AMERICAN LEGION POST #14 - BOZEMAN, MONTANA

"A Special Day"

On Monday, December 14th, I attended the Montana Law Enforcement Academy Graduation at the Helena Civic Center with Bozeman Police Chief Jim Veltkamp and Captain Cory Klumb.

It was a very special day for these Graduates and for their families and friends who supported them as they faced the challenges of academy demands.

These Graduates learned the value of words like integrity, initiative, self-confidence, and what it means to be a member of a team.

In 1936, August Vollmer wrote about the tasks of police officers in his book, "The Police and Modern Society".

One may wonder how any group could perform the tasks required of police officers. The citizen expects police officers to have the wisdom of Soloman, the courage of David, the strength of Samson, the patience of Job, the leadership of Daniel, the tolerance of the carpenter of Nazreth, and finally, an intimate knowledge of the natural, biological, and social sciences. If they had all of these, they might be good police officers.

Wishing each of you the best as you enter a life of public service with the reward of making a difference.

Happy Holidays & Merry Christmas to each of you and your families.

Rick Gale

Bozeman, Montana