A New Venture

I grew up in Pensacola. When I was a little boy, a desperate man had committed a heinous crime in our neighborhood and was being tracked by the police. My father, who was a Pensacola Police officer, stopped by the house and told my mother to “keep the kids inside and lock the doors until we catch this guy.”

Two things happened that day. First, I became acutely aware that this world is not a safe place. Bad guys are…bad. I was afraid. Secondly, though, I felt safe that my father was there to protect me. Of course, I thought he could beat up anybody – he was my dad! But more than that, I realized that he and the other officers were willing to take on bad guys to keep me safe…even if it meant harm to them. That was when I knew I wanted to be a law enforcement officer.

Unlike many people, I grew up with that image of the police in my mind. Was it accurate? As a retired police officer, I like to think so, but I know it is not that simple. However, I do still believe that every person who wants to be a police officer wants to be a good guy and protect the citizens.

After I graduated high school, I knew I couldn’t work on the Pensacola Police Force as long as my dad was there – not at that time. So, on April 26, 1982, I became a Corrections Officer. I was proud to begin wearing a badge and partake in the Criminal Justice profession like my hero.

Then tragedy struck. On my 23^rd day in the Corrections Academy, I lost my dad to a massive heart attack. I was devastated! I realized that I would have to make my own way now, without him to guide me. But…he had taught me to finish what I started, so I completed the academy and worked in Corrections for four years.

As I always knew I would, I applied for and was hired by the Pensacola Police Department. I was elated! On January 2, 1986, I joined the same line of lawmen that I had respected as a boy. One of the proudest moments of my life was when I pinned my dad’s badge on my uniform. I couldn’t believe that I would be allowed to carry on.

When I was a child – and even during my years on the force – most people were supportive of the police. Sure, there were some who didn’t like the police, but most felt they were there to help. Today, however, many people don’t feel that way. They often feel that a career in law enforcement is not the noble profession it used to be. That is a real problem because those who are considering entering into the law enforcement profession are often ridiculed and even harassed.

To make matters worse, agencies are often strapped with so many demands from outward that they are unable to stress the honorable profession that is law enforcement. To make matters worse, the young people in today’s culture are encouraged to “follow their heart,” and change jobs if the current one doesn’t please them. So our communities are often served by young men and women who want to be police officers but don’t know the legacy carried by the badge.

So, I want to do something about that. I want those young officers to understand and feel the honor of wearing that badge, and the weight that goes with it. I want them to understand that, when they raise their right hand and take the oath, they are continuing a long line of men and women who have done the same thing – sworn to uphold the law in Pensacola. I want them to feel proud that they are following in the footsteps of those who, since 1821, have gone before them.

For many years, I have enjoyed researching the rich history of the Pensacola Police Department. As one of the oldest departments in the United States, there is a lot of history to cover. Over the years, I have collected stories, pictures, and artifacts from the last 203 years. I have published nine books on the subject and written many more.

But that’s not enough. I propose that the “Pensacola Police Historical Society” be formed. With such a society, others who want to preserve the rich history of this department could join and celebrate the men and women who made it what it is today.

Many ideas come to mind, such as collect and preserve stories, documents, and photographs, raise funds to assist in the preservation and celebration, host events, host a website, and create a newsletter. The Pensacola Police Department, along with the UWF Historic Trust, would like to build a museum section at the Pensacola Museum of History.

I am willing to commit to this most worthy cause, but I can’t do it alone. I need help. I’m not sure what that means. There is a lot to be done, but it is well worth it. Please consider helping me to get this endeavor off the ground. A comment or a private message will get you on the list.

Thank you,

Mike Simmons