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.