I'd gotten an email from my friend, Commander Mirabelle (3rd from right), asking me to come to the Justice Department to meet with the Blue Guardian team.
Of course, I replied, 'Yes ma'am'.
But when I arrived at the conference room, I found myself in the middle of a swarm of men and women in uniform. Armed for duty, ready to serve and protect. After a few moments of hugs and laughs and catching up, we got down to business.
Chief Robledo (front left), began asking the officers why they chose to be involved in the program. One by one, some of the strongest men and women I know in our city, began fighting back tears and emotion as they opened up.
They shared personal things they’d overcome. Situations they grew up in and worked hard to get out of. Some joined the program to protect children. Some joined to combat racism and cultural mindset. Some even joined to help heal their own personal wounds.
But they’ve all come together to put 100% of themselves on the line to serve our community. To show us the heart behind the badge. The more they talked, the more emotional I became listening to their stories. And when it was my turn to speak, I cried like a little Gilmore Girl.
They presented Backpack Friends with a $1000 check to help us in our mission to feed kids in the city. Because kids who struggle with weekend hunger are statistically more prone to be involved in criminal activity. They’re more likely to drop out of school, participate in violence, and engage in drug and alcohol abuse.
Inside the command team meeting room, there’s a 6-foot inscription on one wall that reads, “Lead with a servant heart.”
See, leadership isn’t about being in charge. It’s about caring for those in your charge. It’s not about the title. It’s about service. That’s why it’s such an honor to partner with the Pflugerville Police Department and their Blue Guardian program. Our mission and mindset is one and the same: lead by serving.
Like me, they get out of bed every the morning asking the question, “Who can I serve today?”.
And together, we’re building the community every kid deserves.