Former Wanna-Be

[TALLON]

As many of you know/knew, I was pursuing a career in law enforcement. Emphasis on Was. Over a two and a half year period I interviewed, took physicals, polygraphs, psych tests, medicals, had home interviews with background detectives and completed background checks for three departments. I made it very close but for one reason or another,(all unknown to me) I was passed over for other candidates. I am not bitter about it...well, not anymore anyway. I blamed my slighting on this or that, but in time realize that The Process is The Process. Each department had their own reason(s) for selecting the candidates that they did and it does not reflect on my ability to have become a fine officer. Timing is everything. To that end, my career and personal life are at an all-time high. A new house, recent promotion, and a new baby boy intensify my focus on the here and now. It seems to me that things happen for a reason...and whatever the reason, I'm grateful to be in the spot I'm in.

This message board was an excellent resource and over time it became a place that I called some people friend. To Jason, the Mods, and many of the members, I thank you for this site. It made the "waiting game" bearable. To all the verifieds, keep up the good work and be careful out there. From time to time, I will come back and check the site for info, a chuckle, or maybe even a spirited debate with Oscar about the American government, that being said, this chapter is closed. Please don't view this post as a self-serving commercial...it's not intended to be one. I simply wanted to update the friends and say thank you.

Tallon

[Jynkxxie]

Tallon, I just wanted to say that I have a dear friend, who spent YEARS waiting his turn. He wanted to give up a lot, but he didn't, and I am happy to report that as of this fall he has been sworn in and is now finally an officer. You seem happy, but I tell you this only in case you get the itch again. ;)

I am not sure if you are back or not, but it is good to hear from you, and I wish you all the best with what you got going on.

[woodyzj]

good to see that a hamper in your past goals/hopes havent dampened your future! im sure it is tough though....seeing how much I want to become law enforcement...and knowing that I may be faced with the unfortunate news that it is not for me, etc.

prosperity in different venues is admirable in my opinion. good luck! :D

[DetSgt.]

Tallon,
Don't give up. Keep on trying untill such time as you can't because of age etc. unless it is too much for you to handle at this time in your life

[tomahawk134]

Tallon:

Thank your for the update and all my best in your endeavors. I know the process can be frustrating ... your post tells me you have things well in hand ... please check in with us and let us know how things are going ...

[Feisty]

You have an awesome attitude towards everything. I have learned that 90% of everything in life is the way you choose to behave or feel about things. Sounds like you have many blessings in your life and congratulations on everything, it sounds like you are well deserving of it

[TALLON]

Thanks for all the responses and the kind PMs about this. Unfortunately, this post came off as a eulogy. It's not.

Simply put, corporate life suits me well. That said, the fire to become an LEO still burns, just not as hot as the one to be financially prudent. I'm certain that many LEOs on this board and in this region make a great living, but for me, it would have been a step backwards.

I have a core group of LEO friends that I consulted with while making my decision. Many agreed, some said stick it out. I assessed the pros and cons of staying with my current company v. becoming a rookie in my 30's and came to a fairly easy decision. Ultimately it's an individual's call, and I made it.

So thanks again for all the well wishes and I'll be around.

Tallon

[Valor55]

The Northeast tends to be extremely competitive for LE jobs. It may not be that you are not qualified but that there are so many qualified applicants you are just being passed over for guys with connections.

My academy was at least half full of people from New York. One, whose father was a LT couldn't get on that department. It's not that they were't qualified, we were all hired by a very good department with high standards.

Unless you are dead set on staying put I'd recommend checking out other areas of the country.

[KaiGywer]

That said, the fire to become an LEO still burns, just not as hot as the one to be financially prudent.

You could consider joining a Reserve force. Then you can keep your good paying job, but still be a Police Officer on the side.

[oscarmitre]

Good to see that you're in good spirits Tallon and you're in the upper levels of good old Maslow's great pyramid :D There are more ways to self-actualisation than we think at any given time.

And yes, I will look forward to more debates for sure. I have though instructed myself to go easy on the domestic issues (for various reasons - cowardice not being one of them I hasten to add - lol). I appreciate the constructive engagement and the chance to learn.

I know you mentioned your first post wasn't a eulogy - which is good - so en garde! ;)

[imalazypup]

Quick question Tallon, did you put yourself through an academy, or were you trying to get sponsored?

[TALLON]

Just went through the individual hiring departments. So, no, I didn't put myself through the academy.

[imalazypup]

If you don't mind me asking, any reason why you did not? It would probly make you a more viable prospect for a department.

Here in MI, it's usually required that applicants be certified or certifiable to be eligible for a position. For those departments that don't make it a requirement, they take preference to those who have already completed the academy over those who have not.

You probly know all this already, but I'm curious as to why you didn't take this route

[canuckofapeach]

Tallon
If you are comfortable with this, then it is the right decision. In many ways, a wise decision too. This has taken some courage to come to this conclusion.
Be assured that the respect that we hold for you has not been diminished in any way.

[TALLON]

Tallon
If you are comfortable with this, then it is the right decision. In many ways, a wise decision too. This has taken some courage to come to this conclusion.
Be assured that the respect that we hold for you has not been diminished in any way.

Thanks Peach.