Humans of Downey - Michael

"One character trait I have that I would want my kids to also have is respect for other people. With all the drama that's going on in our country right now, you need to respect others' opinions or decisions. Whatever they choose to say or think, you need to respect those choices. If you disagree about how someone voted, you can't get mad. Everyone has their opinions. It doesn't mean one is right and the other is wrong. I think you need to respect and be nice to other people.

"I think I have a good sense of humor. You need one to get through this job. We see some crazy things out there. I've been working in the Downey Police Department for 30 years and I've seen some pretty crazy things.

"To help instill in my sons a sense of respect for others, I've taken them on several ride-a-longs. I have two objectives in this. First, I want them to see what others may never see about how people live, how they make good decisions even in the midst of difficult situations. Second, I want them to appreciate what they have. When we would go on a call that takes us into someone's house that isn't as well off as we are, they see that not everyone has it as good as we do. It helps keep them in check. Everyone gets in that phase where you get complacent, taking things for granted, so it's good to take them out to see the other side of life where people don't have it as good as we do.

"My daughters are a little young to be taken on a ride-a-long. For the past ten years I have been president of the Downey Police Association and we have delivered presents during Christmas and Thanksgiving diners the night before Thanksgiving to needy families. And I've taken my daughters along with us to give them the experience of helping others. My kids are just like all kids who at times will desire more than they have. But by helping others that are in need of these essential items, it's an eye opener. It makes them appreciate what they have."
~ Michael