Training In Action

What do you think, construction workers who like to wear masks?

 Nope, it's a mock scenario training day at the state police academy for the police cadets.  That guy there on the left?  That's my hubby (above.) 

Jed has long been involved with carrying out police training for many years, either for his own police department, new police cadets at the state academy or university programs, or other police agencies.  (Obviously he isn't doing any police stuff now, just all military training for the next year.)

Jed is the one of the graders that evaluates each cadet on their tactics and decision making skills during scenarios played out by other police officers. 

This training happened earlier this year, but I am just seeing these for the first time.   Which is why they are now just being posted.

Why all the masks?

 The cadets use air soft guns during the training so if a scenario ends up involving a "need to shoot" situation, the officers can actually shoot a dangerous suspect with paint balls or sometimes even a suspect will have a weapon and fire on the officers.

Even the graders use masks.

From the looks of this photo...this could be a boyfriend/husband beating on his girl.  This officer decides to take action.

Looks like everyone is playing Ring-Around-the-Rosie here and they all fell down.

It's fun to look at these pictures...I don't usually get to see what Jed does when it comes to his police training.  I find it all very interesting to see.

More Goodbye's

For those who are unaware of what is going on in our family, my husband will be leaving very soon with his military unit to go serve in Iraq for a year. It's definitely going to be tough on our family and we have tried to prepare ourselves the best that we can. We are grateful to have had so many people wish our family well throughout this particular time. It's touching to know people care and it means a lot to both Jed and I.

Even though we have already had one farewell from the police department that Jed currently works for, he was given another one by those he has worked with in the past from another police agency. We met together Sunday night at the Curnutt residence to have a little get-together.

Here are just a few pics of the evening.

Lynn and his wife, Tina.

Officer Noah

With the looks of Jed's shirt, you'd think he was actually heading to Hawaii instead.

Whitney and Kendra

Linc, this is definitely your sexiest picture of the night....had to put this one in just for you. :)

Awe, a "happy Linc."

It was so nice to catch up with Lincoln and Nichole, it's been years since we've hung out together.

Officer Noah

Our host and hostess of the night, the Curnutts. Thanks, you two!


One of Jed's long time martial art buddies, Jim, showed up too.

Thank you to all those who came to wish Jed well, it means a lot to us.

SWAT Callout

Yesterday Jed had an big SWAT callout. This was a preplanned event where the team met the night before to go over their plans and do a few practice runs. Jed had a hard time getting any sleep that night, his mind wouldn't let him rest. All he could think about was the next day.

I am not able to give out any details, but I can say that the guys they were going after were extremely dangerous and Jed and his teammates were preparing for the worst. I have to admit that yesterday I was a little nervous about this one and was anxious to see or hear from Jed.

Jed came home safely many hours later....yay! He said that everything went like clockwork and they got the guys without any problems.

Another good day gone by.

Police Department Farewell Picnic

Last night our family headed over to a farewell picnic that the police department held in honor of Jed and his upcoming departure. It was an enjoyable and casual evening with many who showed up to offer their best wishes....and have some of the yummy food.


Chief Dial

Chief and Corporal Swanson.

Rigdon with "Grandma" Dawn (over Parks and Recreation.)

Chowin down.

Officer Hammer, Officer Curnutt and his family.

From left: Officer Hintze, City Councilman Mr. Beatie, City Councilman Mr. Russell, Officer Peterson and his wife.

Officer Tincher.

Officer Mohler cooking up the hamburger patties.

Jed's fellow officers presented him with a few words of wisdom, a few jokes (at Jed's expense of course)....


....and a gift with a card.


The gift turned out to be a Ka-bar knife - an old style Marine fighting weapon.

Bob and Jed are really good buddies.

Jed then was given the chance to say a few words. Although he's laughing here, he did have some more serious and emotional moments that got us all a bit teary-eyed.

Lots of love coming right up.

Aubrey couldn't pass up the opportunity to give her daddy a hug too.

Shakin' hands with Chief Dial.

Our family.

Aubrey's behind the camera now.

Where are the parents of these kids, I mean really, who lets their kids run around wild like this?

Munchin' away.

Rigdon running off like usual.

Our boys never waste an opportunity to wrestle around.

I think they're tired of getting their picture taken, what do you think? I guess a bunch of cops are the last group of people you want to tick off.

Beth (City Clerk)

City clerks.

The guys posing for a few final pictures.

I told the guys to do a funny shot...so Officer Swanson pulled out his pepper spray and let it fly. That's not quite what I was thinking of but really funny!

Sorry friends and family, I wanted to invite you to but I was informed that it was meant for just the city employees and their immediate families. We'll try to put something together soon for all of you too.

Thank you to the City Council and Police Department for putting this on for our family, we really appreciate all of your love and support.

Even Mayor Christensen showed up to offer his support as well.