ADIOS MUCHACHOS

From left to right: (front row) General, Joe, Lt. Kara, Cpl. Brad, Luis, Marty. (back row) Rodney, David, Brian, Sgt. Travis, John, Clarence. Not Present: Keith, Jonathan, Tim, Julie, Travis, and Cpl. Stoffle. I joined The 4th Precinct 1st Squad on December 2oth, 2002. I only knew Downey, since we graduated together from the academy. Downey was quickly sent to 3rd precinct. The first one, of many, to be missed. I was married while a member of the squad and almost the whole squad showed up to the wedding. I believe David even bought a tie to attend. Joe was the last guest to leave the reception and not too steady on his feet. People still comment about General's dancing skills; makes me wonder if he was ever a chip and dale striper. Later we lost Sgt. Hill to traffic unit and Tim to 3rd Squad. Sgt. Dannelly took over and soon we learn all the new rules, and I bet they are still learning the rules. Brad was promoted so we had to call him Corporal Bonetti and deal with his O.C.D. as a supervisor. Then we lost Julie to the family service program. We lost Lt. Menton to traffic and got Lt. Fagan from traffic. Marty joined the squad and the lucky dog was out on military drills every long working weekend, go figure. Travis also joined the Squad and I was no longer the rookie. We lost Marty right after Katrina and then David to the L.A.P.D. Keith returned to M.P.D. and was assigned to the best Squad. Despite all warnings we lost Brad to Auto Theft, but we got Stoffle from Auto Theft, talk about a swapping. Now more than two years later and several wrecks, I had to go. When I look back, all I see is good memories, good times, and good friends. All those long days and long nights, the hurricane duty, BS calls, traffic accidents, administrative bull, heat, cold, rain, sun, etc.,etc,etc.... They are but good memories. I can't remember what was bad about it. All I can remember is the good company I shared during those times. The arguments, jokes, pranks, gossip, personal worries and concerns, case studies discussions, police tactics debates, knifes, hand guns and fire power pissing contest, roll call, check out, off duty gatherings, etc. etc. Etc.... IS WHAT I MISS THE MOST. ADIOS MUCHACHOS, I thank ya'll for all we shared and I wish you all "happy trails to you until we meet again". (some one should write a song about this)