Chattanooga's Citizens Are The Best

  • Friday, September 30, 2016

Today, when I finished my shift, my wife and I had a rare kid-free time where she and I could enjoy a nice quiet dinner. So, when I left my extra job and she left her job, we met at a neat local place in St. Elmo. She and I had been looking forward to and planning this dinner all day. You see, between my work with the city of Chattanooga, my many hours of extra jobs, and our responsibilities at home and at church, we both get the rare opportunity to enjoy just time for us. So, while she and I (while I was still in uniform) completed our meal together, we shared laughter, memories, and good times together. When our waiter came to our table and cleared our plates, he informed us that someone had already picked up our tab. Now this place was not a very cheap place. I looked at my wife and she and I simultaneously said, “Wow,” and asked the waiter to thank the citizen who paid for us.

All around the country, police departments and officers are facing a lot of scrutiny and turmoil. They are pelted with virtual bottles and rocks from politicians and citizens, as well as literal bottles and rocks from angry protestors and rioters. However, our citizens in Chattanooga are the best. I was born and bred in Chattanooga and have always loved my city. Many within my family in generations before me have given service to the citizens in Chattanooga. Rarely do I work a shift where at least two or three citizens stop me to hug me, thank me, offer me a bottle of water, pay for a meal, pray with me, etc. I am continually thankful for and humbled by our amazing citizens for their continued outpouring of gratitude to us. The refrigerator in our downtown precinct stayed full this summer with water and sports drinks because local citizens wanted to donate them to us. There are dozens of cards, letters, pictures, and drawings from all walks of life posted around the precinct from citizens young and not-so-young, all offering thanks and prayers.

During my ride home from one extra job to rest for a couple of hours before headed out to another extra job, I had the music turned off in my patrol car and I just spent that time reflecting on how blessed I am not only to live in Chattanooga, but also to work for the citizens of Chattanooga. Brother and sister Chattanoogans, please know that you are in my daily prayers as I begin each tour. I pray that we all will remain safe and that God will continue to bless us all.

So, in conclusion, first, thank you to the great city of Chattanooga for allowing me to patrol your streets and provide you the measure of safety that your family and work can enjoy - it is truly an honor. Second, to the citizens who continue to support us either in public or in private, thank you - it does not go unnoticed. And, third, to the person who paid for my wife and me to enjoy our date with just the two of us, she and I humbly thank you. May God bless us all and our United States of America.

FTO Kyle Moses #962

Latest Headlines
Opinion
Send Your Opinions To Chattanoogan.com; Include Your Full Name, Address, Phone Number For Verification
  • 3/29/2024

We welcome your opinions at Chattanoogan.com. Email to news@chattanoogan.com . We require your real first and last name and contact information. This includes your home address and phone ... more

Capitol Report From State Rep. Greg Vital For March 28
  • 3/28/2024

Budget becomes central focus in final weeks of 113th General Assembly Members of the House Finance, Ways and Means Committee this week were briefed by Finance and Administration Commissioner ... more