Many jobs test you
Lots of careers make you grow
Few get you shot at.
Some of you who have been with me since I started here know I work for the Queensland Police Service at Headquarters in Brisbane city. I work in the communications room controlling the North and South Metropolitan policing districts as radio despatcher (for want of a better term) and Triple-0 emergency calltaker. I am not a sworn police officer of the QPS, but a civilian employee.
I parked in the underground carpark at work two nights ago in a spot I don't normally park and, while walking to the lift, found three old car doors riddled with bullet holes. I don't know how long they've been sitting there, but the type of vehicle they're off is a mid 1990's model Ford Falcon sedan. I didn't think much of it at the time but decided to go back and photograph them another time for a 365 entry.
That same night, while I was the radio operator controlling the Brisbane City and Brisbane West radio areas, I had a young police officer seriously assaulted by a drug affected member of the public in a nightclub in Fortitude Valley. The officer was king hit by this person then, before he was able to react, knocked to the ground and held in a position in which he was unable to defend and continually beaten until his partner was able to draw a taser and disable the attacker.
These kids put their lives on the line every single day to safeguard the public for very little in the way of acknowledgement or thanks. They take abuse from all levels of society for doing their job, as well as from their managers when they waver slightly in their duties.
When I have these kids on a radio channel I control, they are MY kids and I take serious offence whenever any one of them is injured, abused, spat on or winds up in hospital due to the hands of any deranged, drug affected, drunk or dirty member of the public.
I didn't know the result of the serious assault when I left work yesterday and only found out halfway through tonight's shift. I got the picture as I left work this morning at 0400hrs.
I am upset at the moment. Please forgive the rant.
Wow you have a very tough job as a police dispatcher. You hear it all. I could not take the stress of a police job. They have so much to be responsible for in the community. I admire this profession and yours. Thanks
@viranod I don't think they've been torn off the car so much as dismantled off the vehicle for a forensic inspection. One of my coworkers that lurks here told me tonight of the incident in the late 90's in which this vehicle was involved. Horrific.
@yoelao You're welcome, Yoella. This job does have its ups and downs, unfortunately a lot more downs of late than the norm. And I've calmed considerably since I posted that above :)
@ijuin I haven't heard too much, only injury details and that he was transported to hospital. I sent him an email lastnight wishing him well.
Alan, what a powerful photo and post... I appreciate not only the force that protects us all, but also your powerful protective nature over the kids that make up that force. Hazardous duties indeed. Well done, friend. :)
Very moving and well written story. You have an emotionally difficult job and its great to hear you putting so much feeling into it. I am a nurse working in a maximum security prison so although not the same I sure have a sense of how you feel.
You are very much forgiven for your rant
posted March 17th, 2011
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@viranod I don't think they've been torn off the car so much as dismantled off the vehicle for a forensic inspection. One of my coworkers that lurks here told me tonight of the incident in the late 90's in which this vehicle was involved. Horrific.
@ijuin I haven't heard too much, only injury details and that he was transported to hospital. I sent him an email lastnight wishing him well.
You are very much forgiven for your rant