"You are the Only Officer that Enforces that Rule."

How many times have you heard an inmate say, "You are the only officer that enforces that rule." Well, welcome to the club. Virtually every officer in the department has heard that one many, many times. Some time in your service, you feel that perhaps you are the only one doing the right thing, fighting the good fight, and being the professional that all the employment pamphlets talk about.

Not true. We're out there, with you, doing the right thing too. There are a lot more inmates trying to manipulate you than are trying to do their time and get on with their lives. It's the game. They win, but never lose. They just go on to the next game.

Sometimes you may lose sight of the worth of your efforts, but rest assured, there are officers all over Florida and the rest of the United States of America that know what you are doing and that you are doing it very well. We know it by the inmate that comes from your facility. This is one of those thankless jobs that is done with little recognition, much less approval. Well, I'm here to say "You're doing a good job. Keep up the good work. Continue the good fight. Keep on doing the right thing even if you think you are only one, because you're not. Chin up, chest out, shoulders squared, and eyes front." The next time you hear, "You're the only that enforces that rule," a prompt reply of "Yes, I do."