My Mentor
 

Today, the best "street cop" I know retired after 29 years on the job. Danny, "Mr. Fig," Figueroa put his uniform on for the last time. He is in outstanding shape, outruns men half his age, and lifts more than double than some half his age as well. He was my mentor who taught me the "felony heartbeat" and how to deal with people with compassion, never taking their dignity away. Even though I outrank him be several levels, he will always be "sir" to me. Thanks for the guidance Fig. I'm gonna miss those long lessons you taught me about being a cop, and ever more so, the lessons you taught me about being a man, David

Great Brotherhood

Sounds like he was a great guy and a good influence in your life. Thank you for doing the job you guys do David.

A pro!
I can't imagine having to do your job. Thanks for doing it!

"felony heartbeat"?

Sounds like one of the good guys.

Funny you should mention this - an old friend who lives in the same neighborhood stopped at my driveway tonight after I pulled in - he had seen me behind him in my 914 as we both were driving home.

He stopped to tell me about his '72 914, which I vaguely remembered, but at the time he and I were not living in the same town - but anyway - one of his memories in that car was while commuting to college in Orlando (UCF) and being stopped by Sheriff deputy Vogel - this was before he was elected Sheriff - and after some small talk handed his dl back and said to "take it easy" - no ticket. The point being - it's harder and harder to find law enforcement officers who are old school and exercise good judgement. I'm not saying because an officer issues a ticket he is or isn't a good cop. I'm just saying Vogel was very fair and earned respect by giving respect and exercising what I deem to be good judgement.

Anyway - please convey my best to your friend and mentor - that's a nice post to honor his service....:)

I am willing to make a bet. He is not done mentoring you....

RAre now but they are around. a few weeks ago, a traffic cop got me with a speed gun. He saw me come around this gardener's truck doing 20 in a 35 zone. He caught doing 43mph in my S2000. I tole him I just wanted to get around this guy who was driving extremely slow. He smile and told me "I know, I saw you" Slow down and wrote me with no proof of insurance. I was not going to kick and scream about that. My lucky day.

I miss the cops that knew "Intent of the law" not LETTER OF THE LAW.

The one thing my Father taught me from his 20+ years a a LEO is, that life is all about how you treat people. Be fair, and honest, and you might not make friends, but you will get respect. I hope Mr. Fig has a great retirement, and actually gets to enjoy his time off. Police work is one of the toughest jobs there is. Sounds like Mr Fig was one of the good ones.