Final Florida Story

Well, I 'm back to the grind in Minnesota. One final FOP related story about Florida: About 5 years ago My wife and I were in The City of Anna Maria - on the northern tip of the island that my mom lives. Anna Maria contracts with The Manatee County S.O. for police protection.

It was a warm evening, and I parked our rental car near a really nice beach area. We walked along the beach and watched the sunset. We then came back to our car, and we noticed the house that we were in front of had it's door open, television blaring, and no one in sight. I also noticed the parking ticket on my windshield...I didn't realize that I was in a no parking zone. As we were driving home, I spotted the Anna Maria deputy sitting in a parking lot. I stopped and walked up to the car.

I had an FOP golf shirt on. I said hello, and the first thing he asked is if I was a cop and FOP member. I told him that I was, and he told me that he was the 2nd VP of Manatee County Lodge #70. I told him about the suspicious residence - and he asked if I knew the exact address.

I told him to wait one second, and I retrieved the parking ticket that he had given me - - with the exact address. He smiled, held out his hand and said "gimme the ticket". I told him that it was only a parking ticket, and that I would gladly pay it rather than have him get into trouble explaining to his supervisor why he is voiding it. He looked at me and said "You're a fellow cop, helping me out with some information, and you're an FOP brother....gimme the ticket".

The instant strong bond that we have with brothers and sisters across the country never ceases to amaze me.