It’s been eight years. Eight years in the grit and grime, in the heart of the fray, in the crucible of the criminal justice system. Eight years on the unforgiving, unpredictable streets, where society’s saints and sinners cross paths and write stories of pain and redemption. This is my journey, my baptism by fire. I am Jim Lunsford, and I’ve been on the frontline.
It started with the thieves, those misguided souls who thought they could bypass the law, shoplifters. They are small-time but significant in the grand scheme. They were my first encounter with the reality of crime, a taste of what would come. I played my part, intercepting these petty offenders, handing them over to the long arm of the law.
Then, the game changed. I leveled up, went from rookie to seasoned player. I became a Special Deputy, hunting down those who dared to evade justice. It was a progression, a crucial stepping stone on the path to where I was destined to be.
From there, the journey led me to the heart of a small community, where I took on the mantle of a police officer. This was a new battlefield, a microcosm of society where every interaction mattered. It wasn’t just about enforcing the law; it was about safeguarding a community, protecting a way of life.
I’ve seen things. Things you wouldn’t believe. Things that make your heart heavy and your resolve stronger. I’ve seen the lows of human behavior, the depths to which desperation drives people. I’ve witnessed riots, chaos in its purest form, and anarchy that tests your faith in humanity. I’ve been a spectator to death, a silent guest at the final departure of souls from this world.
But amidst this darkness, there was light. There were moments when I saw the best of humanity, where the veil of despair lifted to reveal communities bound by love, solidarity, and mutual respect. It’s these moments that remind me why I do what I do.
Pain is no stranger to me. I’ve been on the sharp end of a blade, felt its cold kiss as it pierced my flesh. I’ve experienced the crushing weight of endless on-call shifts, relentless and unforgiving, gnawing away at my personal life and soul. I’ve lost relationships, connections ripped apart by the demand of the badge.
But amidst the losses, I’ve gained. I’ve gained wisdom, knowledge that’s been hard-earned on the streets and in the trenches. It’s shaped me into a better officer, spouse, and human being. It’s survival knowledge, not just for the battlefield but for the civil world. It’s the kind of knowledge that strengthens, empowers, enlightens.
While this platform has been a haven for discussions on addiction and trauma, I’ve decided to mix things up a bit. To throw in bits of survival wisdom because the world demands it. In these times, in this state of the world, survival is essential. We must learn to adapt, weather the storm, and rise from the ashes.
This is me sharing, sharing to enlighten, sharing to empower. I hope my words provide you with the knowledge and strength you need to face whatever life throws at you. Because we’re all in this together, standing firm against the tide at the end of the day.
Stay disciplined. Be resilient.
-Jim Lunsford
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