Police World Edition 4, 2013

Article

What a Star Two Hertfordshire branch members Phil Rosier and Emily Hughes were keen to travel to the USA - partly to celebrate a birthday. Could the IPA assist? You bet!

12 Police World Vol 58 No.4 2013 O rlando, “most visited US destination” according to a tourism website and July, one of the busiest times of the year. These factors meant that along with my last minute trip planning I was understandably going to struggle arranging an IPA visit during our holiday in the area. I was hoping to arrange ride-along, an Independence Day celebration and possible trips to a shooting range to indulge in my favourite pastime. Bud Lathrop, UK liaison offer in the US, said he would pass the request on but owing to short notice it might be difficult. I was amazed when I received a response from Region 45. Member Larry McCormick stepped forward and not only offered to arrange a ride-along and range visit but also invited us to stay with him at his ‘condo’ on Merritt Island - situated in Florida’s Space coast and home to the Kennedy Space Centre. Come the first week of July, my girlfriend Emily Hughes (Em) and I travelled to Florida and met Larry, a retired New York State trooper, and his partner Anne. Larry’s home is filled with decades of memories from both his time as a trooper and his on-going involvement with the IPA. Letters of thanks, pictures, police patches from all over the world and other memorabilia adorn almost every wall within his home. The collection was impressive on its own and Larry’s own memories and stories, of his experiences, made it much more special. On one of the first days of our visit, Larry took us to the East Precinct of the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office where Em and I met deputy Don Eri and deputy Jenny Rivera who were kind enough to take us out on patrol for part of their shift. We accompanied the deputies in general patrols where we got a feel for the area and most common problems faced by our colleagues. During those patrols we attended a report of a missing teenager who, after falling out with his older sister, had run away and who had allegedly been missing for just over an hour. He was found safe and well when local boat owners saw him hiding from the Sheriff’s helicopter after he had been swimming in a nearby waterway. A fine example of how misleading people can be, intentionally or otherwise, when reporting the circumstances about their missing loved ones. Don and Jenny also took the time to

share with us the most important thing for police officers anywhere to know…. the best local places to get breakfast! A few days later and our host had managed to organise something above and beyond anything we had asked for - a helicopter trip in one of the Sheriff Department’s aircraft. From Merritt Island airport we were flown around the area, taking in spectacular aerial views of Port Canaveral, Cocoa Beach, and a distant view of Kennedy Space Centre’s impressive vehicle assembly building. We were unable to properly thank our pilot for the ride as moments after we touched down, the helicopter was dispatched to assist with a live incident. We celebrated Em’s birthday, which happens to fall on Independence Day, at Sea World’s Discovery Cove swimming with dolphins before going on to watch the massive fireworks display held at Sea World in the evening. Our eternal thanks go to Larry who personifies everything the IPA stands for. It was thanks to his generosity, kindness and companionship that facilitated our fantastic visit to Florida. It is my hope to be able to return the good turn to him in the future. Phil Rosier

Phil, Emily and Larry

Emily prepares for the ride-along

Phil with Jenny Rivera and Don Eri

Jenny Rivera and Emily

Emily at the controls