we had our weekly meeting of local law enforcement retirees in Iowa Park, Texas, for breakfast at one of the local Cafe's. As usual, the crowd is never the same and this made 2 weeks in a row that I have made it.. Bo showed up and I haven't seen Bo in awhile..Turned out, 4 of us rode motorcycle's to the breakfast & those will be shown later on in this post. So, scroll on down and check out this weeks post of the Retiree's breakfast, aka The Weekly Old Farts Breakfast". This will be a weekly post from here on out, if I can get out of bed that early to attend...REMEMBER: IF YOU WANT TO SEE THE PICTURE BIGGER, JUST CLICK ON THE PICTURE.

To start with, one of the guys who worked as a police officer for the Wichita Falls Police Department for 34 years, died this week and was buried in Bowie Texas. J.H. Williams was a character that we all worked with and loved. He was noted for wearing his hat, like a 25 mission hat from WW II or the service caps at a slant that was popular in those days. Here is a link to J.H's obituary, and you can see how he wore his hat. Above is a picture of Kelly wearing his hat in memory of J.H. Rest easy J.H. We WILL see you again. http://www.timesrecordnews.com/news/2008/jul/09/jh-williams/

Here are Roy Don (Wilson hat) & Herman (overalls) having a good laugh. That's what I love about these breakfast's. They are a lot of fun and we all laugh a lot..

Bill (striped shirt) and Herman talk to Roy Don & Norman (red shirt). Norman had to leave early and I didn't get any other pics of him

Bill, David & Mark in a discussion and by the looks on their faces, it's a good story...All the guys are good for some hilarious stories..

Bill, David & Mark look expectantly at the camera & are waiting for something hilarious from me..I disappointed them because when I tell funny stories I laugh and when I laugh, my face cracks...So, I remained mute..Not!!

David and Iris get together for a pic as Mark enjoys breakfast

David giving Kari a hug..She seems to be enjoying it..David & her are good friends.

Dottie, in the kitchen, looks on as Kelly takes her picture

Mark gives Iris his order..Iris is a lot of fun and she gets a lot of grief from us. But, we would all defend her if anyone tried to jack with her..

The table:Bill, David & Mark. Other side: Bo, Roy Don & Me. Center at the end: back of Herman's head...

Me, Iris & Kelly..I think she was trying to position that pen to jab into my ear, accidentally of course, to put me out of action, thus allowing everyone else to enjoy themselves without the camera flash going off all the time..

Greg arrives and makes the rounds shaking everyone's hands. When we arrive, we all do the same thing.

Greg loves me and gives me my weekly hug. We do this everywhere we run into each other..We were partner's along time ago and he is now the Secretary/Treasurer of the Blue Knights Texas XX LE MC.

Greg talks to Kelly & Roy Don as Mark looks on.

Mark & Greg talking as Iris waits patiently for Greg to give her his order

Roy Don, Bo & Herman talking...

Table from Kelly down: Kelly, Roy Don, B0, Dottie in the kitchen,Herman & Bill.

Bo relaxing before heading out to ride off on his Harley

Bo, Kari & Herman. Kari works next door to the Cafe, for the Iowa Park Leader, Iowa Park's Newspaper as its Advertising Director. The paper has been covering Iowa Park since 1969.

The Table: Bo, Herman, Bill, David & Mark...

Bo & Herman. Herman used to have the Downtown beat when it was a beat that you walked. He got to know a lot of business owners up front & personal while doing the foot patrol.

Prior to leaving, we gather on the walk in front of the Cafe. Here are Mark & David

Here are Herman & Roy Don. Roy Don, as Commander of the Police Academy & as a Shift Commander & as a Major, pulled my butt out of the fire, more times than I can count & I can never repay him enough.

Bo fixin' to leave the Cafe.. We were on police motors together when a bi-plane crashed on the southwest part of town. We got there and were doing security when, simultaneously, the Red Cross with sandwiches showed up, and a stripper from one of the clubs showed up with her pet monkey that she used in her shows (?).. I was just getting ready to eat a Red Cross bologna sandwich & she walked up to me with that stupid monkey and it grabbed my sandwich..It was bad enough the little thing grabbed my food but it did it in front of a boat load of officers and an even bigger crowd of civilians..I wanted to kill that thing..Bo, in the meantime, almost choked on his sandwich, he was laughing so hard. I was embarrassed and couldn't think of anything to say, so, to make matters even worse, I told that stripper she better go home and spank that monkey!!!

Okay, now onto the bikes that we rode. This is Greg & his Harley

Here is Greg on his Harley..He is 6'8" and fits perfectly on that bike

Here is Greg's Harley. Sure is a good looking bike

The instrument panel on Greg's Harley.

Here is Bo's Harley. although his Harley & Greg's Harley look almost identical, I found out Bo's is a Road King & Greg's is an Ultra Classic..Good looking Harley Bo!!!

Bo standing proudly by his Harley. I can't wait until he can break free & ride with us. Many moons ago, I had a chopped Harley & he had a Goldwing & we went on several rides together..

Here is David's Goldwing. His bike is becoming a regular on the motorcycle blog as he has started riding with us in the group and with me when nothing's going on. The bike blog is: http://www.jjskewlstuff.blogspot.com/

And, finally, my Vulcan, that I call Miss Clone, for the obvious reasons..

This will conclude this post. Be sure to scroll down for other cop type posts. Until next cop like function/breakfast & post, ya'll be careful out there & don't take candy from strangers.........JOHN

WFPOA Banquet 1-25-08

2008-07-04T16:49:00.001-07:00

On Friday, 25 Jan 08, the WFPOA held its annual banquet. The following pictures are of that event. I must say in advance that I am old and my CRS is at full throttle, plus, my notes of that night have long since vanished, and as a result, I have forgotten some of the wives names.. Husbands, if you see this blog, please e-mail me the names so I can edit them in. Again, I profusely apologize. Scroll on down to view this event and scroll further down for other cop stuff, REMEMBER: IF YOU WANT TO SEE THE PICTURE BIGGER, CLICK ON THE PICTURE.

No one else could or would MC this event like Dale, the President of the WFPOA. (Wichita Falls Police Officers Association)

Here is Scott giving his acceptance speech upon receiving the award for supervisor of the year..

Here Dale gives the rookie of the year award to Jeff Li..

Dale awards Clint a shotgun for winning Officer of the Year. Clint was shot in the foot during a shoot out with a bad guy. The bad guy got sent to meet his Maker.

Luther & Beth survey their surrounding and were having a good time.

This is Beth, Lahoma & Scott, all smiles that night

This is Buddy and his wife. No, the picture is not blurred..It must be your eyes....(grin)

This is Clint & his family. They were there to see him get his Officer of the Year award. Way to go Clint!!

Councilor Gonzalez was there with his wife..Mr. Gonzalez is now a Wichita County Commissioner

Dale, Donna (his wife) and Mike's wife..(Told ya I forgot)

Our table: Donna, Russ, Linda, Janice, Doug & Rosie

Our table: Donna, Russ with Terry on his lap, Linda, Janice, Doug & Rosie

Donnie poses with Tommy & his wife...(Tommy is sitting down)

Eddie & his wife.

Eddie sitting back enjoying the festivities

Eddie's wife, Norman, Shonie & Trish are one happy group!!

William wanders over & chats with Van

The table behind ours: sitting: Luther, Beth & Lahoma standing: Van. Eddie, Guy & Ginger

The party table: Mark, Leann, Kelly & Melinda. sitting : Lynda (Kelly's wife), Kelly's daughter-in-law ,Tracey & Kelly's son Adam

Marilynn, Glen, Norman & Cindy. They were having a lot of fun....

Melinda & Ken. For those of you viewing in other county's, states & countries, Ken is our former Chief of Police, now retired.

Mike & Luther. Mike is the Secretary/Treasurer of the WFPOA.

Mike & his wife enjoying the dinner

Darron, the city manager, even stopped by...

Richard, Eddie Van, part of Glenn's head & fingers, Guy & Cindy. These folks were having way too much fun....

The old farts aka retirees: sitting: Rodney, Russ, Me, Doug & Norman standing: Glenn, Kelly, Mark & Ken

Another of the old farts: Rodney, Russ, me, Doug & Norman. standing: Glenn, Kelly, Mark & Ken

Russ & Linda. Russ & I were in the same police academy together back in 1977. He is now a Road Captain/Director in the Blue Knights Texas XX, to which we both belong.

Scott, Jennifer (Mark's wife), Mark & Lahoma (Scott's wife). Mark's wife is hilarious!!

This is Terry, Rodney's wife...Known them since 1977 also..

Our table: Terry, Rodney, me, Janice, Doug & Rosie

Terry, Doug on Russ's lap, & Linda looks on

The Tommy for Sheriff sign on the dance floor. One of our own is running for Sheriff & stands a very good chance of winning...Go Tommy!!

Some belly rubbing music was played and some bellies got rubbed...

The girls do their thing to a faster song being led by a talented Shonie

And finally, there was Doug on the floor..What can I say except Doug is Doug!!!

That concludes this post. A good time was had by all and those that missed this banquet missed a good time. I hope everyone that can, will make next years..I am not gonna miss it unless I have been removed from the planet. Until next post, ya'll be careful out there, hear?...........JOHN

Retiree's Breakfast 6-26-08

2008-07-04T08:06:00.000-07:00

On Thursday's, retiree's from local law enforcement agencies, get together for breakfast in Iowa Park Texas. We have City, State, County officers attend. You never know who is going to show up & what is going to happen. I have a lot of fun at these as do all the guys. REMEMBER: if you want to see the picture bigger, click on the picture...

The Table: from left side swinging back to the right of the right side: Dale, Kelly, Roy Don, Norman, Herman (head of table), Bill, David, Mike Mark & Russ

From left to right: Norman, Herman, Iris (waitress), Pappy, Bill & David...

Mark, David & Russ. David lives in the Dallas area and drove all the way up to attend the breakfast..

Iris (waitress), Kelly and Dale...

David & Russ. David brought some of his artwork from over the years and was explaining it...

Bill, David, Mike (ordering), Mark & Russ.

Dale, Kelly & Roy Don...

Dale & his bike...Now maybe he can ride with us & join the Blue Knights Texas XX

Dale checking out my Vulcan & Russ's Ultra glide...

That will conclude this post..Scroll down for more cop stuff. Until next post, ya'll be careful out there.................JOHN

Retirees Morning Breakfast 7-3-08

2008-07-04T04:10:00.000-07:00

On Thursdays, retiree's from different law enforcement agencies in our area get together for breakfast in Iowa Park Texas. This post is from Thursday, 7-3-08. You never know who will show up and what will happen. REMEMBER: if you want to see the picture BIGGER, click on the picture

Here is a pic of my former supervisor, Glenn. This is the look he used to give me when I was called into his office.. Made him famous....

Iris (our waitress) and Pappy..At the urging of several of the guys, Iris posed with Pappy. Pappy was embarrassed..

Here is Kelly doing what Kelly does best, digging for gold. His nickname should be "The Prospector"

Another of Glenn. We have a lot of fun at the breakfast meeting..

A pic from left to right: Herman, Bill and Glenn

Here is our cheerful waitress, Iris..

Kelly borrowed the camera and took this self portrait.

Mark, Kelly and Roy Don on the end...

David and Pappy (with coffee cup)

From the far end: Bill, Glenn, David & Pappy...

Outside, we visit & tell jokes & stories. left to right: Pappy, Roy Don, Norman & Mark

Left to right: Roy Don, Norman Herman and Bill

Kelly, Roy Don and Norman

Glenn giving me the second look. This one was usually when I screwed up big time, like the time I drove my police car out into the county, on duty, and a drunk driver slammed into me. Not a happy moment...

Pappy, Me and Mark

Bill is a riot and alot of fun to be around.

Prior to leaving, David went next door to see a friend. Here is a pic of David and Kari.

Here is David and Kari. Kari is the advertising director for the local newspaper.

This will conclude this post. I will be adding more Thursday Breakfast stuff as time goes on. Until next post, you all be careful out there.............John