Good Luck "JT"by Ray Shay

  

If you are a current or retired San Diego Police Officer, or a Federal Narcotics agent you probably know the person to my left. If you are a civilian, you would have never made "JT" as a cop. You would think he was maybe an east coast bagel shop owner. Undercover Narcotic Detectives are like that. They are pros at deception.

I admit it, going undercover for years or hanging out night after night with drug addicts and their suppliers was never the job for me. I liked wearing a blue uniform, body armor and having a gold badge on my chest.  A clearer line between good and evil.   I think going undercover, sometimes for years at a time, would be a much more difficult and challenging career.

UC or "undercover" police officers are a rare breed. Generally their not out to get promoted or kiss up to the ranking officers. They just want to work as part of a team and put the people who carry guns and poison our children into jail.  To a detective, they are very committed and focused. You have to be like that if your going to be successful in such a dangerous environment and make it home alive.    

I have written about "JT" before. He said it was fine if I wanted to write about him again and even place his picture in the eWeekly.   I covered his eyes for dramatic effect while also knowing criminals have long memories.  "JT" is not his real name and I won't divulge the location where many of his friends and colleagues wished him a happy retirement last week.   

 

As background, "JT" and I were both rookie cops in Logan Heights in the early eighties and we subsequently attended our first SWAT Academy together as well as countless tactical operations. He is as solid of a guy you would ever want to meet.  Nothing fake about him.   

As I drove on the I-805 on the way to his party, I thought of all the years we worked together and the summer morning we met me at the old police station at 801 West Market Street.  It was before first watch at about five AM for a SWAT training run. The same location where people now go for a relaxing dinner is the same location he broke the news to me that two of our fellow officers had just been shot and killed and a third officer was wounded. All over a couple minors drinking beer.   

You never forget those times or the connections you develop in another person. I would trust John with anything I have. As I walked into the restaurant Friday evening, I saw several  families eating dinner looking suspiciously at the long haired and our rough looking crowd loitering in the patio area.   

There were no long speeches or brass present other than SDPD Assistant Chief Cesar Solis who is a personal friend of "JT's." "JT" thanked everyone for attending and of course his wife and children, who are always the top priority in his life.  I think that is pretty special.      

 

Just before I left the party, I walked into the restaurant and saw a family eating pizza with several children at the table. The parents seemed to glance periodically at the crowd on the patio.  Life is often not what it appears.   

What seemed funny to me is the family was cognizant of our gathering and likely wondered what we all did for a living or maybe what we didn't do for a living. I know they would have been honestly shocked to know that the beer drinking group laughing and occasionally hugging each other were about thirty Federal and Local law enforcement officers.  Some of them were retired while others were still on the job.  All of them were there to show their appreciation to "JT" and his family.      

They are all unsung heroes who just do their jobs.  They risk their lives every day and night in hopes our children will never be tainted by illegal narcotics or the violent and turbulent world of drug dealers and their users that inevitably swallow up so many of our youth and too many adults as well.   Good Luck "JT."  You served your community and your fellow officers with honor and bravery.    

Enjoy your week.

 
 
 
Ray and Theresa Shay 
 
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