The "Siren Was My Fvorite" Story

It was an ordinary day. Had to take my grandson Caden to the Manheim Township Police Station. His Cub Scout Pack made a visit to the Lancaster Police Station a few weeks ago, but Caden was sick at the time and missed the trip. His den meeting is soon and all the other scouts will be getting badges for their visit to the police station. My son Derek called and asked if Wayne, my friend from our old neighborhood who coached baseball with me for years, wouldbe able to help arrange a trip for Caden to see the MTPD. Wayne worked for the MTPD for years and was a Detective when he retired a few years ago. He gave me a Lt. Baldwin's number and told me to give him a call. We set up a time and date and at 10:00 AM on Sunday morning, met with Officer Keenan who spent an hour taking us on a tour of the station. Officer Keenan first showed Caden and me his uniform and all the items that he must carry while on duty. His service revolver with two extra clips of ammo, his handcuffs, collapsible baton,and taser gun. Told us a story about a recent criminal arrest where they had to threaten to use the taser on the person if he wouldn't cooperate. We then took a tour with stops to see the dispatcher's station, photo ID station, fingerprint unit, and jail cells. We then went out to the parking lot to see what is necessary items in the police cruiser. Every cruiser is equipped with a computer station, radio for communication, unit to activate the lights on the roof and to sound the siren and a sub-machine gun for protection. The front seat officer is protected from the rear seat with a Plexiglas shield, needed when transporting a suspect in the back seat. The rear door handles have been disengaged so you can only open the doors from the outside. Caden was able to sit in the driver's seat and allowed to push the button to activate the lights on the top. Then he pushed another button and the siren started. This scared him when it didn't stop right away and he asked what you do to stop it. He was told to push it again and the noise stopped. Next button was also for the siren, but a different sound and pattern. Caden then tried on the riot helmet that is carried in the trunk of the car. Officer Keenan did a fantastic job describing the life and job of a police officer. I only wish I could be with Caden when he tells about his trip to the MTPD. It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy. PS - Photos from the top are: Caden in one of the 4 jail cells, taser gun, lights on roof of cruiser, Caden sitting in the driver's side of the police cruiser, Caden trying on Officer Keenan's riot helmet.