Identity · Mission's Purpose

Identity

Garrett’s post on uniform and identity got me thinking. Did the uniform define over 30 years of my life? To answer for myself I had to do some reflection of where it all started; first the oldest son of two career public safety officers and grandson of a Korean and WW2 veteran I was always surrounded by the uniform. As a young child we all want to emulate our heroes. Mine began in a McDonald’s uniform and quickly progressed into AFJROTC. Man I couldn’t wait. Fortunate to get a full ride to Clemson, did I mention my parents occupation?, full ride was my only way for me to get a higher education and football was the only chance I had. Nope, didn’t play a down if you wondered, past high school at least. To be honest with you all, I was mediocre at best. What I did have was coaches that cared about me and that wanted me to achieve. Thanks to coaches Godfrey and Badger, I got the opportunity. These giants among men reached out to their network and Coach Godfrey secured me an opportunity with the great Danny Ford to attend athletic training camp at Clemson. The rest was history. After graduating, 5 year plan of course, just because it paid and certainly not because of my terrible GPA, what did I do? Jumped right into a uniform with AB selling my favorite beverage! That was a great living but it just didn’t satisfy that desire that burned inside. Man when I volunteered to put on that reserve deputy uniform I knew I was where I was supposed to be. 30+ years later I didn’t give it much thought as to how much I would miss it. I always liked plain clothes assignments better anyway. Then came Murdaugh. My family and friends would finally see what I was doing when I missed holidays, birthdays, and many other special occasions. Did I struggle? Absolutely!!! I’ve been so blessed to have great mentors and colleagues. To be honest I still struggle sometimes. It’s difficult when every time you walk into court you are hated by half of the gallery. Many times the same attorneys that wrote attaboy letters for you are now on the other side. I’m doing nothing different! Absolutely nothing. I still seek justice from the same system that I devoted over half of my life serving.

I shared my experience with a very close friend in Cullman Alabama, who also happens to be their elected District Attorney.

In closing, his wisdom summed it up. I am the first level of public defender. I help prosecute those who are charged and I speak loudly for those that I feel are wrongly accused. Am I perfect? Not even close but I realize that bathrobe or choir robe, I’m not defined by the uniform. I hope this helps someone who has struggled with taking off the uniform.

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