Ask A Cop
Ask A Cop is live and unscripted. Each episode gives other officers and the community a window into a police officer's world and provides authentic community engagement with law enforcement professionals.Listeners can relate by asking questions, hearing some of their own struggles, and finding solutions. Despite preconceived notions, these men and women, who serve and protect, are approachable and eager to answer questions. This resource provides meaningful engagement for officers, their families, and the community. As chaplains, we have witnessed the immeasurable rewards of simply sitting down and having these positive conversations. Produced in partnership with Gods Way Radio.
Ask A Cop
013: How do you make a turnaround from tremendous tragedy?
Give your Life a Turnaround from a Tragic Experience with officer Jose Rodriguez (Medley Police Department)
Life is a cycle, and we will all hit rock bottoms in our sojourn on earth, whether it is the loss of a job, a divorce, the death of a loved one, or an accident that leaves us with permanent changes. Have you ever thought of that scenario? How would you handle it? Probably you may be going through that right now. In today’s episode with Jose Rodriguez from the Medley Police Department, you will get insights, inspiration, and motivation to go through storms in life. Having gone through a near-death accident in 2019, spent his life in a wheelchair for almost one year, and lost his job as a cop, Jose has seen it all. Despite that, he bounced back, bigger and better.
Jose’s inspiration to anyone is to always keep pushing through, no matter what. Yes, the obstacles will come, and life may not go as you plan. However, trust in God and keep pushing. God will come through to your rescue. Understand that negative experiences can bring recognition of personal strength, the exploration of new possibilities, improved relationships with others, and a paradigm shift towards your God-given and divine purpose. Nothing happens to your life and finds God by surprise. It’s always for the good if you keep the faith.
Key Highlights from the Episode
[00:01] Intro
[01:47] A bit about our guest today, Jose Rodriguez
[03:40] How Jose’s passion for becoming a policeman came about
[04:45] His salvation journey
[07:51] Getting into the military after high school
[10:49] How Jose started as a chaplain
[12:34] His wife’s support when moving out at night to aid other police officers
[13:43] Jose’s great memories as a police dispatcher
[15:33] It’s a hard job being a dispatcher
[18:48] Tips on the best ways to package and relay information to a 911 call
[22:03] Jose’s transition from a dispatcher to a sworn law enforcement officer
[26:30] Jose’s May 31st, 2019, near death tragedy
[42:10] How his family has navigated and grown through this turmoil
[45:58] Raising kids with special needs and what you can do
[52:47] Jose’s encouragement to cops who have gone through a similar situation
[53:43] Is there anything God can’t forgive?
[55:09] His daughter’s reaction to the whole thing of accident
[55:42] Ending the show
Notable Quotes
- People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.
- Being calm and describing the incident to the dispatcher is the best way to get help.
- Always be faithful and wait upon the Lord. He will open your doors.
- Humour is one of the coping mechanisms of police officers.
- Always lean on the Lord. That is the only thing that will keep you grounded in times of adversity.