Giving Thanks on Thanksgiving

It seems appropriate for me to begin my venture into the blogosphere, during the early hours of the Thanksgiving holiday, by giving thanks. I fully realize that its not customary for "thanks" to be coming from the police department, but I also feel strongly that there are some thanks that need to be said. So here they are, from me and on behalf of the entire Chico Police Department:

- From me personally; a big thank you to my family... they tolerate my physical and mental absence so I can do what I do at CPD....thank you all for putting up with me, and letting me live this great passion of serving as I do!

- Also from me, thank you to all who offered words, letters and even thoughts of support for me during my candicacy and after my selection as the chief of police. A special thanks to the City Manager for having enough trust, faith and confidence in me to select me for the position....and thank you to the City Council for ratifying the City Manager's selection.

- Thank you to all of the men and women of the Chico Polce Department....for all you do every day and every night....for persevering professionally, even during a year of near record high activity levels and record low per capita staffing levels. I never cease to be amazed at your ability to come out on top!

- Thank you to all those in the community who visibly, invisibly, loudly and quietly support the Chico Police Department and our mission.

- Thank you to the CPD Business Support Team, a grass roots group of community minded business representatives whose kind gestures of appreciation mean the world to the members of CPD.

- Thank you to the Greater Chico Faith Community, an ever-present body of spiritually minded citizens whose love, prayers and support for the CPD are a true blessing.

- Thank you to the uniformed volunteers of CPD....the VIPS, Chaplains, Explorers and Reserve Police Officers..... if the citizens we serve only knew how many thousands of hours you donate annually in the service of our community...

- For the last 6 years, the Chico Police Department has been an active partner in an event called the Wheelin' With Cops Adventure. Children from the Boys and Girls Club and Big Brothers Big Sisters are treated to a day of fun, four wheeling, and outdoor activities in the mountains while at the same time getting to know police employees and other public safety professionals under positive circumstances. This event would not be possible if not for the support of: the Nor Cal Crawlers Four Wheel Drive Club, Tom and Connie Neverkovec at the Bambi Inn, Cal Fire, the entire Butte Meadows Community and a ton of other sponsors and supporters ....to all of you, thank you for your involvement and support of this great event!

- CPDs Facebook Fans.....Hey, we're trying to be an active part of the social networking revolution.....thank you for being our fan!

- To the City of Chico Human Resources Department....thank you to Teresa, Bryna, Amber and Brittni for all of your help, patience and work in support of the Chico Police Department...we really would not be what we are if it were not for all of you....thank you!

- To Chico State and Butte College, thank you for your willingness to be active partners in working to address community issues.

- To the Chico PD Prayer Warriors...a small group of faithful believers whose spiritual support of the Department is undoubtedly responsible for all of the things above that we sooo appreciate and are so thankful for. Thank you for your passion for prayer and your passion for CPD.

- And finally, for all those who have to work or be away from home today because you are serving our communities or our country, thank you for doing what you are doing.

I am certain there are more whom I should be thanking...for those of you I missed: THANK YOU (and I'm sorry for forgetting you!).

I look forward to continuing to serve as your chief of police, and to sharing thoughts, perspectives and happenings from myself and CPD with you.

Thank you, and have a great holiday!