I am a retired Deputy Sheriff from the Phelps County Sheriff's Department in South-Central Missouri.  I retired as a Detective/Sergeant after more than 20 years of service. 

I am honored to have worked with men such as Sheriff Tom Pasley (Ret), Sheriff Don Blankenship, Captain Roy Day, Detective/Sergeant Rick Hope, the best friend I've ever had,  along with Detective Andy Davis and rest of the men and women of the Phelps County Sheriff's Office.  And I can't forget to mention Deputy Dave Rightnowar who passed away not too long ago.  To Dave, you will never be forgotten.  Dave was probably the hardest working officer I've ever met.  I need to also mention Deputy Carmelo Crivello who is one the best Drug Interdiction officer I've ever seen. 

A lot of my success as an instructor was because of the cases made by Deputy Crivello.  He was not just a great interdictor but was, and still is a great friend.  If there was one guy that could make me laugh even when I was completely stressed out, it was Carmelo. 

I worked for Sheriff Don Blankenship for more than 16 years.  Over the years he has been criticized for his efforts to stop drug dealers from transporting drugs through Phelps County.  Fortunately, he has survived that criticism and continues to serve the citizens of Phelps County.  None of us are perfect.  I can assure you of one thing though; you will be hard pressed to find a sheriff who is more dedicated to his job.  Contrary to popular belief, Don’s dedication and service to Phelps County goes far beyond I-44.  There was never a missing child case, a homicide or a lot of other crimes that Sheriff Blankenship wasn’t on the scene.  His critics never seem to mention those things though.  What they don’t realize is that Don is a “working sheriff.”  He’s not simply an administrator who sits behind a desk and spends all his time campaigning.  Sheriff Blankenship has dedicated most of his life to serving the citizens of Phelps County.  He's not perfect but his critics sometimes forget that he is human. 

As I look back over my career I can recall numerous investigations that I wish I would have done differently.  I made my share of mistakes.  But I did the best job I could at the time.  If we all had the ability to see into the future then perhaps we would never make a mistake.  Life isn't that simple though, especially for police officers. 

During my career I had the privilege and honor of working with people like Chief Mark Kearse, Detective Sergeant Jason Smith, Detective Will Loughridge, Staff Sergeant Rick Williams, Lt Jim Macormic and all of the officers from the Rolla Police Department.  People like Sgt Ralph Roark (Ret) Sgt P.J. Mertens (Ret), Sgt Bob North (Ret) and Sgt James Folsom and the rest of the members of the Missouri State Highway Patrol.  Chief Bill Bleckman and the men and women of the UMR Police Department.  The list goes on and on. 

I just hope that those of you who read this realize how fortunate you are to have officers like those I've mentioned serving you in Phelps County.  Just don’t forget that police officers are human beings.  We are not and never will be perfect. 

As a Deputy Sheriff I served in various positions including communications, corrections, courtroom security, patrol and criminal investigations.  I also served as an Investigative Supervisor for the Central Missouri Major Case Squad. 

Throughout my law enforcement career I have been blessed and had the opportunity to work with police officers throughout the United States and Canada including officers from local, state and federal agencies.  I would like to make special mention of the agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration, particularly the St Louis Field Division.  I worked many cases and long hours with these guys and they are true professionals.   

Prior to my retirement I was an International Instructor for the Drug Enforcement Administration, the El Paso Intelligence Center and the United States Department of Transportation, Drug Interdiction Assistance Program.  In 2004 I was fortunate and honored to be selected as the United States Instructor of the Year.  To Dick Janora, Bob Thomasson and the rest of the guys and gals at EPIC and DIAP, keep up the good work. 

I began my career as an International Police Officer in May of 2006 and arrived in Iraq in June of 2006.  I am currently stationed to a Forward Operating Base in Baghdad, Iraq.  I work alongside 40+ other officers from throughout the United States.  It has been an honor to work with these guys and I've made a lot of good, lifelong friends.  Police Officers have always shared a unique bond but nothing like what occurs here.  The bond we develop, amongst ourselves and with our soldiers in unbelievable.   It's pretty easy to develop that bond though when you know that every time you go "outside the wire" you may not return.  That of course is in God's hands.  I learned not to worry about it because I know that God has a plan for me and whatever his will might be, that's what really matters.   

My job here in Iraq is to monitor, mentor and train the Iraqi Police.  We do this by visiting their stations, interacting with them, sharing our experiences and making suggestions as to how we feel they can improve.  We also provide training on various law enforcement topics with an emphasis on policing in a democratic society.  These guys, by far, have the most dangerous job in the world.