Enduring to the End

Frank with Chief of Police

An officer serving with a dog is called a K-9 handler.  Each dog gets one chance with a handler.  Second handlers are usually rejected.  Police dogs are retired rather than assigned another officer.

Handlers are sometimes bitten and frustrated.  When cops and dogs endure, a K-9 unit is formed.  Dogs are trained to sniff for drugs or explosives, never both.   

Shadow was trained to sniff for drugs.  Frank and Shadow endured, making Frank the first African-American K-9 handler in Lansing Police Department history.  Their unit recovered $340,000 in one raid.

Standing Room Only

I saw Frank on the day he was promoted to detective.  Applause, commendations and standing room only were his to enjoy.

Frank strengthened the chaplaincy when he said,  "I couldn't do this job without God in my life.  Faith and family are important to me." 

Hearing Frank's boldness encouraged me to continue cultivating relationships with officers, even when they're indifferent.  Their dogs bite them; their language is often profane; their humor a little off.  What better place for the Good News?  May I endure, as Frank is enduring, in the work of walking among first responders in Jesus's name.
 

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:2)