down. Completely.”
“We want that, too.”
For a moment Tommy thought about the kids who had been set free because of today’s arrest. Social services was still finding places for them. Tommy shook his head. “Sir, you and the others. You’re making a difference out here. Every hour. Every day.”
Just over a week had passed since his parents had been held up at gunpoint. Tommy had talked to the officers who had arrested the suspects that night. He couldn’t imagine what might’ve happened if police hadn’t been chasing the guys. So, yes. Tommy wanted to do this.
He could hardly wait.
On the drive back, Tommy thought about Annalee. She was home from the hospital and getting stronger. Something only God could’ve done considering how sick she had been. And tomorrow she was going with him to the zoo again. This time for a surprise the Baxters had all been waiting for. Something big was going down, and everyone in the family was planning to be there. Tommy and Annalee, included.
Another call came across the radio. But two other officers responded. “I need to get you back.” Officer Conway kept his eyes on the road. “You’ll make a good officer one day, Tommy. I believe that.”
“Thank you.” He hadn’t gotten to know Officer Conway well. The man had a wife and three teenage daughters. A family who prayed for him to come home each day. But his skill and compassion working the job helped Tommy understand the excellence required of every police officer.
A report a few years ago had ranked Indy the tenth most dangerous city in the country. After a few months riding along with the IMPD, Tommy figured Indianapolis would be in the top five if not for its diligent police force. To the core of their beings, the cops he had worked with cared about keeping the citizens and streets safe. They were the good guys in a world with a whole lot of bad.
Since this was his last day as a ride-along citizen, Tommy had an appointment later with Lieutenant Roger Gere. The lieutenant was waiting for him. Tommy took the seat across from the man. He had no idea what was coming.
“Young man.” The lieutenant had a deep voice. “Thank you for coming in today.”
Tommy nodded. “Thank you for taking the time.”
Lieutenant Gere had immigrated to the United States from Ethiopia. He was known throughout the department for going to bat for his officers, working tireless long hours and for being a leader with integrity. His reputation with the Indiana law enforcement was sterling. The lieutenant was driven to protect Indianapolis and the United States.
One wall of his office was almost entirely taken up with an American flag.
The man folded his hands on his clean desk. “I hear from my men and women that you want to be a police officer with the IMPD.”
“Yes, sir. When I turn twenty-one. I’ll probably work in Florida for a few years first.” Tommy felt his heart thud against his chest. Was this…? Were they going to hire him right here, on the spot? Hold a spot for him when he was old enough to wear the uniform? “It’s become more than a dream for me. It’s a passion.”
Lieutenant Gere stood and paced behind his desk. He looked at the framed photos on the wall that ran in a line all the way to the window. “Many citizens have participated in our ride-along program.” He turned and looked at Tommy. “From what I hear, you’re one of the best.”
“Wow… uh, thank you. That means a lot.”
The man crossed his arms. “But I’m afraid I don’t have the news you want to hear, son.”
Tommy’s mind began to race. “Sir?”
“Police candidates don’t necessarily need a college education, Tommy.” He paused. “But my team tells me you have leadership skills. We wouldn’t hire you without a bachelor’s. Maybe even a master’s or a doctorate.” He looked hard at Tommy. “Do you know why?”
Tommy felt his face getting hot. This was the last thing he had expected to hear today. “No, sir?”
“Because of these.” He pointed to the framed pictures. One at a time. “These are lieutenants and captains and even chiefs of police. Each of them started as an officer, young man. But they all had something you don’t have.”
“Higher education?” The prospect of four or more years of schooling before he could don a uniform felt beyond defeating.
“That’s right.” The lieutenant sat back down at his desk. “You get your education, then come back. We’ll