Weeks 13 and 14—Recruit Magor

Week 13 started with a tough test that all recruits did well on. We had two scenario days, building searches and handling in-progress calls.

During building searches, we started slow and learned the basics and fundamentals of how to search a building safely and effectively. Once we had practiced for a while we got to go through three different scenarios.

My favorite part of this class was getting to work with K9’s and seeing the dogs doing what they love to do. It is a big career goal of mine to be a K9 officer, so I really had fun with this. We even got to get “bit” by the dogs; of course we wore the protective sleeve.

 

Handling in-progress calls was a great day of training. We learned from our mistakes and got to have some fun. We responded to about seven different types of calls that varied from domestic violence, a burglary in progress, drunks in a park and men arguing at an ice cream parlor.

 

Week 14 was a very fun as well. We had two late nights, one of which was night shooting. We practiced different positions for holding our flashlights while we shoot. I am very happy I bought a weapon-mounted light. It makes searching for threats that much easier while it is dark.

We also had late night arrest control scenarios, where we learned the advantages of having a good flashlight. Communication with our partners is also key to safety and success.

On Wednesday all 44 recruits met at Red Rocks Amphitheater for our pictures. Everyone looked sharp in their Class A uniforms. We even got to wear a badge for the individual pictures. I’m eager to get my own badge and start a career.

I passed my Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) shooting test, which I’m not going to lie, was the most nerve-wracking thing I’ve had to do all academy. I guess it’s stressful knowing if you fail the test three times you can lose your job. 

Guest Blogger Recruit Magor’s wife Sydney

You’ve been reading blogs each week from our recruits going through the Academy, and seeing what they’re learning and how they’re growing to become law enforcement officers.

But they’re not going through this training alone. In addition to dedicated training officers at their side, their families are also going through this transition with them.

That’s why we thought it would be interesting to include that perspective in this blog.

Recruit Magor and his wife Sydney have been together for about five years, and married for two, before he started the Academy earlier this year.

Sydney, a nurse assistant, has noticed several changes in herself as well as her husband since he started his training. So, we asked her a few questions about what this experience is like for her as well as what she wants the community to know about law enforcement:

1-What’s the biggest change you’ve noticed in your spouse since he started in the Academy?
 The biggest change I’ve noticed in Clay is how much more aware of his surrounding and how he is more alert when we are in public. I've seen Clay be a little more stressed about getting his things together for the next day and studying for tests as well. 

2-What do you want people to know about the job your spouse has chosen?
 Most people have no clue what goes on daily in the life of a police officer. But all the negative attention given by the media is completely outweighed by all the positive things that the police do.

Every day he puts on his uniform, gun, handcuffs, and bulletproof vest, and he wears them proudly to serve his community. He is willingly and knowingly putting his life in danger every day because he wants to better our community. He kisses us goodbye not knowing if it’s our last goodbye.

3-What has it been like for you as your spouse is going through training?/What have you learned/How have you adapted?
Well… where do I even start? I’ve learned all the laws and could probably show up to take the final. I’ve been “arrested” (helping Clay practice) more times in the last 3 months than I’ve ever imagined was possible. I have learned all the cheap "cop moves" and given Clay a run for his money when he tries to wrestle me. Our neighbors probably think we are crazy but it’s always in good fun!

Adapting to Clay going through the Academy has been pretty easy because I know how passionate he is and it runs in his blood. His dad worked for JeffCo for many years.

4-How do you think being a law enforcement officer’s spouse differs from other professions?
 It’s definitely not a bank job. There are so many unknown circumstances on a daily basis you never know what could happen, unlike a 9-5 job.

 I have worked in the medical field for about 4 years now so we go through some similar situations with our jobs. Working in an Emergency Room, I've seen many things that Clay will have to see. I think that’s why cops like nurses, because we can vent and relate to one another.

5-What advice would you give to other spouses of law enforcement officers?

It’s stressful and hard at times but there are outlets and people to talk to. Be supportive and understanding of your spouse. Especially during the Academy- Clay has been away Monday through Friday from about 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. and then has to get his uniforms, studying and equipment taken care of when he gets home.

Week 12—Recruit Magor

We’re over halfway done! It’s all downhill from here.

Week 12 was fairly eventful and we even got a break from tests. We started and ended the week with traffic accident investigations lectures. Now that we get to do more and more scenarios and real life exposure, the classroom days have become a little more difficult to sit through. That’s part of why I decided to join this career. I don’t want a desk job. I like the fact that no one day with ever be the same as the last.

We had firearms and arrest control training Tuesday and Thursday. We continue to work on the fundamentals of shooting and got to do another tactical shooting scenario. During arrest control we learned some Krav Maga, which is a self-defense system that is known for brutal counter-attacks. This training is another “tool in our toolbox” as Agent Beers would say. 

It was fairly easy to learn but we only had one day of training. I think as a deputy it will be another tool that I could use. The more training I do the more prepared for different situations I will be.

We also got to train with our ASP batons, and learned the importance of holding on to our weapons. For every dropped baton we did 20 pushups. 

We had family night on Wednesday, which is when all of our family members were invited to eat some pizza and talk about the training we are going through. We talked about the changes we might go through due to the nature of the job.

After family night I talked with my wife and asked if she has noticed any changes in me. She said the major change she has noticed is that I am more alert and aware of my surroundings. The training is working. I will occasionally notice myself looking around at my surrounding much more. I notice pocket knives, license plates and details about things much more than I ever used to.

It’s hard not to be eager and just start my career as a peace officer; however, there is still a lot of learning and training to complete.