Final Check Off Roll Call

After almost 38 years of service, it is time for my final "check off" roll call.  I can remember my first day at 720 W. O'Brien when I first started the Police Academy 14 Sept 70.  I was familiar with the place because I was there to become a police cadet in July of 64 but I was now there to become the "real police".  I has been some adventure since then.  I spent a short period of time in the 2nd District before going to Special Operations in 1971.  The next 10 years were perhaps the best years of my police life. I was blessed with a good partner and we spent the next 14 years together.   I had the opportunity to work with some of the best policemen I had ever met.  In 1981 I went back to the 2nd District for a few years before doing a brief tour in the 11th District.  In 1985 I was assigned to News Affairs after knee surgery for a recovery period.  That was 23 years ago.  During this period of time it has been my privilege to represent the finest police department in the country to the News media.  In 1998 they made me an offer I could not refuse, if I would retire they would make me the Assistant Director of News Affairs.  News Affairs became a 24/7 operation and  established an excellent working relationship with the media.  As Assistant Director I had the honor of representing the heart and soul of this department, the working police officers on the street.  In covering over 300 police involved shootings in the past ten years I became the voice and face of the Chicago Police Department at those many traumatic incidents.  Police officers involved in shootings deserve to have the basic facts of the incident made available to the general  public.  They do not need to hear the nonsense from the so called witnesses who did not see a damn thing but will get on camera and tell the media bold face lies regarding the incident.  I have been a police officer for 38 years and I have never met a police officer who woke up in the morning and was determined he was going to shoot someone before the day was over.  I have also been part of too many "honors" funerals for those officers who put everything on the line including their life and became hero's.  These officers were hero's before their death just as each and every officer that is on street today is a hero.  Do it because you are the police. 

The City has been very good to me and I thank them for it.  They have paid tuition for a Bachelors and Masters Degree and I am grateful for that.  (Shame on you if you don't take advantage of educational benefits that are available.)  It has been a wonderful experience.  I know I was the "real police" and as I walk out of the building today it will be with my head held high because I have been part of the finest police department in the Country, the Chicago Police Department. 

This will also be my final posting as the Editor of the Checkerboard.  I hope this blog remains what it started out to be, OF THE POLICE....BY THE POLICE......FOR THE POLICE.

God Bless you all and Stay Safe!

Patrick Camden

Deputy Director

News Affairs - Chicago Police Department

Comments

[Michael L. Bunting]

I've always admired cpd uniforms. But I've always wondered what the significance of the checkered band on the uniforms hat.

Also when it was adopted into the CPD.

Thanx----Michael Bunting

Happy retirement!

[Mike Weaver]

Pat,

Here's to a straight shooter who never forgot what it meant to be the "Real Police"!
You were a terrific street cop and a class act as well. I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to work with that same group of policemen you spoke of. Thank you for all the years of dedicated service!
May God bless you and yours.

[Jay Marvin]

Pat! I've worked a lot of places in my 33 years in radio. Most would remember me from WLS. I was the "house liberal". Even so I had, and always will have a soft spot in my heart, for those on the job around the country. Of all of the media guys I've delt with you were, and are the best. 19-Paul buddy, and if you're ever in Colorado look me up.

Jay Marvin
AM760 Progressive Talk
Denver/Boulder CO

[Pat Malloy]

Kudos to Pat Camden for a job well done, and most of all for speaking your mind about the recent changes in the police department.
It's great to hear someone who isn't afraid to speak up for the police who have to deal with the dregs of society on a daily basis.
Best wishes on your retirement, it is well deserved!

[John Murphy]

Pat, time to enjoy yourself, you were always a gentleman on the street and alway said hello to the working police. SALUTE!!! You earned it.