7-7-2023 – A Word to the Wise – ON FAILURE

Have you ever considered your personal failures in your life? How many are there? Have ever considered the failures of Jesus? Look at just a few.

Failed to convince the Pharisees of their abuse of others. (Lk 11.37-44).

37 While he was speaking, a Pharisee asked him to dine with him; so he went in and sat at table. 38 The Pharisee was astonished to see that he did not first wash before dinner. 39 And the Lord said to him, “Now you Pharisees cleanse the outside of the cup and of the dish, but inside you are full of extortion and wickedness. 40 You fools! Did not he who made the outside make the inside also? 41 But give for alms those things which are within; and behold, everything is clean for you.

42 “But woe to you Pharisees! for you tithe mint and rue and every herb, and neglect justice and the love of God; these you ought to have done, without neglecting the others. 43 Woe to you Pharisees! for you love the best seat in the synagogues and salutations in the marketplaces. 44 Woe to you! For you are like graves which are not seen, and men walk over them without knowing it.”

Failed at converting his hometown. (Lk. 4,16-30)

16 And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up; and he went to the synagogue, as his custom was, on the sabbath day. And he stood up to read; 17 and there was given to him the book of the prophet Isaiah. He opened the book and found the place where it was written,

18 “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor.

He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind,

to set at liberty those who are oppressed, 19 to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.”

20 And he closed the book, and gave it back to the attendant, and sat down; and the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. 21 And he began to say to them, “Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” 22 And all spoke well of him, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth; and they said, “Is not this Joseph’s son?” 23 And he said to them, “Doubtless you will quote to me this proverb, ‘Physician, heal yourself; what we have heard you did at Capernaum, do here also in your own country.’” 24 And he said, “Truly, I say to you, no prophet is acceptable in his own country. 25 But in truth, I tell you, there were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, when there came a great famine over all the land; 26 and Elijah was sent to none of them but only to Zarephath, in the land of Sidon, to a woman who was a widow. 27 And there were many lepers in Israel in the time of the prophet Elisha; and none of them was cleansed, but only Naaman the Syrian.” 28 When they heard this, all in the synagogue were filled with wrath. 29 And they rose up and put him out of the city, and led him to the brow of the hill on which their city was built, that they might throw him down headlong. 30 But passing through the midst of them he went away.

Failed in converting the leaders they were misusing the Sabbath. (Lk. 6.1-11)

6 On another sabbath, when he entered the synagogue and taught, a man was there whose right hand was withered. 7 And the scribes and the Pharisees watched him, to see whether he would heal on the sabbath, so that they might find an accusation against him. 8 But he knew their thoughts, and he said to the man who had the withered hand, “Come and stand here.” And he rose and stood there. 9 And Jesus said to them, “I ask you, is it lawful on the sabbath to do good or to do harm, to save life or to destroy it?” 10 And he looked around on them all, and said to him, “Stretch out your hand.” And he did so, and his hand was restored. 11 But they were filled with fury and discussed with one another what they might do to Jesus.

Could not convince the rich young ruler to exchange his riches for discipleship. (Lu. 18-18)

18 And a ruler asked him, “Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” 19 And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. 20 You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honor your father and mother.’” 21 And he said, “All these I have observed from my youth.” 22 And when Jesus heard it, he said to him, “One thing you still lack. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” 23 But when he heard this he became sad, for he was very rich. 24 Jesus looking at him said, “How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God! 25 For it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”

Had to use parables to hide secrets of the kingdom (Lk 8.9)

9 And when his disciples asked him what this parable meant, 10 he said, “To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of God; but for others they are in parables, so that seeing they may not see, and hearing they may not understand.

Failed in family relationships (Lk. 8:19)

19 Then his mother and his brothers came to him, but they could not reach him for the crowd. 20 And he was told, “Your mother and your brothers are standing outside, desiring to see you.” 21 But he said to them, “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it.”

Failed in opening the eyes of his disciples to his coming death. (Lk. 9:44)

But while they were all marveling at everything he did, he said to his disciples, 44 “Let these words sink into your ears; for the Son of man is to be delivered into the hands of men.” 45 But they did not understand this saying, and it was concealed from them, that they should not perceive it; and they were afraid to ask him about this saying.

Failed together his children (Luk 13:34)

34 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, killing the prophets and stoning those who are sent to you! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you would not! 35 Behold, your house is forsaken. And I tell you, you will not see me until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!’”

These are but a few. There is a lesson here for us.

7-3-2023 – A Word to the Wise – Luke 16:1-13

This passage has always been difficult. It is clear God calls into judgment dishonest practices. That message is clear yet there may be another issue involved. It is easy to call the actions of the steward illegal, but were they?

During this time unjust interest was added to accounts by adding illegal interest to the balance owed after all “Everyone did it’ In reality what may be occurring is the unjust steward is subtracting the illegal interest making himself more acceptable to others probably not cheating his master at all but setting accounts straight. If that is accurate about this passage, we are looking at a 50% interest rate!

Read the passage again and see how this insight affects your understanding of the situation.

16 And he also said to the disciples, “A certain man was rich, who had a manager. And charges were brought to him that this person was squandering his possessions. 2 And he summoned him and[a] said to him, ‘What is this I hear about you? Give the account of your management, because you can no longer manage.’ 3 And the manager said to himself, ‘What should I do, because my master is taking away the management from me? I am not strong enough to dig; I am ashamed to beg. 4 I know what I should do, so that when I am removed from the management they will welcome me into their homes!’ 5 And he summoned each one of his own master’s debtors and[b] said to the first, ‘How much do you owe my master?’ 6 And he said, ‘A hundred measures of olive oil.’ So he said to him, ‘Take your promissory note and sit down quickly and[c] write fifty.’ 7 Then he said to another, ‘And how much do you owe?’ And he said, ‘A hundred measures of wheat.’ He said to him, ‘Take your promissory note and write eighty.’ 8 And the master praised the dishonest manager, because he had acted shrewdly. For the sons of this age are shrewder than the sons of light with regard to their own generation.[d] 9 And I tell you, make friends for yourselves by means of unrighteous wealth, so that when it runs out they will welcome you into the eternal dwellings.

10 “The one who is faithful in very little is also faithful in much, and the one who is dishonest in very little is also dishonest in much. 11 If then you have not been faithful with unrighteous wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches?[e] 12 And if you have not been faithful with what belongs to another, who will give you your own? 13 No domestic slave is able to serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and will despise the other. You are not able to serve God and money.”

6-26-2023 – A Word to the Wise –

November 1, 1980

Element 311 3rd Watch

2 man

4 pm, I have the equipment checked out and we head out on patrol. It is unusually quiet this afternoon. Ken is an easy person to work with and does not mind that I am a Reserve. In fact, it allows him to be able to take code three calls which he could not do if I were not here.

About 6:15 the emergency signals goes off. That shrill sound immediately gets ours and everyone else’s. ”311 code 3 on a cutting 3810 Trunk.” ‘311 enroute.’

We arrive very quickly for we are only a few blocks away. We knock on the door and announce that it’s the police. The complaint comes to the door and denies that he has called. No one else at home, and so we clear N3 (No offense). We tell dispatch to disregard any cover.

About 4 seconds later dispatch ask if we are clear and available. We acknowledge that we are. “311 authorized Code three on a cutting 1323 Fairview. The address is on the other side of South Dallas. And it will takes several minutes to get there. By now it is turning dark and one can see the red lights bouncing off the houses and cars. It is amazing how all of these sensations, (lights, Siren, excess speed) causes an adrenaline rush. The effect is multiplied with the consecutive code 3’s.

We pull up just as DFD arrives. We get out and rush up to the complaint. I stay with the paramedics and Ken goes to find witnesses. The victim is loaded on to a stretcher and taken to the ambulance for examination. He is a Latin male about 40 years of age. Initial examination shows several knife wounds to the chest.

In a rush of activity, the I.V. is stared, and EKG sensors applied. The blood pressure is checked. Pulse is present but very low. Parkland hospital is called and the information on the patient is transmitted PMH about the wounds and their location.

Because of the seriousness of the wounds, we are told to take the complaint to Baylor which is much closer. The victim codes. The paramedic asks if I know CPR and acknowledge that I do. He has me get on the stretcher with the patient and start applying CPR. In the meantime, he intubates the victim. It appears that one of the wounds is in the heart itself right near the left nipple. But there is little bleeding. The EMT gets the IV going. Parkland says that there is very little chance that the patient will survive but get him to the hospital.

Now I am giving CPR. Ken comes to the ambulance and says he will meet me at the hospital. They close the doors and we are on our way. I am counting and the EMT says I need not since my rhythm is fine. He then tells me to get ready for a wild ride.

Speed picks up and at times I am holding on with my left hand and giving CPR with my right. We hit a large dip in the road, and I can feel the man’s ribs crack as I plunge downward.

It seems to take forever to get to Baylor. The siren has been going seemingly for hours. When we pulled up to Baylor Hospital a medical team rushed out. They told me to continue CPR. They rush us into room #2 and I am told to continue the CPR.

This is not how it is done on TV. The medical team started IV plasm, Bicarbonate, and attach a bunch of monitors.

Now a doctor is taking over with the CPR. Another doctor comes in and tells them it is useless and gets angry at the paramedics for transporting him. “You do not transport dead people”. About that time a thoracic surgeon shows up and decides to open the chest cavity.

I am standing there watching all of this. He opens the chest and starts doing internal massage. The other doctor looks for wounds. He finds a hole in the pericardium. There is a little bleeding, and he closes that wound. They find another wound and sew it up. The patients’ blood pressure starts to rise, then falls and they defibrillate, and the heart starts again. Blood pressure rises and stabilizes. They decided to take him to surgery. Doctor says good chance of survival. This is the first life I have helped save. It is a good feeling.

We leave the hospital and go and eat. Afterwards we head for 3100 ML King which is a notorious drug place for which I have made numerous arrests. We find an observation place and after about fifteen minutes of surveillance watch a transaction go down. We pull the suspect over and arrest him. Have his car towed. Notified dispatch we are in route to jail with one black male.

As we are heading for central jail dispatch has a message for us, so we pull over and Ken writes the arrest number down. I am in the back with the prisoner. About that time a vehicle passes us going 60-70 mph. Ken turns on the red lights and goes after the vehicle. The suspect is driving crazy and is a danger to others.”311 in chase”, all elements standby 311 is in chase.”

The normal policy is you cannot be in chase with a prisoner. However, this is an aggravate traffic and a danger to other drivers. The prisoner is terrified. Literally tries to crawl under the seat,” 311 west bound on Forest Ave (later called ML King).” “ 311 Suspect breaks another light at Alanta,”341,342,345” in route. “

The suspect breaks another light at the freeway and drives onto the sidewalks to avoid traffic. “ 311, suspect breaks a light at Cleveland weaving in and out of traffic”. About this time 342 shows up, drives up beside him. And almost collides. 342 then pulls behind us. Speed is over 70. At Lamar the suspect turns right, goes up 4 blocks and stops. We slow, I jump out of the back seat, run up and drag the driver out of the vehicle. By that time Ken and 342 get to him and stick a gun in his side. We cuff and take to central with the other prisoner who has gotten up out of the floor of the squad car shaking like a leaf.

We leave Central; jail and get a fight call at 11:45 pm. “311 fight at 5614 S, Lamar your call is code 3. We are not far from the location and drive up on a fight between 3 people. We end up arresting all three on various charges, and warrants. We get off at 2 am. A long night. Ken tells me that he is putting me in for a lifesaving medal.

Leaving Southeast, I have much to thank the Lord for, the interventions with both good and bad individuals. There is always something special about lifesaving. Even more so in pleasing the Lord.

6-23-2023 – A Word to the Wise – THE CHILDREN

Sometimes one knows beyond any question that the Lord has intervened in a series of events. This is most certainly not a new experience for me yet sometimes it just seems so impossible.

Most of the officers I have known yearn to catch the bad guys, rescue someone, bring a sense of peace to their environment.

Oct. 21, 1995 One man, element 2676

On the way to the Dallas Police Department, I told the Lord I wanted to serve Him in all that I did today please be my help and guide. I was assigned to crowd control for an event near noon. As usual I arrive early to patrol by myself. It is 7 A.M.

Arrived at Southeast checked out a vehicle and cleared. ‘2676 clear one man.’ ‘2676 is clear one man.’ I leave southbound on Jim Miller.

I have just left the station when an emergency signal is emitted, ‘362, 367 you are authorized code three on a kidnapping in progress, on Alameda and Camp Wisdom near the VA hospital.’

I did not normally work in this area but knew it well. These elements 362, and 367’s area of operation is in far South Dallas, around the Veteran Hospital. The dividing line for the districts is Lancaster which runs North and South. The west side is channel 4, the east side channel 3. For the most part you never answer calls out of your district.

At first, I ignored the call, I did not care to go that far South, but the Lord prompted me, why not start a grid search?” In the meantime, communications gave descriptions of the woman and the two children.

Further information included that it was felt the children were in danger because the suspect had committed homicide the night before. Description of the suspect was given; black female, 30 years of age with 2 children (5 and 7) walking in an unknown direction from the location. The suspect was not related to the children and was wanted for kidnapping and homicide.

Several elements were called to help in the search. There was no sign of the suspect or of the kids. They had just disappeared.

I immediately began to look for the suspect. In the meantime, two other elements were assigned the call as cover, 363, and 366. Further information was provided saying the women had kicked in the door and taken two children. The suspect had a history of family violence and was wanted for multiple homicides in Ft. Worth the night before. She was considered armed and dangerous. The Helicopter was now joining the search.

I searched channel 3 for about 40 minutes then had to start towards channel four for my assignment. Crossing over to channel four on Ledbetter I notified dispatch. ‘2676, go ahead,’ 2676 going to channel 4.’ ‘Received.

As I sped up the Lord prompted me to slow down and check Barlett on the right, nothing. He again said, slow down again, look right. I looked down Kildare, nothing. Again, slow down. Nothing, approaching Ledbetter and Burnside, look right came the instructions, looking I observed in the far distance a black female and 2 children about 2 blocks north walking south. I turned around and slowly drove down the street.

‘2676, give the description of the homicide suspect with the 2 kids. 2676,’ ‘Black female 30 years of age, two children, boy 7 dressed it blue short dark pants, 5-year-old female grey blue blouse, grey skirt.’ ‘2676 I have the suspect, officer needs assistance; homicide suspect and 2 children.’

Fifteen seconds goes by finally, ‘2676 there is no one available.’ Now that is never done, never have I heard a dispatcher refuse an assist officer emergency!

I had no other option; let her walk a hundred yards more pulled in front to stop her and the kids. I again ask if she was ok, did she need to get out of the cold. The woman refused help. I slowly drove on. I could see we were coming to a major highway with heavy traffic, I could not let her get any further. Channel 4 came on again and asked if I wanted to go the channel 3 and see if anyone would help. I acknowledged it and went to channel 3.

‘2676, assist officer, I have a homicide suspect and two kidnapped children can anyone help?’ The immediate answer, 362, 367 code 3 , assist officer he has your homicide suspect, your authorized code 3. At Ledbetter and Burnside.

But I could not wait any longer, it would be too dangerous to let her get on the major highway with the children.

I pulled in front of her, stopped the vehicle got out, opened the rear door, and stopped the woman as she neared the vehicle, told her it was too cold for the children they need to get in the car. She refused. “kids get in the vehicle”, they both ran and got in. She started to argue. I said in a very quiet tone, “I know who you are, and what you have done, you do not want the kids to see what I am about to do.

She hesitates. “Put both hands on the trunk”. She finally complied. Now I have a decision. It is not wise to handcuff her, she could resist and fight. Never, ever try to physically fight with a woman. It is a good way to get bitten, scratch, kicked, hit it is not the thing to do. In the distance I heard sirens. I decided to wait. Momentarily both elements started to arrive and come to a screaming halt. Four officers jumped out to help.

Thinking after why she could not be found, it was apparent she simply left that home and crossed the street with the two kids. She crossed from District 3 to District 4. For all practical purposes she was invisible, except to the Lord.

6-21-2023 – A Word to the Wise – Often fearful things occur on patrol, but you do not experience fear until later. No, I did not tell my family about this for some time afterwards. I had indicated to Mary I was not doing this kind of thing anymore. She thought I was working peaceful parades, special assignments and investigations. After all, 20 years was enough, and I am nearly 60 years old!

It’s May 2001. 9:15 Saturday morning. I am between special events and working patrol in South Dallas by myself. Southbound 5000 South Lamar I observe a 1995 Oldsmobile Cutlass on the East side of the street parked on the grass with no front license plate. The vehicle is occupied by two black males neither of which look at me. I immediately know something is wrong. Guilty people, especially criminals, avoid eye contact with the police. I am going rather slowly observing the rear plate. which I enter into the MDT to check for stolen. It does not have a front tag for this reason I can talk to the individuals.

Going up half a block I turn around at the railroad tracks to come back and talk to the occupants. As soon as I make my U-turn the vehicle pulls on the roadway. I am still waiting for a response from the MDT. The suspects turn right onto Haven and then on to southbound Central Expressway. I turn right onto Haven to follow them both of us picking up speed.

The MDT beeps its warning. Dispatch comes on the air, “2676 that vehicle is stolen”. I turn the air conditioning off, close the windows, turn the lights and siren on and start to pick up speed. (Closing the windows ensures communications will be able to hear me. Turning the air off increases potential horsepower.) Turn on lights and siren.

I reach for the microphone. ‘2676 in chase.’ ‘2676 location?’ ‘Southbound 5400 S. M, Wright on Boy Boy Tom 997.’ The Expressway at this point narrows to a single lane of traffic with concrete barriers on both sides. The highway department is working on the roadway. The thought flashes in my mind that this is the exact place a former partner was killed in a car chase. My focus narrows.

Dispatch comes on again “2676 that vehicle is stolen out of Houston last night the occupants are wanted on a series of armed robberies they are to be considered armed and dangerous. I floor the accelerator; “2676 start me some cover.” “ 341 we are in route but a long way off. “

My speed passes 95 MPH and I am gaining on them. The road expands into two lanes. “2676 is the helicopter up?” “1515 we are in route.” The passenger turns around and looks at me. He is a black, male with a red shirt.

The driver then makes a very bad choice. He attempts to exit to a side road at Illinois. I know it is a mistake for several years before I was in chase with another vehicle and made the same error. The road dips and there is a low curb which cannot be seen until you are on it. I had nearly wrecked out there myself. I start to slow.

Now exceeding 90 MPH the suspects attempt the same maneuver. They hit the dip, then the low curb, and head on into a concrete barrier. The vehicle goes airborne, flips end for end twice, and then rolls to the right hitting the ground. Oil, antifreeze, auto body parts fly everywhere.

“2676 the suspects have wrecked out 7800 S.M. Wright, where is my cover?” “2676 your cover is a long way off. “’363 we are in route. 311 we are in route. 341 we are in route. 363, 311, 341, you are authorized code three. The suspects are wanted in a series of hijackings and robberies in Houston last night. The suspects are armed and dangerous.’

“1515 (Police helicopter) we are above him and will provide cover until elements arrive.” I come to a halt 10 yards from the wreck and observe the two suspects moving around inside. Drawing my 9 mm I yell at them, to crawl out of vehicle. Both crawled out what had been the back windshield.

“1515, 2676 has two suspects on the ground at this location.” ‘ 311, we are almost there, 363 we are approaching on Illinois. 341, we are on the bridge, 362 we are at Overton and in route. 345 we are right behind 341 on the bridge. “

My heart is beating so fast I can feel it pounding in my chest. As suspect number one crawls to the side of the road a weapon falls out of his back pocket. ‘Touch that weapon and you’re dead.’ ‘Don’t shoot, don’t shoot!

The second suspect exits the back windshield a weapon falls to the ground Do not touch the weapon ‘Keep moving. Now spread eagle on the ground either of you move and you’re both dead. There is no doubt in my mind I will shoot them if they turn around.

The helicopter is now only 300 feet off the ground, and I can hear the welcome sound of screaming sirens coming from every direction.

Communications ask, “2676 have the cover elements arrived?” 1515, 2676 cannot reply he has two suspects at gunpoint. A couple of minutes later cover elements start arriving. ‘1515 cover has arrived we are going to channel 4. ‘

‘2676 to 1515 thank you for the cover. You’re welcome 2676, good chase. I look at the scene. The Oldsmobile is a complete loss, glass, gas, oil, and transmission fluid is everywhere.

Thank you, Lord, for delivering them into my hands. I remember my request when I left the station, Lord deliver evil ones into my hands for your name’s sake. It never ceases to amaze me. Not just once or twice but numerous times. I am reminded of I Kings 6: 17-18.

6-18-2023 – A Word to the Wise – Element 311, 2 man. March 1985

The March wind howls through the trees. It’s 11:00 p.m. Elmer and I get off in 30 minutes. It has been a slow Friday night. ‘311, Signal 6 (Disturbance) 2722 Hatcher Street, apartment 231, woman calling for help.’ I pick up the mike, ‘Received.’

It only takes a few minutes because we are near Second Ave. We pulled up in front of the apartment. It is one of series of old barrack style apartments. All seems quiet. It is ice cold with a blowing cold wind. We climb the stairs; I am in the lead. It is a very narrow stairway with room for only one at a time. It’s dark.

Stopping at the top of the stairs, the cold wind howling. Almost with nowhere to stand, I listen for a few seconds but hear nothing. I bang on the door with my flashlight. ‘Police.’

Then shortly I hear a voice say, ‘what you want’. Police, open the door we need to talk to you.’ The cold March wind howls up the staircase.

Finally, a black male, 5’8, opens the door. He has no shirt on. Dressed only in a pair of jeans. He is sweating profusely. Now it is really cold on the stairs, and he is sweating. I mean sweat is actually pouring off the man.

He seems very agitated. I asked him to have his wife come to the door. He said, ‘she is not here.’ ‘Sir we got a call of a woman calling for help.’ ‘Sorry she is not here she went to the store.’

I noticed a small trash can near the doorway with glass and blood in it. I observe that the suspect has cut marks on his hands so I tell him we need to step inside that it is cold, I will do a quick walk through and if she is not there, we will leave.

He reluctantly lets us in. Elmer talks to him inside the living room while I walk through the small apartment. It is my experience in this complex that most of the apartments are filthy overrun with roaches often dropping down from the ceiling onto back of your neck. This apartment, however, is different. It appears spotless. It is dark, the lights are out except for a night light at the end of the hall. It appears clean and very tidy. Elmer talks to the man. I investigate.

Walking through the apartment I check the first door on the right down the hall. It’s a bedroom and there are two children asleep in the bed. That is a good sign. It is quiet.

I reach the end of the hall and open the door to the second bedroom which is clean, the bed still made. However, I noticed that there was a woman’s purse on the bed. This woman did not leave without her purse.

I call down the hall to my partner who is still talking to the suspect “Elmer there is a woman’s purse here on the bed.” Returning up the hall I stopped at the bathroom. Turning on the light, I gasp. There is blood and glass in the sink and on the floor. Blood is on the mirror, and on the side of the tub. What has happened here? Where is the woman?

Then I walk back up the hall to the kitchen and turn on its lights. The sight is unbelievable.

There is blood everywhere. All over the fridge, down its front and sides. All over the stove, blood everywhere, all over the kitchen table, the walls, everywhere is blood and glass. But no woman.

There is an ironing board with an iron setting on it both covered with blood, and black hair.

Elmer go check the bathroom and the kitchen. I turn to the suspect, ‘where is she?’ ‘Who, your wife, stupid.’ ‘She went to the store.’ ‘Without her purse no she did not, where is she?

Elmer comes back and takes over the interview. I returned to the kitchen and notice the backdoor with a trail of blood on the floor leading to it. Opening the door, I see blood on the narrow stairs and more glass. Opening the back door, I find the railing is blood soaked all the way down. I follow the trail. But no sign of the woman. I return to the living room.

Elmer talks to the suspect and convinces him to tell him what happened, perhaps she is still alive. Finally, he gives it up and talks about the fight and how he carried her body down and put her in the car and drove it down the alley.

Elmer takes him to look for the car. Just then the radio comes alive “311 investigate an auto horn blaring nonstop in the alley behind 2600 Hatcher”.

Elmer and the suspect head to the alleyway.

Meanwhile, I wait inside with the sleeping children. The other officers and Elmer find the woman in a car. She fell against the steering wheel and is sounding the horn. She is still alive! They called for an ambulance. We arrest the suspect and take him to jail. Family comes to stay with the kids. Apparently, they had gotten in a fight, and he beat her with the iron.

Of all the experiences this one has lived in my memory. Vivid recollections of the handprints in blood on the walls and appliances come alive every time I watch certain television programs. While the movies are dressed up scenes, this scene is real, and vivid, and tells the story of man’s inhumanity. It is time to get off two extra hours of overtime.

6-17-2023 – A Word to the Wise – What is an ancient example of a present-day problem encountered by the Lord’s children? Listen to the text and muse over its lesson for us today. Pay attention to the 12 spines sent out to prepare for the invasion of the Holy Land.

The spies give an excellent summary of what they have seen even bring back fruits of the land to show Israel. However, the patrol should have stopped their report at this point. What follows is commentary born of fear and anxiety gathered from their observations.

But the men who had gone up with him said, “We can’t attack those people; they are stronger than we are.” And they spread among the Israelites a bad report about the land they had explored. They said, “The land we explored devours those living in it. All the people we saw there are of great size. We saw the Nephilim there (the descendants of Anak come from the Nephilim). We seemed like grasshoppers in our own eyes, and we looked the same to them.” (Numbers 13:31-33).

Indeed, the land teamed with fortified towns and warriors who far out classed Israel. The conclusions of ten godless men, who had seen the Lord’s mighty hand in battle. Leaders, no less, of Israel. They represented the faithless nation as a whole. One needs to be careful about accepting the conclusions of others. The Lord’s people are to filter the information observed in their surroundings through the prism of godliness. Principles of scripture, godly wisdom and discernment are to be applied to the experiences around us.

Ten of twelve spies failed because they had learned nothing in the year of training provided by the Lord. It appears that leadership is the problem. The complaints and rebellion of the people are merely a reflection of the attitudes rampant among those charged with overseeing the needs, and education of Israel.

What did these men see that terrified them so much? The answer is the nature of the defenses posed by the inhabitants, and the size and strength of the enemy.

.

What really frightens the spies are the Nephilim. Initial attacks would engage this enemy first.

The Nephilim are a people of great size. Just as footprints of huge animals in ancient times exist so do human footprints of great size. Evidently a whole race of men the size of Goliath existed in this time. Men upwards of ten foot high inhabited this area. The sight must have been overwhelming.

It is not that the spies gave a false report. No, they were accurate in sharing their observations. It is that they forgot who was on their side. Nor did they listen to the fear that the enemy had of them. The of a God a mighty God who had defeated the Egyptians.

The Hittites, Canaanites, Amalekites, all of the people knew Israel was coming and they were shaken to the core and well they should be. It is a paradox. The enemies of God are shaking in the wind from fright. God’s people are quaking with terror that they have to face the enemy in battle.

Why did the Lord send in the spies? It was not the Lord’s idea. The Lord simply told Moses to send Israel to take possession of the land. Moses in accordance with God’s instruction tells the people to take possession of the land that God had promised and then tells them not to be afraid.

The people, however, had an urgent sense of foreboding. Let’s send in a patrol so we know where we are going and the location of the towns, the people say. Then Moses agreed saying it seemed like a good idea. Moses, these people have not had a decent idea since they left Egypt. Why listen to them now?

The report of the ten spies indicates the real purpose of the people. They are fearful and they need to justify their fears.

Did the Lord intend to start at Kadesh-Barnea and little by little drive out the inhabitants. Yes, everything had been prepared. How was that going to be achieved? How Lord, are you going to overcome the massed phalanxes of the Canaanite? How will you stop the thousand chariots the Hittite will bring against your people?

Child what will the horses pulling the chariots do when I send hornets against them? Son what will happen to the phalanxes when the hornet infiltrates their midst.

The Lord had already fashioned a weapon against the enemy. The nests built. The ground burrows are already filling with deadly swarms. Now all is for not. Old plans scraped and new ones created. Is it not remarkable how the Lord has to change His perfect plans because of our indiscretions?

This situation is so much like we face today. The task the Lord has for us seems impossible, so we make excuses and fail to fulfill his request of us. Our world is being destroyed by gross immorality, crooked politicians, selfish leaders and a criminal element running rampant. We do nothing except complain. Perhaps the answer is to go back to sleep and ignore our responsibilities as watchman. Perhaps so.

6-13-2023 – A Word to the Wise – The purpose of some of these stories:

We forget why we are here. Perhaps a gentle reminder at times will help us understand our true purpose and explain some of the things that haunt.

We are warriors of the King. It is that simple. That means we must think, and act, and behave like warriors. Instead of complaining about our lot in life, we need to see the bigger picture of the battlefield and our place and purpose on it.

Battles are fought in many forms. Some are actual physical battles where one might engage the enemy in hand-to-hand combat. Some battles are emotional, our emotions or another’s. Some battles are intellectual, whether in the classroom, ministry, or battles with the forces of the evil one. Some battles are spiritual engagements, whether in prayer, or intercession.

One might serve as the soldier or police officer. These often find themselves in direct contact with the enemy. Others are prayer warriors fighting the enemy from within his camp. Still, others are teachers whose task prepares the student to engage the enemy in a variety of ways or discover intelligence about the enemy. Some engage the enemy emotionally tearing down walls and resolving a variety of conflicting situations.

Regardless, in the field of combat, we must show courage and faithfulness. We are dependent on our commander and his battle plan.

What are the are my arenas? The first was education, then ministry, substance abuse counselor, police work and finally family therapist. Often the activity intertwined and coexisting at other times very much separated. Many, at times fierce.

It’s our purpose here to reveal just one of those battlefields. Let me say upfront this warrior lost several major battles in this conflict without doubt those losses were caused by a lack of obedience, failure to follow instructions or withdrawing from combat.

I am offering a small taste of my battleground experiences as a police officer. As of this date, I have been a sworn officer for 45 years with the city of Dallas. I have obtained the highest certification, that of a Master Patrolman.

The stories summarized before, and below are only a small number maybe five percent of the major events experienced.

For the first 20 years, I worked as a patrol officer in the southern part of Dallas where the crime rate is the highest. Thia is where the Lord sent me, where at times the crime rate was the highest in the nation.

My records indicate in excess of 900 felony arrests, thousands of misdemeanor arrest, 84 high-speed vehicle chases, numerous assaults against me as a police officer, and four individual lives saved; a gunshot victim, a victim of a motorcycle accident, another rescued from a burning vehicle, and one a serious suicide attempt.

Many officers claim that they have never had to draw their weapons as police officers. I cannot make that claim. I no doubt have more than two hundred times used that threat to stop violent behavior.

But remember the purpose here is to reveal one type of battlefield.

Believe me it does not begin to touch on my battles in the pulpit, counseling office or interpersonal relationships stories which remain untold.

What is central is to cause the reader to believe the Lord does intervene in our lives, he is good, he challenges each of us as warriors to fight the good fight and finish the course assigned to us. Each time I went out to engage the enemy, I begged for the Lord’s guidance.

Even as I sit here at my desk this passage is before me: “ O God thou knowest my foolishness’s; and my sins are not hid from thee. Let not them that wait for thee be put to shame through me, O Lord Jehovah of hosts; Let not those that seek thee be brought to dishonor through me, O God of Isarel. (ASV).

6-9-2023 – A Word to the Wise – During the first 20 years as an officer, I worked  in a very hard-core part of Dallas. The first few years were an intense learning experience. Most of the officers were very good, knowledgeable, and honest. There was one officer above all the rest that I deeply appreciated. He was soft spoken, intelligent, kindhearted in his interactions with the public. Also, he invested time with me and taught me some very important lessons. He trusted me to drive, most did not. More importantly he taught me about high-speed chases. I will recount the first one. Eight-three were to follow. These chases are not like TV. The sound, lights, smoke is unbelievable. 

I identify this officer simply because Paul tells us honor to those who deserve honor, and he is an honorable man.

December 11, 1981

Element 315, Elmer Reedy primary officer.

My first chase. It is 1 AM. Elmer had worked all day on his farm and is tired and wanted me to drive. He made it plain, to keep out of trouble.  He nodded off.

I had been driving a while and decided to go up to beat 313. I am Southbound on Fitzhugh when I observe a 1972 black and white Cadillac about a block away pull away from some apartments. He is parked on the wrong side of the road at 1400 Henderson, and no headlights. I am not sure what drew my attention to the vehicle to begin with but started following it.

I drew close enough to observe the tag and called it in. “315 rolling stolen”. Go ahead 315. “ WJD347, occupied one time.” He turns westbound on Haskell with me following. His speed started to increase 35, 40, 55, 60, 65, Elmer this guy is going 70 mph.

Dispatch comes on the air,“315 that vehicle is stolen.”

Elmer hit the red lights then the siren.

During this whole episode Elmer is calm, speaks clearly. giving direction, “roll up the window”, “shut off the air”. “Watch for cross traffic”.

 The suspect attempted to turn at East Grand and Haskell came to a halt in the middle of the intersection then took off again. “315. Northbound on East Grand.” The suspect turns left on Caldwell.”311, 341 cover 315 in chase.”

Elmer is calling out the locations, clearly, unhurried as the suspect goes through each stop sign. He runs over the sign at Phillips, continuing west bound on Garland Ave. Then a van pulls out and the suspect barely gets around him, nearly running over an old man in the cross walk. “Doc slow down, do not get to close”, Elmer called out! The siren sounds are magnified in the narrow streets. The red lights bouncing off the houses and windows of the passing vehicles.

Suspect then turned on to Bank, and Elmer knows it’s a dead end and warns me. “Dispatch the suspect hit the embankment wrecking out at Bank Street”. Elmer shouted for me not to hit him. I stopped our squad car nearly touching the driver’s door so the suspect could not escape.

Elmer puts us out. I jumped out and went around the front of the suspects’ vehicle pulling my weapon. Elmer goes around the back of the vehicle and sees the suspect reach for a gun on the floor. I jerked open the passenger door. The suspect is picking up a gun off the floor. Elmer yelled ‘gun’, Elmer jumped in knocking the weapon from the hands of the black male.

Elmer goes to turn off the lights and siren and put us out. In the meantime, I pushed the suspect against the vehicle and started to search him. At this point the suspect backs, up and starts to fight me. Elmer runs back and gets the suspect in a chokehold. He is a very big man, and he starts to wrestle with both of us.

We get him on the ground. Finally, I stand up and place my foot on his neck and apply pressure. Elmer gets him handcuffed. By this time a crowd is gathering. Two other squads arrived. I go to the vehicle and get the .38 off the floor of the car and unload it. I asked him who he had shot. He denied he has shot anyone, and states someone shot at him.

We got him in the patrol vehicle and start towards the jail. Checking out his record at the jail we learn he had a past record of 12 forgery convictions, sodomy on his 5-year-old, and 2 murders.

Records indicates that another officer had arrested him a year before in a jewelry robbery, with two suspects in which 20 guns had been taken. Two of the weapons, the .38, and 9 mm. were in his possession.  He is out on bail for those charges. Some justice system.  

We arrest him for unauthorized use of motor vehicle, carrying a weapon, possession of a stolen weapon, evading and numerous traffic violations, and of course, assault on two officers. As it turned out he is on parole and had a parole violation warrant.

I learn very valuable lessons from Elmer, things I remember as time goes by as I am involved in chases in the future. It always amazed Elmers’s calm and clear instruction trust and confidence in me. He is a Christian an acts like one.

6-7-2023 – A Word to the Wise – What is that saying, “confession is good for the soul?”

For some time now I have considered writing about some of my experiences as a police officer. The person I was sharing this with bluntly told me it was not really of interest in this climate. So let me test that.

I was a Reserve Officer for Dallas forty-five years. The first twenty a patrol officer in the high crime area of South Dallas. This event is real; however the names are deleted.

August 14, 1982

Element 341

It is a hot afternoon 4:30 pm we are patrolling off Holmes Street when we observe a older model Ford occupied by a white male, and white female driving slowly. It is apparent that they are out of place. They seem somewhat lost. We get close enough to run the plates. “341 out of State rolling stolen’” Go ahead 341”. “Florida on Tom Mary 4567.” We wait for a reply and hang back to see what they are going to do. “341 that vehicle is stolen occupants are wanted out of Florida for armed robbery.” Apprehension washes over me. “ 341 start us some cover Gould and Park Row,” my partner turns on the red lights. And immediately the suspect’s rabbit. “343’ 311, enroute. “341 the occupants are suspect of shooting a Florida State Trooper, consider them armed and extremely dangerous.” “341 received.”

The driver makes 4 quick turns handling the vehicle expertly. However, it is apparent he is unfamiliar with the area. He finally turns up an alley southbound towards M L King. The alley is unpaved and with deep ruts and the driver immediately gets stuck. He cannot get out of the rut. We exit our vehicle my partner goes for the driver and me for the female passenger.

Suddenly, the female exits the vehicle and begins running. She sprints South with me 25 yards behind. Near to South Blvd she turns left and enters a bar on the corner of S Ervay and South Blvd. I catch up opening the bar door. Coming in from the bright sunlight I am partially blinded. The bar is dark with music playing.

I look around but do not see the suspect. The bar has about 20 black males and 3 or 4 women sitting around with one couple slowly dancing. I shout, “where did she go?” No one answered. I turn and ask the bartender where the rest rooms are, he points to the back. I go to the women’s rest room try the door and find it locked.

Backing up, I kick the door in and catch the white female bent over with her purse on the floor. She grabs a gun which has fallen out of her purse. and starts bringing the handgun up It’s a .357 revolver. I draw my weapon and scream freeze. The gun is still in her hand. I tell her to drop it or I will shoot. She hesitates.

I started pulling the trigger. But she drops her weapon. I kick it away and demand she get on the floor with her hands outstretched from her body. She obeys. The floor has urine and vomit all over it. I did not care; I consider her very dangerous. Her mannerism, the look in her eyes, how she handles the weapon. This woman is deadly.

About that time 3 officers came running into the bar. The bar owner points to the rear, and they come running in. One officer handcuffed her and hauled her out. My heart is pounding against my chest. I picked up her .357. Five unspent rounds and one spent one are in the cylinder.

We get them to jail and find out they are wanted for several holdups, and the shooting of a Florida State Trooper.

I am convinced that at some point the evil behavior of criminals causes the Lord to say enough. I earnestly believe in this circumstance the Lord had enough and the urine-stained floor of this bar became the place where the Lord pronounced judgement on this woman. It delights me to know I am a servant of the Lord in this matter, and a tool in His hand to bring an end to her evil behavior. I am just as aware the Lord intervened on my behalf and protected me. It is a memory that has stayed with me for years.