Second Work Update

So, I don't mean to brag, but this post has been more than a year coming:

Last year (that would be 2010 because I'm still in the very last hour of 2011 here) I was recognized during National Crime Victims' Rights Week with a certificate of appreciation for my "work with crime victims."  Several agencies sponsored the award, and one representative from each local law enforcement agency received one.  I was the only one in the Billings Police Dept to get the award.  I also got a cool key chain. 

I kept meaning to post that, but never did.

Then at the end of last year (again, 2010), I got super sick one day, and I had to call in to work.  As I was lying on my couch, suffering, I got a call from my sergeant.  I did not answer my phone, but thought, "What's going on?  Does he think I'm faking being sick?  I don't usually call in sick, so I can't be in trouble for this...can I?"  After stressing about it for 30 minutes, I finally decided that it would be best just to bite the bullet and call the sergeant back to see what he wanted. 

I was not in trouble.  He was calling to advise me that the Day Shift commanders had nominated me for Officer of the Year.  The proceedure, he said, was that commanders from each shift (Days, Noons, Nights, and Detectives) nominate one employee.  All of the commanders get together later on, present the letters of nomination, and vote on THE Officer of the Year.  The next week, I learned that I had not received the award.  It's hard to beat an under-cover detective who has been on the department for probably 15 years.  Anyway, I felt good just being nominated.  Mine is the largest police department in the state, and I was in the top 4! 

I kept meaning to post that too, but never did.

Well, about 2 weeks after my last post about my new job, I received another call from my sergeant (same sergeant, might I add).  I was already at home for the evening, and at the time, was still working on light-duty status due to my recent elbow injury.  I did not ignore his call, but had my hands full of squirmy Liam, so I could not answer in time.  Once again, I thought, "What did I do?  I didn't take any reports today, so I can't have forgotten to turn in any paperwork...How much trouble can I really get into on light-duty??"

I was not in trouble (again).  This time, the sergeant was calling to tell me that, not only had the Day Shift commanders nominated me for Officer of the Year again, but this year, I WON!

I was kind of shocked since they never told me I was nominated this year.  I'm sure I did not sound as appreciative and excited as he had hoped...it just took some time to set in.  Now, want to talk about neurotic self esteem problems?  I spent the rest of the night waiting for the phone call from a commander, saying they had actually mis-counted the votes, and I really had not won after all.  I know, it's sad.

But, they had not mis-counted.  I really got the award.  I was (am) very proud.  Then I got roped into giving an interview to the local news paper.  Then an on-camera interview for one of the local TV stations.  I did not realize those things came with the package.  (Because of my new position, I'm hearing rumor that my days in the media spot light are not over yet.) 

I did not know what to tell those reporters.  Honestly, I just show up every day and do my job the best I can, usually going home thinking that I could have/ should have done better.  Who knows.  I guess I'm doing things mostly right.  I can guarantee, though, that I will still have days where I think that I could have/ should have done better.  And the next time my sergeant calls me, I will still rack my brain wondering what I might have done wrong!

I kept meaning to post all of that.  Finally...with about 15 minutes left in 2011.

Comments

[Kelly]

This is so exciting, and I'm glad you shared it! Between this and the new job at work, you've got some great stuff going on! Congratulations!!!

[Barb]

Congratulations, Katie. That is really wonderful!
I think you underestimate the value of showing up and doing what you should. It deserves recognition for sure.

[Uncle Mice]

So proud of you, Katie! Congratulations.

[Marie]

Wow! Good for you! How exciting for you and your whole family. I have no doubt you deserved it. Congratulations.