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
040: The passion and dedication of a motorman - Lieutenant Humberto Herrera (Sweetwater PD)
This episode of Ask a Cop features Lieutenant Humberto Herrera from Sweetwater Police Department, who shares insights about the motivations behind law enforcement and the importance of community connections. He discusses the values of empathy, the truth behind ticket quotas, and the need for mental wellness support among officers, ultimately encouraging positive engagements between the community and law enforcement.
• Insights into Lieutenant Herrera's 26 years of law enforcement experience
• The inspiration behind becoming a motorman
• Discussion on police quotas and misconceptions
• The dual role of law enforcement: protect and serve
• The significance of mental wellness and support for officers
• Emphasis on building community relationships through compassion
• Calls for the community to engage positively with officers
Welcome to Ask a Cop. We're sitting down with members of law enforcement to have an authentic conversation aimed to give you a window into the lives of those men and women serving the community. You'll hear about how you can support us at the end of today's episode, but for now, get ready to Ask a Cop. Ask a cop.
Speaker 2:Hey, it's good to be here this morning. I'm excited. This is Ask a Cop. I haven't been here for a while. I've been out of town, my own storms, my own troubles, in the hospital for like about 20 plus days, icu, three days, but enough of that. God has been good. Those of you that have been praying, I can't thank you enough. Adrian. We have Chaplain Adrian on the board. Good morning sir.
Speaker 3:Good morning Good morning.
Speaker 2:Hey, how are you? I'm doing great. Hey, I like it live. Life is better than recorded. We have a guest with us. This is Ask a Cop. Our heart here at God's Way Radio is for community and cops to connect, and so every first Tuesday of the month you can tune in, We'll have a guest with us, or maybe more than one guest and to get to know our law enforcement better, to not only get to know them, because our guest today, I know him, but to get you to know the law enforcement, and not just to see the cop, but to see the human being, to see the individual. Today's guest from Sweetwater Police Department, an up and growing city, a fine city. Sometimes I just drive through it just to pray and say Lord, thank you. Right next to where the church is, Our guest today is Lieutenant Humberto Herrera. Sir, good morning, Good morning, sir. How are you? Man, I'm doing great. It's good to have you. I mean, you have to wake up kind of early because you live kind of far from here.
Speaker 5:Yeah, I'm used to that, and welcome back first of all. I wasn't aware that this was your first show back and it's an honor, I mean. I say that God does everything for a reason and he's connected us again and with Pastor Adrian, I mean you guys are my friends. Thank you, thank you. We're just here to hang out and talk, man.
Speaker 2:Thank you. And how was your drive this morning?
Speaker 5:Beautiful, great, great, full of prayers and the heart beating 100 miles an hour but that's a happy beat.
Speaker 2:All right. Well, let's get started. Let's jump in. How long have you been in law enforcement? And as you're doing the calculation, I know, you know, because, as a law enforcement man, you remember when you started, you know the training class, you know you get the lights, you get the keys and in your case, I'm going to get to it. I can't wait. I mean, I'm so excited because you're a motor man and there's something special about those motor guys. I mean, cops are cops, they're good, but you know. So two questions here how long you been in law enforcement? And what is it about motor men that they're just like? What is the training, the stature, the way they handle themselves? Like, I look at you and you're flawless man. I mean, how long did it take you to get ready this morning? Everything is neat and I always see you that way. So two questions.
Speaker 5:How long you been in law enforcement. What is it about people that come from motors?
Speaker 5:So it's been over 26 years in this profession. And motormen, I mean they're a class of their own. The way that they dress, the way that they present themselves, the way that they carry themselves, I mean they're on a statue of a vehicle that they drive. And what drew my attention was when I was a kid and I was sitting in my mom's car, I would look to a motorman stopped at a red light and I was in awe. I mean the chrome, the uniform, the cross-strap, the shine, you know. And I always said, man, you know, I would love to do that.
Speaker 1:And I knew nothing about motorcycles. Nothing, nothing at all.
Speaker 5:To the day that I went to motor school, I had never started a motorcycle, and when I felt the vibration of that motorcycle start, I didn't know what to do Jump off, run, go to sleep, wake up. But it was something. It was something else, it was very exciting.
Speaker 2:But even in listening to that, I love that. Else it was very exciting, but even in listening to that, I love that. And you're listening to Ask a Cop. You could go to policethankyoucom, you could go to different sites and you'll be able to get the podcast. Our guest this morning Lieutenant Humberto Herrera, with Sweetwater Police Department. He's been in law enforcement over 26 years. Back to our conversation. You know the way that they sit on the motorbike. You know on the motorcycle, you know. I think it transfers to the way and I've seen them. They come in all shapes, all nationalities, all colors, but there's always that elegance, that stature, that kind of presence, that command. Now here's a question how does that translate to law enforcement? You know there's two sides to every cop. You know one side, of course, is to serve, you know, to protect, right. But then there's the other side law and order, you know. So my question is what is it? How does it translate, having that stature, that training, that ability? You know, that command? How does that translate to doing your job?
Speaker 5:Well, you know, it all starts with especially a motor man pride. I mean, when you have pride and you have honor, you carry yourself differently, your posture is different, your command presence is different. And, yeah, I think that it's just the command presence of the posture of a motorman that resonates to the public. And you know, it's not always about enforcing the law, but, you know, deterring and slowing and teaching the public. It's not about, hey, let me stop you because you were speeding. Here's a ticket, have a great day. No, no, no, no. You know, sometimes it's good to stop someone because they were committing an infraction, and you know you could have been doing something and God might have put you there for a reason to slow them down. Because how many times have I not heard, man, I'm sorry man, I wasn't even thinking, or better yet, in Spanish, no se lo que estaba pensando.
Speaker 5:And you say you know you might have stopped something from happening to them or to others, just because you happen to stop them for that infraction. And then you display a little discretion. Hey, listen, just slow down for me, all right, put your head straight, make it to where you need to get to and do it safely.
Speaker 2:Hey, so appreciate what you're saying because I mean, it's just showcasing, it's exposing, it's revealing. You don't have a vendetta, you don't have an ax to grind. Sometimes people say you got a quota. You're actually doing a job which is protecting and serving, and that includes sometimes stopping a person. And when you stop them, from what I hear from you, I mean correct me if I'm wrong you have already not made up your mind to give them a ticket. You're trying to get some information like what's going on, and so speak a little bit about that, because I hope the listener you're listening to. Ask a Cop. You see that cops are not. You know you have this mentality. You know they're out to get people. They wouldn't put their lives on the line every day. I mean, talk to us please, lieutenant.
Speaker 5:We're not out to get anyone Talk to us, please, lieutenant. We're not out to get anyone. We're here to help everyone, which is the opposite, okay, yeah.
Speaker 4:While you think of it, lieutenant Herrera, just give you time to think about it. I'll give you a quick story with what you're saying, pastor Raz, there was a teacher that I know in a school in our county I will remain nameless, so that the department also remains nameless but the principal began to give a lot of complaints because the parents would turn in a certain street that was closed for the morning drop off of the kids, and so you couldn't go down a certain street. It was only one way, just for drop-off. And so enough.
Speaker 4:Complaints happened A lot of times, lieutenant Herrera, you can comment to this, but a lot of times because of a lot of complaints in an area maybe they'll focus in that area because there's something going on and so, because of the many complaints of the school and especially the principal, they put you and put an officer to make sure that no one's doing that and that, you know, after a day or two people realize man, I can't turn this way. And and they get the, the idea, and then the kids could be dropped off safe, continuing on and on and um. So of course there's a, there's the uh, there's an officer, and now several teachers who are going the wrong way also get stopped. Oh, teachers too, along with the parents, because they just don't want to go the way that they're directed. And the principal forgot, I guess, that she called in. She turns the wrong way, she also gets it. She turns the wrong way, she also gets it.
Speaker 2:And so just to point that sometimes someone is in an area because there's been a lot of complaints in the area and some kind of, so you're just adding that the law enforcement. Not only do they not care, as Lieutenant Herrera clearly stated, we're here to help people but sometimes they're there because they've been called, because there's a situation, there's a problem waiting to happen, waiting to escalate, and so that law enforcement is there to try to remedy it and save. But, sari, you had a train of thought. I hope you're able to grasp it and you're able to connect. You're not out to hurt people, you're out to help people continue to expand.
Speaker 5:Absolutely. The word that stuck out to me was quota. So my entire life I heard quota. Oh, they're stopping you because they have a quota to me. Ladies and gentlemen, let me be the first one to tell you that we don't have quotas. That's illegal. You can't do that, okay, just like I have the right to flex my discretion and not give you a citation. Quotas don't exist. So please, let's put that to rest.
Speaker 5:And as far as what you were saying, pastor Adrian, the officer that is put in that spot, yes, many times we are put there to deter and to assist and to stop a problem or a danger, especially in school zones that are so important to us. For many years, as a motorman, I stood at the same intersection, southwest 4th Street and 107th Avenue, and I say it very proudly, rain or shine, because motorman, no man, if you're directing traffic, you just better have your rain gear with you, because there's no vehicle that's going to come up from the ground and say, sit, son. No, you will direct traffic, and I did it manually. Nowadays, you know, a lot of it's done with the electronic, what we call the pickle. And we call it a pickle because those big brown boxes are on the corner of every intersection they have a long cord and at the end of it it it looks like a buzzard, like if you're playing jeopardy you ever see jeopardy and they start pressing the button.
Speaker 5:Yeah, so that, so that button, we called it green, we called exactly we called it the pickle, but we then directed traffic manually and, um, and what was great about that is is is looking back and running into parents, being that I am part of the community still thank God and seeing these kids that I used to help across the street, man that I used to compliment hey man, nice haircut, or better yet, hey man you need a haircut, okay.
Speaker 5:And they come back to thank you. And they come back and they tell you I remember you. Hey, man, thank you. And parents, you know that my kid just graduated high school and just yesterday they were in second grade, just yesterday they were starting kindergarten and I, what? What's your kid? And they have to scroll back to pictures and they go here and you know how many pictures they've shown me that I've taken with them as children and now they're on their way to become grown-ups and and and that's the pleasure that you get out of law enforcement it's the assisting, the helping, the caring and the lifting.
Speaker 2:I so appreciate it. You're listening to Ask a Cop here. We have a caller, we're going to get right to it. But I have to tie in this conversation because it's touching my heart, that law enforcement you're hearing it for yourself when you take, and there's a good pride, there's a bad pride when you know, when we're all just filled with yourself. You know the ungodly trinity me, myself and I. But then there's that pride which has to do with appreciation, love, value to what you do. And I'm hearing that from you, lieutenant, that you know you're there and you think of it. You know I don't like to get wet, by the way, you know, and my wife jokes around, but you're there directing traffic in the rain, in the cold, make sure people get to where they are safely. But then you said something else. You know, I wrote down the note. You said man, there's something about motor men. They have posture, they have command, presence, and so part of the presence is because of their influence. And so you're speaking to the fact that you're not just there as law enforcement, which you are, you're not just there to help the traffic which you are, but you're there to impact lives. You know to develop an individual relationships. You know to joke around. That kid grows up and says, man, that officer told me when I needed a haircut and then he noticed when I got it and he complimented me on it. Follow through, man, great, and one of the things I love. I hope we have some young officers listening too, because I mean, you've been at it 26 years still keeping yourself in great shape. You know, however, the younger officers that they would have. They would have the proper goal, they would have the proper reminder from a seasoned officer.
Speaker 2:As the program continues. That's one of the things I look forward to is asking you, hey, what would you tell your younger self? You know you're starting out. What advice would you give your younger self with the experience you have now? Or hoping that a young officer would get that. But let's go to a phone call. You could call 786-313-3115. You may have a question for Lieutenant Herrera this morning. You may have a compliment, you may have a comment. Don't ask him to fix tickets. They don't also do that. We can't do that. But let's go to the call. Hey, good morning. You're. Ask a Cop. What area of town are you calling from? Westchester? Good to have Westchester checking in. What do you want to say this?
Speaker 6:morning. To Lieutenant Herrera. I just want to say that you're a blessing. I could tell, I could have guessed that you were that kind of motorman, that kind of patrol officer from the way that you lead, from the way that you operate in your managerial position now, and I look forward to all that God will do. I just want to say what a blessing you are.
Speaker 2:And if I could put a question in there, it could be for now or later. Yes, sir, questions allowed Lieutenant Herrera.
Speaker 6:I would ask Lieutenant Herrera, what are you looking forward to in this next season? You've been 26 years. What are you most looking forward to in the next season of your law enforcement career?
Speaker 2:Hey, thank you so much for your call, joey. Station manager, also chaplain. I hope you don't mind I blew your cover, but people know your voice anyway. Hey, pray that, other people will call. We have ask a cop here. Uh, we have a law enforcement member in our community. You can call 786-313-3115 or you can text uh, before I let you go. Chaplain and pastor. Anything else you want to say?
Speaker 6:that's it. You're a blessing and I look forward to hearing about the next season and your hopes.
Speaker 5:Yes, Thank you, sir. Appreciate the phone call to answer your question.
Speaker 1:I guess yes, sir, all right, here we go.
Speaker 5:So the only thing that goes to my mind and I speak from the heart about eight years ago, when I was tapped to step into a managerial position, you know, I said this on a roll call the other day and the guys thought it was funny, but then they said you know, we're going to use you in the next movie as an inspirational speaker because of this quote. So I thought it was humorous. You know, we were all seeds in the city of Sweetwater that were planted, and for the last eight years we've been watered and we've been growing, and there was a season where we blossomed and the fruits of our labor came out and man, beautiful, right. So the only thing I can say to that is this is a strong tree that is still growing, and I can't wait, man, with this new administration and this new mayor, I just can't wait. What? What is the harvest gonna look like this time? Yeah, what, how many fruits are we gonna get out of this one? Yeah and uh, it's like a mango tree that I have in my backyard.
Speaker 5:You know, I don't know if hey, mango, you're in man, that's what my favorite fruit, so you mentioned mango, you're in and it's a and it's a love hate, right, and I'm gonna explain why. I know, and to all those mango tree owners out there, you always know, and if you have a pool, hey, you always know when mango season is coming because you know those little yellow flowers that like to come out and destroy your pool. But then you look at that and you go at the same time you smile and you say, hey, man, I'm about to get a harvest here, I'm about to get mangoes.
Speaker 5:And that brings a smile to my face because I know that I'll be able to bless others by picking these mangoes, like my mom, my sister, all those that say to me man, that's the best mango I've ever eaten and that's the feeling that I have for the current administration and moving forward with the city of Sweetwater right now, with our new mayor, which I've been observing for many, many years and I admire him, I look up to him, not because he's our mayor now, no, because he's always been out there and he's always been in the eye of the public and he's always been the assister to those that need assisting and has a vision, and that's the same thing that I see in our chiefs plural. They all have that vision. I see it and we've been together for just a couple of weeks. But you know, when you're looking at a leader uh, pastor raz, like like the day that I saw, it's like looking at you, raz, it's like looking at you.
Speaker 1:No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no no no, no, no, no, no, no, no.
Speaker 5:Standby, because I will give credit. Okay, because 16 years ago you came into my life and I didn't know what you looked like. I didn't need to see your eyes, I knew that you were leading me. And when I found you on the radio and I was down in the dumps man, down in the dumps, okay, okay, you were talking to me, okay, and that's a great leader.
Speaker 5:So I hear the mayor speak, I hear the chief speak, the assistant chief, the assistant chief, frank Fernandez. Listen, I've known him for 30 seconds, okay, though we've known of each other throughout the years, right, but I can see it in his face. You see, you see the drive, you see the desire, you see the burn is still there after so many years. And when you have passion, passion for what you do, like you said earlier, man, you'll never work a day in your life up with ideas and how to better serve the community, because that's what it's about serving the community, man, not serving ourselves or not. How good can I look? No, how good can I make you look? Because a leader will pick you up, not show you who they are, no, they're going to show you, by picking you up what you can be.
Speaker 2:You know excellent words. You're listening to Ask a Cop. At first Tuesday of every month here at God's Way Radio, we welcome the opportunity to interact with our law enforcement family. You know, I could call it that way because they're a part of our community. They're part of our society. You know, a while back there I don't know what got in the atmosphere. You know where they wanted to exclude and get law enforcement out, but that's only hearts that really have no notion of what is true life, about God, the creator. He sets law and he sets order and he puts people in places of leadership. Today we have our guest, lieutenant Herrera.
Speaker 2:26 years in law enforcement, obviously, and having you as a guest and listening to you speaking, your heart is being exposed. You know how. You're a person that you observe and you're inspired by that which should cause inspiration. You know people that have passion, people that have dreams, people that have goals, and you said something about leadership which I thought was so amazing. You know, a leader picks you up and shows you all that you can be. That's great.
Speaker 2:Now I want you to expound a little bit on leadership. You've been 26 years in law enforcement. How many of those years have been with Sweetwater Police Department and also we can go into, like, okay, of all the professions you know you could have done anything. What made you choose law enforcement? What inspired you? What button in your heart was pressed that you said, hmm, I'm going to go after that? So how many years of your career have been in? Maybe have you always been in Sweetwater or did you start in another department? Tell us a little bit about the start, about how you chose the profession and the years that you've been in Sweetwater.
Speaker 5:So, again, the first thing that caught my eye was that motorman, when I was a kid. All right, good, me llamó la atención.
Speaker 4:Yeah, I like it.
Speaker 5:it you know it took me out and uh, and I always knew I wanted to be a police officer. I always did. And my father god rest his soul, which has passed, I love my dad he was in the horse business thoroughbreds, thoroughbred racing and my father was recruited by a owner here in the united states my we're from chile, my family's from chile in south america, as a jockey, you know, and that's how they made it over here. And though my father had that business and we worked that business, I actually became a certified thoroughbred trainer at the age of 18. And I always knew I was going to be a police officer. I just saw it. I had that passion, I had that vision.
Speaker 2:I would add something to that. You had that calling because, to be a proper law enforcement, passion vision, absolutely. But it's a calling Most people running out, you guys running in, absolutely yeah.
Speaker 5:So I started my beautiful career with the then Metro Dade Police Department in 1995. And I was there for for a while and then in life made me transition all right.
Speaker 5:I started my career in the sweetwater police department in 2003 all right, um, became a motorman almost immediately 2006, and I knew nothing about motorcycling, and you know, you know how I became a motorman almost immediately 2006. And I knew nothing about motorcycles and you know how I became a motorman. I want to hear the story. So back in the days we had police cars, right, but the department was small and didn't have plenty, like others, to spare. And every time that a full-time police officer's car would break down, they would say, hey, herrera, give it up, man, this guy needs a police car. So they took my car so many times and one day listen, you know, I always kept my car clean.
Speaker 4:I would imagine it wasn't returned the same way sometimes.
Speaker 5:Oh well, you know, a little Febreze fixes all man. And one day I'm in the roll call room and here comes the calling again. Herrera, you got to cough up the car and the motor sergeant was standing right there. His name is Domingo Benito.
Speaker 2:Oh, I know the guy. He's been with the department a while Great leader.
Speaker 5:He's since retired yes, living a great life. Great leader man, great leader, great speaker. Life, great leader man, great leader, great speaker. And he knows how to touch hearts. Anyway, he turns to me and he says in his accent bro, why don't you just become a motor man, bro? And you know, I was so upset that I spontaneously said yes. And I walked away saying how do you even turn on a motorcycle? And that was the beginning of my journey in motors. I was in motors and I was then tapped as a sergeant to overlook motors and patrol in 2014. And then promoted to lieutenant or appointed to lieutenant in 2016. And since then, I've been just enjoying myself every day.
Speaker 5:Great, do everything with a lot of pride and honor and integrity, because I think that you need to have those core values and remember that it's not about you, man, it's about everyone else that's with you. Yeah, you know, because there's no I in team. Right, yeah, very old you? Yeah, you know, because there's no I in team, right, yeah, Very old cliche. But if you don't believe it and you don't hold hands with the other guys and let them know that you're there, team, I mean?
Speaker 5:Listen, I was involved in a motorcycle accident where I wasn't even supposed to work that day. Wow, it was a Saturday, 2 o'clock in the afternoon. What's the lieutenant doing? Coming out and getting on a bike. But I knew that there was a brand new motorman. He was freshly released to the world of police escorts. They were short of a man. That day there was an emergency and I said, of course, there's no way that I'm going to let this guy run this escort with another rookie motorman without some assistance. And it's funny because we were taking care of business right Sunset and 117 Avenue is where it happened, which is a dangerous intersection.
Speaker 2:It's a big intersection. It's a big intersection, but it didn't happen at the intersection.
Speaker 5:So he's passing me and I'm slowing him down because I see it in his eyes he's got that. I got to make it to the next one. No, no, no, no, slow down, listen, slow down. I'm going to catch up to you. Okay, you're doing a great job, I tell him. And he goes, thanks, he keeps on going.
Speaker 5:Man I get on the bike didn't like that we were doing a funeral procession and that we were just holding traffic. It wasn't even 30 seconds, man. She decided to make a U-turn right in front of me because she didn't like that. The traffic was stopped and all I'm thinking is catch up to the officer, make sure that he's okay, catch up to him. I was ejected. I flew about 20 feet. I remember the flight. Everything was in slow motion. I saw the Kentucky Fried Chicken flip right in front of me because it's right there. Kentucky Fried Chicken is right there at Sunset and 117 Avenue.
Speaker 5:I don't remember hitting the ground, but I remained awake and the officer came back because it's all on body-worn camera and while he's freaking out LT, lt, lt, lt I'm saying hey, man, relax, relax. The only thing that I want you to do is relax and make sure that my wallet is in place. Can you please find my bag? Hey, listen, who's going to write this report? I'm telling him and the fire's telling me man, can you stop working? You just fell off a motorcycle and I said no, sir, I'm good, I'm good. I need to make sure that he's good before me because if God's going to give me the strength to hang on. I'd like to empower someone else to hang on. Yeah, you understand. Yeah, anyway, that was just a quick nugget.
Speaker 2:Good story and you're listening to Ask a Cop. It's a program where you can text us. You can call us 786-313-3115. I think I got a text in the text message machine and we're going to let Chaplain Adrian read it in a moment.
Speaker 2:But before I let you go, lieutenant, on this thought, I like what you said. You know that even even when you get the unexpected, your focus, your mission, you know your purpose is clear, clear, clear. And so I want to touch on later, because I had a conversation with you where you know you've had opportunities to do your job and then there's been sometimes a transition where somebody else gets appointed and, instead of trying to hide or keep the information that you've gathered, you share it. You know, you're, you're. I guess you got in mind that it's not just about you shining bright, but when people around you shine bright, we all shine bright, which is a biblical perspective, 100%. So I want to touch on where did you get that from, and I don't know if you want to talk about the situation that I'm talking about. You know where you give a. Here's the outline, here's the order. You know here, you know.
Speaker 2:So where do you get that from? Because we live in a world that a lot of people say I'm not going to let people know what I know because that way I create job security. And little do they know that sometimes, when you help people, that's the best security you have because, first of all, god who's in charge, he sees it and he's aware of it. But my question to you is where do you get that from? Um, we're going to come back to that question. We want to read this question that you have here 786-313-315. Chaplain adrian. Pastor adrian. What's the text message that we have?
Speaker 4:we have two texts that have come into the text vault, as we call it. Uh, one is just reminding everyone that God never is away from us. He's always part of our life. He's walked through us, through good days and bad days. His peace overwhelms us in this chaotic world. He searches us, he knows us, he still loves us, he directs our steps, he upholds us and he places us along the way to encourage others. His love overwhelms, and that's just an encouraging text.
Speaker 2:And it's right, in line with the conversation I mean here a law enforcement motorman gets hit, jumps in the air, hits the ground, but he's here today, complete, restored. So, God was with him even through that, and later on you might want to say, hey, did was with him even through that. And later on you might want to say, hey, did you learn some things from that? Or how did that benefit you? But go ahead. The other text message did you go to the hospital?
Speaker 4:absolutely. Oh wow, I was just oh yeah because it sounded like you were gonna walk out no okay, seeing also, just get a happy meal no I didn't get that vibe at all no, no, no.
Speaker 5:The kfc metaphor is just a joke because it's right in front of where I got hit and I did see it spinning. I mean, everything becomes slow motion. It's amazing how that is. You know, that's what I remember the red and white stripes KFC.
Speaker 4:Did you eat KFC again, or was it like?
Speaker 1:one of those things Negative sir Never again.
Speaker 4:So we also got a text just to say good morning and God bless you from a chaplain in the county, from our text and and then we're going back to the question Pastor Raz was asking just about the heart to not just keep all the information to ourselves and but just be able to say, man, if I can help you in your position, even if that means it's going to make you succeed and and it's not going to really do much for me, and and just the heart of, even, as you mentioned in the story of the accident, just, man, here's a rookie officer and what comes to mind and you see this so much in law enforcement in a crisis situation, sometimes, when they get in an accident, they're thinking about, they're not thinking about am I hurt?
Speaker 4:We've had here other officers in accidents thinking about am I hurt? Uh, we've had here other officers in accidents and they, uh, you know, are directing traffic in the middle of the palmetto after being in a catastrophic accident, broken bones, and you know they're just thinking about safety, others, and it's it's amazing to, to, to have those kind of men and women right that serve us so review the question you're listening to ask a cop.
Speaker 2:The question before us is uh, lieutenant herrera, what is it in you? What have you learned what? What is it that you look not just at you shining bright, but helping others around you? And then the mission, the overall mission, which is hey, we got a mission to accomplish, we got a meeting, we got something to do. Man, let's do it right. What would you say to that?
Speaker 5:I think I inherited this gift from my parents, my mom and dad. They're very driven. My father was very, very, very humble and he was very giving, and so is my mom. My mom's a feisty little thing, and I think that's where I got my burn and my passion in life. You know, I read one thing one time that it said something to the line of if you meet someone that's smarter than you don't work against them.
Speaker 5:Work with them because you will learn. And I'm a very firm believer in helping others when I know that something's coming down the line and I know how we can avoid it. And I say we because when you burn, I burn, man, when you win, I win, and that's what I'm about. I mean, my values are to help and to assist, especially when I know that you're going to shine more than me, man. You you know, but it's, it's worthy, because the thank you and the congratulations that you're going to get, I will never be that one that will say, oh well that was because of me.
Speaker 5:Never. On the contrary, it's reach out and say man, we did it together, we did it together and don't give me any credit, all right, you make sure that you take it, but we did it together and I'm proud of you, hey, the whole idea.
Speaker 2:You know Jesus said this. He says, man, if you keep your life, you're gonna lose it. But if you lose your life for my sake and the implication there is, if you learn about God, his love, others you know there's something that happens, something that's generated there, that everybody flows with the presence of God, his love and his movement. Lieutenant, tell us something a little bit about the tough moments in your life and the conversation you mentioned. You know times that you were down, you were low. You don't have to be too. What's the word that I'm looking for?
Speaker 2:disclosure, but just in general, when someone's down, maybe there's a law enforcement that's listening. You get red line, relief of duty. You go through those situations where you've been in law enforcement a long time and the way that we call it is the boogeyman comes out and you know what it is Like. At night you're trying to drown away that accident, that situation. That is not even on the forefront of your mind but it's deep within your soul. You know the law enforcement. They see things and they deal with things that they're not natural. They're not normal. You know we weren't created for this.
Speaker 2:This is the criminal side of life which is thrusting the law enforcement to come in the middle of that. Sometimes not enough training. Sometimes the training is good, but sometimes and they have to, you know, keep the peace, they have to take charge, command, they have to remedy the situation. So my question to you is how have you learned to cope with that? How have you learned to deal with that in a constructive, productive way for your soul, for yourself and for those around you? One word prayer.
Speaker 5:That's it. There is no narcotic, there is no liquor, there is no Tylenol Advil that's going to heal your heart, your heart might take the headache away. But as long as your heart hurts and you don't mend and tend to the feeling of your heart, it's not gonna happen. And the only thing that has ever helped me through these dark times is prayer period. Nothing else right prayer yeah, that's it that's and and and.
Speaker 5:To those that that don't think that it works, hey, I, I pray for you and I pray that you try it out, see what god's got for you, man, because he will answer you in maybe not the way that you want him to answer you, but he will answer you and he will reveal himself and when your heart feels better, thank God, man. Thank God because that's the only fixture that I can find in my life. And yes, I've been down, not we. I've been down and I've done the demoted, promoted, all the good things. And unless I come to an understanding that God's got a plan for me and everything happens for a reason and there are no coincidences, because many times I could say, hey, man, bite the bullet, you bit this one because you know what you did, just like when I've been promoted, I've always said, man, you know why you got this, and it's always, always, always thanks to God, man. And prayer, prayer period, that's it. Prayer, no medicine. Prayer.
Speaker 2:I like that because you said to tend to your heart, but then you used another word to mend your heart.
Speaker 2:Tend and mend and it's a good combination. You're listening to Ask a Cop. You can call in, you can text in, you have a comment? You have a question for our guest today. Lieutenant Herrera, with Sweetwater Police Department, we love to hear from you, 786-313-3115. I haven't forgot the question that Chaplain Joey presented to us your hopes and your dreams, but I I figured that maybe we'll close the program with that, you know, uh, but anyway, we got a call right now. Hey, good morning or good afternoon, whenever you're listening, this is ask a cop, whatever town are you calling from?
Speaker 3:good morning, pastor razz.
Speaker 2:I'm calling from the beautiful coconut grove, miami, florida hey, it's always good to have our family from Coconut Grove calling in, and I don't think Lieutenant Herrera knows who you are. But hey, thank you for calling. What's on your heart? What's on your mind? What do you want to say?
Speaker 3:He knows me, he can reveal me at any time, I don't mind. But first and foremost I wanted to thank you for the 6.30 text message this morning.
Speaker 2:You're welcome, sir, you're blowing my cover.
Speaker 4:I'm not the only one that doesn't agree.
Speaker 3:I didn't know that. You knew that I was up at that time, but I guess God spoke to you this morning.
Speaker 2:Well, I figured if you're asleep I'll help you wake you up, but I know you're an early riser because you get the job done.
Speaker 3:I am. I'm trying to get the workout done actually right now, but I wanted to call in. Thank you sir, and say that you are once again having a fabulous show. Thank you, sir. You know Pastor Raz and, of course, behind the scenes, adrian doing a great job. Thank you, sir, but I apologize because I'm a little bit winded, but anyways. But I also want to say that you, the reason why your show is so great is because you have great guests. Thank you.
Speaker 3:Like Lieutenant Herrera. Thank you, thank you, sir. Lieutenant Herrera is absolutely Lieutenant Herrera is a man of integrity, a man of values, a man of faith, and we need more men and women of that caliber in our profession. So it's an honor to have an individual like that amongst us and I feel really good for Sweetwater. Sweetwater is on an upward bound once again, yes, sir, with great, great leadership, not because of former City of Miami, individuals coming in and infiltrating their way. It's all out of love. It's all out of love.
Speaker 2:It's all out of love you know, god knows, god knows how to mobilize absolutely, absolutely.
Speaker 3:But but again I feel really good for sweetwater. They have great, great people. They have great leaders in place, her ever being one of them. Yes, sir and um, and I just wanted to mention that. You know I'm I'm super happy that you are highlighting Motorman. I am not a Motorman, nor was I ever a Motorman, but I can tell you as a former SWAT operator.
Speaker 2:I was going to say that we got to have you back because SWAT has a special place in our community and in our law enforcement agencies. But go ahead, sir, I didn't want to interrupt you. And in our law enforcement agencies.
Speaker 3:But go ahead, sir. I didn't want to interrupt you. I like the fact. Go ahead, go please. No, no, thank you, thank you. And SWAT has a very special place in my heart, as you know. But I got to tell you motormen, I hold them in such high regard, it's the most prestigious unit, in my opinion, that any police officer, police agency can have. The way they carry themselves and Herrera hit on all the points, the pride, the way they carry themselves, their uniforms, how they stand on that motorcycle, it's impressive, I could tell you, being involved in a lot of motorcades myself as a car driver, not as a motor man, but when they are whisking by you like a fighter jet, it's incredibly impressive and incredibly dangerous. It's got to be the most dangerous unit within any agency. And again, I say this as a former SWAT operator. But also motormen, they have a special fraternity, they have a special bond. It's a sorority that once you're a motorman oh no, he did it have a special bond.
Speaker 4:It's a sorority that once you're a motorman no, you didn't, we're on uh. So, sir, there was another caller. Please call us back. There was a call coming in back as we um, hey, uh sir miami finest one of miami finest please call us back.
Speaker 2:You were talking about motormen, you were talking about their command presence, you were talking about their posture, you were talking about their whisking by, and we got you back. We got you back. I'm not going to tell you who did that, but but I could tell you that god knows what happens and we got you back.
Speaker 3:Go ahead well, we'll blame it on joey. So again, they, they, they whisk by you like a, like a fighter jet, and it's incredibly impressive, yes, but I got to say that it's one of the most dangerous positions to be in in any law enforcement agency. And speaking as a former fly guy, I say that with all due honesty, that it's incredibly dangerous. That's why I hold them in such such high regard. I want to say that that group of men and women is a fraternity, it's a sorority. So once you're a motorman in any agency, it doesn't matter the agency, you are a motorman in every agency, because that is a brotherhood. That's a very tight, tight brotherhood. But I do have one question for Lieutenant Herrera. Good, good, so I can tell you growing up and again, I never was a motorman. I wish I would have been, but God did not lead me down that path. But how much influence did Pancho Relo have on his life? I like that.
Speaker 2:Hey, and I got to say something too, because I like it. You always bring the light note to it. You know, lieutenant Herrera, like you, major, I don't know what it is about you guys, the badge is straight, the pants are right in place, everything is neat. You got the crease on the shirt. How long does it take you two guys to get together? I mean, how many people help you guys? I know your wife is there. You, you have a makeup artist. I mean, how do you guys do this man, in your case you got hair. In his case he's. He's decided to, to to have, you know, expose a perfect head. You know well, you know, perfect heads, they, they don't need no hair, but anyway, everything is intact. What is it I take? I take a little longer because of the hairdo.
Speaker 3:I take a little longer because of the hairdo. I take a little longer because of the hairdo. He may take a little bit longer because of the eyebrows. But I will tell you this, our uniforms are impeccable because we have so much pride in that uniform. It's a representation not only of our department, not only of ourselves, but of the profession. So it's important to us to make sure that we look very sharp, very presentable and, by the way, after 26 years for him, 25 for me now it's like automatic, it's just automatic. It doesn't really take us that much time. Again, the only thing that takes me time is the hair. That's it. But I got to know about chips.
Speaker 2:I got to know about you. We're going to let him answer. We're going to let him answer. How much did he impress? Hey Major, thank you so much for what you do. Thank you for your call. You always support us and the community and I pray that today you have a great day and when you ever decide to eat a steak, please know that my offer is still available to you. I'm still looking forward to eating a good steak, a good filet, with you and watching you eat. Ok, I'll even pick up. I'll even pick up the tab. How's that?
Speaker 2:I appreciate it the only time you'll see me eat is at your luncheon in January, and I'm usually busy there so I don't even eat until everybody goes. But anyway, thank you for your call. We love you. Lieutenant wants to answer you.
Speaker 5:Yes, sir. Just first of all, thank you for taking your time out to reach out and for the encouraging words. And let me send it right back to you, because when we had Assistant Chief Harbelo working with us one day, I asked him hey, who's that guy?
Speaker 3:What's his name?
Speaker 5:And he tells me. And I said, man, you know, every time I see him that's one of the sharpest, sharpest uniform and the way he presents himself. And I said, man, you need to introduce me. And we met personally at one of the luncheons. And every time I see you, sir, I commend you for your appearance and your stature and your leadership. Thank you so much. And Poncherello, yeah, I might look like him, or I did at one point, but, boy, listen, I used to watch that show religiously. Man, chp going down the turnpike. Come on now, come on.
Speaker 4:For those younger listeners.
Speaker 2:Translate. Translate, please.
Speaker 4:I'm sure, there's some YouTube reruns, guys. You can go on there and look for them Chips, chips and you'll see what they're talking about.
Speaker 5:Yes, sir, Two Motorman California Highway Patrol.
Speaker 4:Now, we did have another caller, thank you. Thank you, major Guerra, for calling. We truly appreciate your participation. We did have another caller.
Speaker 2:Please call back 786.
Speaker 4:We have a little bit more time left. We can still get the phone calls 3-1-1-5. 786, 3-1-3, 3-1-1-5. I did want to mention, you know, I think there's something, though, because not only is it the uniform that's crisp and clean every day, but part of the daily wear the EDC they call it everyday carry for Lieutenant Herrera is a dolphin coffee cup. Oh boy, and a dolphin, if I'm not mistaken, lunchbox. Yes, this is like everyday carry for you. Yes, sir, Can you tell us, Because there's something about these dolphins?
Speaker 4:Talk about a man of prayer, a man of loyalty, no matter what condition of the situation. Professional, I mean, you know still liking the dolphins.
Speaker 2:It might be able to be revealed. It might have to remain concealed, we don't know. We'll give you that option, sir.
Speaker 5:I love my dolphins, my family and I. We've been season ticket holders for quite a while, and that's all because of the blessings that God has given us, because without god we can't pay for these season tickets.
Speaker 5:yeah, without god, we don't have the desire to drive and to work extra. We don't, okay. So he gives it to us and it's, and it's funny because every time my brother and I make the last payment and you know we always sent each other congratulations like we made another goal, right, right and yes, my loyalty to the Dolphins, 100%, win or lose. I don't care if they win a game in one year. I will watch every game to the last second.
Speaker 2:You know loyalty is such a special attribute. You know it's usually found in people that excel, in people that make a mark and people that make an influence. That loyalty you know to be sharp, to be proper. I love what both of you in law enforcement have stated because of the respect for the profession. You know that you don't take it lightly. You know it's not just on your shoulders. You're carrying the shoulders of people that have gone before you and you're shining a path for people that will follow you, what kind of law enforcement agents they will be. But, sir, you might want to speak a little bit on loyalty. You mentioned a little bit your mom, your dad, the influence of good, godly parents. But my question would be along the way, how have other law enforcement agents, other people, influenced you? Where did you get that loyalty focus and loyalty practice? Speak a little bit about that.
Speaker 5:So, just like your parents teach you and you pick up their mannerisms and you tend to work or perform the way that they've always taught you at the beginning of your career, you're a brand new police officer, so you're going through the field training program and I will tell you that the field training officers that I had were the sharpest things that have ever, ever, ever influenced me and I've carried it to the way that I wear my uniform. It's reminded me and, if I may, german Alec, if you're out there listening, brother, my creases are your creases, because you taught me day one and we were midnight officers. Nobody saw us but it didn't matter, because you always dress like if you're being seen, you always perform like if every day is an interview waiting to happen. And I picked up those characteristics from my field training officers from the beginning that were hard workers. They were, I mean, 100 miles an hour, uniform, pressed, on time, and you know, early is on time and on time is late.
Speaker 5:Yeah, Wow, and I heard you say that the other day, pastor Raz. You told me on the radio man, if you're going to be on time, you better be here 15 minutes before, and you repeated it again this morning. You talked about timing and all of those things stick to me and I always say, man, thank God that I am the way that I am, because I'd rather leave an hour and a half before my appointment just to make sure that I'm thinking ahead Accidents, weather, unforeseen things, and that way you drive in peace, man, you can listen to the radio, listen to this fine radio station, 104.7.
Speaker 4:Thank you.
Speaker 5:God's Way Radio man. What a blessing and what a blessing when Adrian called me months ago to tell me about this radio station. And I was just hungry man, I was thirsty, I needed to hear something. I needed to hear something, something needed to talk to me, and God told Adrian, call him Great.
Speaker 2:You're listening to the program Ask a Cop. Every month, first Tuesday of the month, we have a guest from our law enforcement family Leos as we call them and today we have the privilege, we have the benefit of having sweet water police department represented. Lieutenant uh humberto herrera is here with us. 26 years experience, and I love what you said. A shout out to every fto, as we call them for short, that has taken uh uh excellence, that has taken professionalism in training. That individual that will be the next law enforcement, that young man, that young lady Shout out to you and, lieutenant Herrera, thank you for also displaying and showcasing that you are an individual, you're a person, you're a human being. You're a law enforcement by profession, but you're a human being by creation who remembers. You're a human being by creation who remembers, remembers where you got your treasures from that have enriched your life, so that you can continue enriching the lives of others. Chaplain, adrian, you're showing me that we have a text message, so whenever you're ready, sir, please include that.
Speaker 4:We do have a couple of text messages. One of them, good morning, listening from Sunset and 87th Avenue. So thank you for texting us. We have another one. This is a chaplain here, also in the. They didn't put their name so I'm not going to put their name. If you wanted me to say it, you could text again. But they said morning wanted to encourage Lieutenant to continue to have God in the center of his life and career. We need more leaders in law enforcement like him, Leaders that believe in prayer and are not ashamed of it. Keep on going, Continue to be the light in your department. In another message, Lieutenant Herrera is an inspiration and example that law enforcement are God-loving and they show it. Shows it in his community and with his family. Let him know his sister loves mangoes and loves him. So proud, so proud. I am so glad. I didn't know we had this connection as well. I have many mango trees. As you walked in, I don't know if you saw a basket of mangoes. I daily bring mangoes.
Speaker 5:I did so. You know the flowers, you know the flower story. I have 10 trees. Thank God he doesn't have a pool, though you don't have a pool, I don't have a pool. Oh, you're good, you're gravy. You don't know what it is to have a mango tree brother, unless you have a pool, man.
Speaker 4:Well, I got 10.
Speaker 2:You're listening to Ask a Cop. This is 825 here for God's Way Radio listeners, don't go away. We still got a little bit more time with our guest today, lieutenant Herrera. Lieutenant Herrera, I want to give you an opportunity to talk about maybe anything that's on your heart that you would like to share with that law enforcement, that young law enforcement agent Maybe they just graduated, maybe they just went solo, you know, just released or maybe you want to address that law enforcement, like you, that has longevity and sometimes the not best of the profession begins to wane in on you or wear you down.
Speaker 2:How do you overcome that? How do you stay focused? How do you keep the wind in your sails? So not only do you fly, but you take others in flight with you to get to their best. So anything you want to say about that? And then I remind you I don't know if he's still listening, I hope he is In radio time. People tune in and out, but someone asked earlier hey, what are your hopes, what are your dreams, what are the things that in your heart of hearts, you would like to see happen for the benefit of your department, your community, the city that you live in and God's Way Radio.
Speaker 5:So any way you want to take it, sir, you got the mic so my dreams as far as the department is to continue to grow with the base that has been established already. And the exciting thing about it is that I see it in the current leadership's eyes. I can tell that they are going to get what has been done and just make it grow, man. Just make it grow for all of us, because when they win, we're all going to win. So that young officer that's out there, remember, brother, sister, when you check out your radio, remember that you've also been issued the armor from God and you are shielded and you are protected. Don't forget to pray before your shift, after your shift, give him thanks because you wear that armor and you've been chosen. You've been chosen to protect others, to change others, to lift others, to love others.
Speaker 5:And I'm thankful for a lot of things. I'll tell you I have one of the most. Let me rephrase that before I get. I have the most amazing wife and I will tell you that was a blessing sent from God. And I tell her all the time honey, you know, thank you for choosing me, but in all reality, god chose you for me. You know and I say that because, as we all know out there, law enforcement officers, man, we're a roller coaster ride we're up, we're down. We're up, we're down. And if you don't have that support at home, that understanding, support and unconditional love, there's no way that you can put the uniform on comfortably and go to work. You need that support system and it works both ways, because I do the same for her and my family very supporting, and at the end of the day, that's what it's all about family at work and at home. Family.
Speaker 2:Good husband. And I hope that the dinner tonight will be better. I mean you're following your lead, if my wife is listening. I got a wife that God sent me, I got to follow your lead. There you go, there you go is listening. I got a wife that God sent me, I got to follow your lead.
Speaker 4:There you go, there you go.
Speaker 5:I mean I thank you Don't be a casualty of war.
Speaker 4:I thank you, both of you, for your attempts, but I do have the best wife. I mean mine is the best, it's okay.
Speaker 2:Lieutenant Herrera, I got a question for you what's your favorite sport or hobby? Are you a hobby guy? You're, you're a sport guy. I know you like the dolphins, so, uh, and I love what you said that you buy the tickets with your brother family.
Speaker 5:Uh, time is going quickly but I gotta take a few more minutes quickly here. So special sport hobby, what would you say? That's it. Dolphins, hurricanes, football, uh, family time good, this is a good one. Favorite food seafood.
Speaker 2:Seafood, oysters raw. Oh wow, are you a dessert man? You know you got a sweet man or no? I am not okay, all right, so another, another question I have for you here is that you an opera guy, an arts guy or a drama guy? Oh, oh oh, travel, you know when I.
Speaker 5:When I give people this part of my life, they say impossible. So I played the saxophone my entire life no way, sir.
Speaker 2:Yes sir, uh, I was also part you still have a saxophone, I still do we gotta pray about that.
Speaker 5:I haven't played in a minute, though, okay, okay, but I still remember my days. I used to perform also with the florida grand opera, for real. Yes, sir, when I was in high school, I had, I had some pipes, we were in chorus, we sang together. We, yeah, man.
Speaker 4:I have a radio voice.
Speaker 5:Plenty of acting Thespian Shout out to all my thespians out there.
Speaker 2:You're representing Chile. Well, man.
Speaker 5:Good.
Speaker 2:Chileno. I love it. I love it. So tell me martial arts exercise pastime.
Speaker 5:Hanging out with the family.
Speaker 2:That's good, that's good. Anyway, our guest here today is Lieutenant Humberto Herrera, 26 years in law enforcement, presently with the Sweetwater Police Department, a fine police department, stellar, growing, a fine up-and-coming city. And so, adrian, you're going to get us the question.
Speaker 4:So this was the question texted in us, the question. So this was the question texted in it's. Uh, it says with all the tv shows and things on tv with bad cops, how do you feel or how do you deal with people against the police force?
Speaker 5:you know. So it's very easy. The only thing that comes into my heart is loving them the same way that you love those that you know are for you, because if they're against you, they need to see that you are there for them. They need to see that what you see on tv is it's tv and it's entertainment. It's like the news, right, if the news doesn't give you the horrible news, you're going to change the channel, the ratings will go down, yeah, okay, but then when you actually see the truth of the story, it's like a a wow, it's, it's an awakening. You know. So, in in everything, there's going to be negativity, but a lot of the negativity comes from just not knowing and just hollywood. That's all I see.
Speaker 5:And it's unfortunate because I, I encourage everyone hey man, you see a police officer, go up to him, ask him a question. But ask him a question in a humble way, with a good heart, and let him respond. Don't show sarcasm, don't show hate, don't show that you're divided. You know, speak to a police officer. You know how many police officers I've met in my career when they've told me hey man, you don't want to talk to that guy because, and it's like wow, you know.
Speaker 5:So the only metaphor I can use to that is a movie, right? Somebody goes to see a movie before you and then they say, man, you don't want to go see that movie, that movie was horrible. And you walk in and you see the titanic and you're you can't even get up at the end of the movie, you're stuck because of what you saw. The same thing you might get if you speak to a police officer he might be your Titanic movie. That will change your way of the negativity that's been planted in your mind. Talk to a police officer. That's the only way. I mean, no relationship starts without a hello, right? Or hey, nice to meet you. Hey, what's your name? That's how you start a relationship with a police officer.
Speaker 2:If you don't know one. No, it's interesting. You reminded me of the adage that says if it bleeds, it reads, you know. When it has to do with journalism, when it has to do with news, you know. Sensationalize, you know. If it smells it, it sells, you know. And so what you're, what you're bringing to clarity, is the difference between the screen and what is really seen, reality. And so what you're saying is, if you're, if you're, negative towards law enforcement, if you're watching television programs today that try to downplay, that try to undermine the value and the need for the profession, what you're saying is get some first-hand response, get some heart-to-heart interaction. Absolutely, what you're saying as a law enforcement is you're encouraging the person. Come and talk to me, correct? Ask me a question, see what I'm about yeah, see what I got for you see what I can say to you, yeah don't go by the screen, don't
Speaker 5:just judge me because of my uniform, because something negative, because something negative happened in California and I'm way down here in South Florida, but yet, because we wear the same uniform, oh, you're the same. You're all the same, yeah, you're all the same Abusive, abusing power. And it's not like that, man. Yeah, it's not like that. 2.999% of law enforcement are here to save you, care for you, love you, protect you and help you. Okay, but I will tell you that in every profession doctors, garbage men, pastors, law enforcement- I didn't say that.
Speaker 1:I didn't say that. I didn't say that it's true. You can.
Speaker 5:Okay, you will find the negative Guaranteed. Okay. But just because that person is negative right now doesn't mean that they can't see the light. Yeah, and now you turn into a positive. Yeah, how many plants don't we plant that don't give us a leaf for years, or you don't do it the proper way. And then, all of a sudden, you walk out and you see that stem coming out from the ground, yeah, and it's starting to grow. Same thing happens for negative people. You will start to grow and if you pray, you will fast track the growth, because that's your answer, man. That's the answer.
Speaker 2:The miracle growth is in seeking God in the prayer.
Speaker 4:Adrian Chaplin, you want to say something Well to continue with the poet who doesn't know it, and the illustration of the seed and what you plant and how you water it.
Speaker 4:Speaking to the officer and as a chaplain, our officers' well-being, how they're doing day in and day out when they go home, the way that they handle the stresses of the day, the way that they handle the stresses of the day, the way they handle good administration, bad administration, good moments, bad moments, good times with people on the street, bad times, all the different things that go into an officer's life. And, pastor Aziz, you say that an officer sometimes just in evil and in difficult situations, they see more in one day than some people might see in their entire lifetime and all those little things accumulate one after another, after another, after another and they build up and it is heavy sometimes. And so being able to deal with it and as lieutenant herrera has said earlier in the program prayer, prayer, right, you have to intentionally put into your life these certain routines or practices or things that when you are out in the street you're going to be able to respond, the right way so officer wellness to me is directly related to officer safety, officer performance.
Speaker 2:Yes, you're bringing a subject that I would like to hear more from the lieutenant about You're talking.
Speaker 2:A subject that I would like to hear more from the lieutenant about You're talking about officer wellness, that whole idea that you're fit physically, you're good in your firearm exercise, you're up to date in what's the word de-escalating a situation, but then you also need to do something for your mind, your soul, you need to do something for your spirit. So, lieutenant, maybe you want to address, in 26 years of experience in law enforcement, people that maybe you've seen, that have excelled. What have they done for officer wellness, what have they done for their faith and walk with God? And maybe you want to address that, what you've observed, what you learned, or maybe personally, you might want to speak personally what you do.
Speaker 2:You know, again, I try to be very respectful. I never try to put a person in a spot where they have to talk about something or negate a question. So, as I present the question, it's many different layers that you can go. You know someone that you've seen, someone that's inspired you, a character in the Bible, or if you want to shoot at it from a personal perspective, you're free to do that as well. But the question is officer wellness for, again, that officer that's listening, that's starting out, or the officer that you've done it for a long time and you know it's taking a toll on you because you haven't been able to get that officer. Wellness. My hope is that in the answer to the question, it might inspire, it might have someone go in a different direction towards wellness so you know, in wearing uniform, we are trained and we are taught to be the defender, not the defendee.
Speaker 5:You don't need to save me. I'm supposed to save you. What are you talking about? I don't need your help, I can do it myself. No, you can't. And I will tell you from personal experiences.
Speaker 5:Mental wellness in this profession is somewhat of a taboo. I come from a time the beginning of my career, where if you said I need help, if you said I need prayer, you felt that you were immediately going to be sent to psych services, gun and badge, until the psychologist tells us that you're okay, we don't want you around because you are a danger to yourself and to us. So what happened throughout the years is that the officers would just shut down. Here comes the alcoholism, here comes the suicide rate, here comes the divorce rate, because we chose to shut down.
Speaker 5:And to all you listening out there, I will tell you that if you're going through something, man, you're not alone and you're never alone. Even if you seek or don't seek help, god's watching you, man, god's got you. And unless you talk to God and don't only talk to him when things are bad, talk to him when things are good we forget that. We forget that you know how many times I've gone to a jail to take a prisoner and you're walking them over to the property section where you know they're turning all their stuff in. It's put in a clear plastic bag and you see all these inmates walking around and in almost every clear transparent bag. And you see all these inmates walking around and in almost every clear transparent bag you see a bible. But are we praying now to get out of jail and see you in three weeks again, or are we praying because we need to do good in life and with god and say sorry, apologize?
Speaker 3:apologize.
Speaker 5:That's why I say pray when things are good, pray when things are bad. Do not forget, guys. I'm talking to you, man. Mental wellness is so important because PTSD is real. Post-traumatic stress, it's real. It's a month in Sweetwater where it's being observed, yeah, and we see things every day and, unfortunately, even if we're not trying to do it, we take it home.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 5:We take it home. And then, all of a sudden, your conversations turn into arguments yeah, and you don't know why, when your wife just served you a plate of food, a cold drink, yeah, okay, was waiting for you to take care of you, yeah, and what comes out of your mouth is fire, yeah. So what do you do? You set the tone as to why, what did I do? And they didn't do anything. And it's unfortunate when you don't recognize that. Hey, man, stop, press on the brakes, seek help.
Speaker 5:There's nothing wrong with speaking to a psychologist, a pastor, a chaplain, a friend, a co-worker, but talk. Don't be that kettle that's about to blow up. You need to talk. If you don't talk, you're not helping yourself, and unless you're good for yourself, you're not good for anyone else, man. So mental wellness, peer support very important in every department. Every department needs to have some group of people that are willing to talk to others and let them know.
Speaker 5:Hey, man, just because you're going through something doesn't mean that we're going to take you off the road. Just because you're expressing yourself to me and you're crying with me doesn't mean that I think you're soft. Actually, I would do the contrary and say I appreciate your growth, because this will allow you to expand and grow and open your mind and pray, man, pray. I'm telling you there's no Tylenol, 1 million milligram that will fix you. Only God will. And yeah, you're throwing your Bible at me. No, I'm not. No, I'm not. I'm speaking to you from my heart. I'm speaking to you from personal experiences, from my experiences. Okay, this is what I've gone through, so don't tell me you don't know what I'm talking about. You don't know what I'm going through, brother. I've gone through deaths, divorces, sadness, depression, just like I've gone through highs and wows and wow. God, that was you, really. Wow, I never saw that coming, you know, but in a positive coming. You know un batazo por la cabeza, but in a positive way.
Speaker 2:You know a bat getting knocked across your head in a positive way and, lieutenant, I would say thank you for sharing that. I would say to the person listening you know you've in a sense enlisted to serve, to protect, to help. Don't let the hardness of the job disqualify you, even if you're still doing it, but you're not doing it 100%. So the bottom line here is ask for help, seek a counselor, get a chaplain, get a pastor, get someone that will talk and listen. How about just talk?
Speaker 5:Open your mouth, man. Speak up, don't keep it to yourself.
Speaker 1:Let it come out. Let it come out.
Speaker 5:Because when you let it come out, you're bouncing it off the wall and you're hearing it in your own ears and you're realizing that you're going through something difficult. You're walking through the mud and I love it that there's a lot of people that are out there that are willing to listen. But unless you speak up, you know. I mean, if that were the case, I could put my hand on your shoulders and get the lottery numbers right, because I know exactly what's going on. But if I don't know what's going on because you're not speaking up, then you need to speak up, man. You need to speak up because your family will suffer.
Speaker 2:Yeah, I like that, be clear, be transparent and it's good to also cover here. Chaplain, adrian, you might want to add to this you just don't go to anybody. Obviously, confidentiality, obviously someone that's going to respect you through it. But it's so important not to unload on your spouse, you know, like you said, don't let your wife get it, don't let your husband get it, don't let your kids get it or your dog. You know, talk, talk it out. You a reset on your mind, because what you need is a reset on your soul and your spirit, on your heart.
Speaker 2:And, lieutenant, both of us, we know people that we've seen, that they've been at the precipice about to go off, and you get a little conversation, you get a little help and how it brings the value, it brings the redemption reality of a career, a profession, someone that's gone 15 years, 10 years or maybe you've gone 10 days or 15 days.
Speaker 2:You know, because everybody goes in a different paths and even as a chaplain, you know sometimes you're exposed cocaine psychosis, you know, you're exposed to someone that you know needs to be Baker Act, that you're exposed to someone that is just out of it, you know. And then some people go through their whole career and it's like no problem. You know, whatever you're exposed to, that is important to process it and compartmentalize it in the right place so you can continue to function. And I have to depend on illicit behavior, alcohol, gambling, doing things that eventually are going to cost you your profession. A lot of shame and needless embarrassment, when you could just get help and grow and blossom and bloom. Lieutenant, anything else you would want to share, anything else you want to say again for that officer or the citizen that's listening, to help the officer do better in their profession or to help the citizen better understand law enforcement?
Speaker 4:adrian, uh, anytime you want to jump in here, chaplain you know, I've really enjoyed, uh, the amount of tree and plant illustrations throughout this whole program.
Speaker 4:So I think maybe you know, look into though maybe do some google search as to tree seed and the bible, and look at the parables jesus shares, look at some of the illustrations we see, so, uh, and if you can't find it, you go to police. Thank youcom, send us a little message on there and we'll respond to you, but I think it's something that has just been kind of like gone throughout the whole program the tree, the seed, yes, the fruit, and uh, and we, we, we like to see the fruit, but you don't start there, right? You start with the seed. The seed dies. We have to be, uh, it says, you know, uh, to, to, to be, uh, to crucify, right, where we put ourselves down, it's not about us. Jesus is what lives, and then that life starts giving birth, and then you abide. You have to stay close to the vine, and then you get watered and it grows, and sometimes you don't see a leaf, and then the leaf comes, and then the tree, and you know it's amazing.
Speaker 2:Like what the lieutenant said, harvest is coming and also to dovetail on what you're saying to the person listening, there's a harvest that can come to you in your relationship, in your marriage as a supervisor with that employee. That there's a harvest that comes If. If you listen to the words of our guests here today, lieutenant Herrera, chaplain, adrian, you know, just get that seed in your heart, in your soul. Let God do the watering, let God do the growth. Well, I think we're coming to the end of our time. I don't know, lieutenant. Any closing statements, any farewell?
Speaker 5:words, words, just come into my mind and and I'm speaking to you, those that are listening, and I thank you for listening and please continue to listen um, just remember what a blessing that god says after every storm, the sun shall come out. Guaranteed, guaranteed sun comes out after every storm. Am I right or wrong? I'm right, I'm right. So you might be going through a storm right now. Understand that you will come out of it, okay. Buildings might fall in your head, trees might fall in your head, but at the end everything is rebuilt.
Speaker 5:We just need you to come out of it, and you will, with God holding your hand and God blessing you and your family. You will, I promise you, you will. You will see the sun again.
Speaker 2:I know that it's been a joy to have you here this morning, Adrian. I don't know if we have any texts. We don't want to leave any texts hanging. I know the time has gotten out away from us.
Speaker 4:Quick text Lieutenant is not only my supervisor, he's also my friend. This is Cito from Sweetwater Police Department and we are out of time, if we can go. Thank you, Cito. We love to go, but what? We're going?
Speaker 2:to do is have Lieutenant Herrera back sometime, you know, to be with us. Any closing statements, any words of farewell departure. Until the next time, sir.
Speaker 5:Thank you statements any, any words of a farewell departure until the next time, sir. Thank you god for giving me this opportunity with you guys, my friends, my brothers. Thank you god for allowing me and giving me the mic to speak to those, and I pray that I I shed some encouragement to someone, because that's what it's all about man encouraging others, picking them up and not making yourself shine, but make others shine. All about man Encouraging others, picking them up and not making yourself shine, but make others shine.
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