Agent G

Oh hell no. I moved to the desert to get away from winter. G

In Vegas, 10-10 means exactly that. I must confess, in my previous 28 years in the St.Louis PD, I never, ever used a 10-Code. We had a system all our own based on a dispatch system from long ago. The system was replaced early in my career, but the lingo remains to this day. It's called "English". G

They do/did. After the caliber switch I'd bet on Glock 19's. G

Snuck in on me there Mike. I think the term "lake pipes" was always used regardless of the venue. G

Here are two examples from the dry lake era. G

SCTA rules stated the ends of the exhaust pipes must extend past the rear of the auto and not be pointed at the ground. Dust don't ya know. Couldn't have exhausts stirring up a cloud obscuring the driver's vision. So, true "lake pipes" were long tubes either under the car or off to the sides, mostly close to the beltline, but extending to the back of the car. The styles illustrated by the previous photos came along when the cars ran on the salt flats, less dust to contend with and the exhaust didn't contribute to it. G

What is that house painter's green van? That'd make a cute little build for sure. G

Had department policy allowed, I'd have carried a 1911 style .45 for sure. I have a stainless steel Officer's ACP and it's a sweet, sweet pistol. Did you guys see that the FBI is headed back to the 9 mm? I'm not sure what handgun they will issue, but it actually makes sense to me. Probably the only thing that makes sense from the FBI........ G

Mark despite what the "experts" say, that Beretta was a fine weapon. I had two in the 15 years between adoption and my retirement as we upgraded in about '02. I didn't get to keep either weapon, but intend to buy another soon. G

We have the watch now sir. Fair winds and following seas shipmate. G

Yessir! That was our issued weapon and the only handgun we could carry in uniform. G

I owe Mr. Smith and Mr. Wesson a huge debt of gratitude for assisting me on more than one occasion. That Italian fella, Peter Beretta, came to the party a couple of times as well. Danno, next time we get together remind me to tell you the story of the running gunfight I had in the projects way back when. Good stuff! G

Oh I like that, a lot! G

"A mans got to know his limitations." G

Ditto both the above comments. I started my career with a S&W Model 10 issued by the PD. It was exchanged for a stainless steel Model 64 in '87. Rarely carried either but they were both superb handguns. I carried a Model 19 with a 6" after my first year, then a Model 66 6", until about '85-'86. Then I bought a Model 681 and carried it until the advent of the semi-auto pistols in 1990. All the while I had a Model 36 for off duty and detective work. It's amazing how things come full circle. 36 years later I buy a new Model 637 as I have some interesting assignments coming up. Ed you are spot on in that assessment. God forbid I will need this little beauty, but if I do, I know she'll do her part. G

A Smith and Wesson model 637 .38 revolver. Mmmmmmm good G

In the "be careful what you wish for, you might get it" category, I submit the following "irk". All summer we, the night watch, have been tolerating the states system of climate control in our office building. Specifically the AC goes into low mode at 11pm Friday and doesn't power up until early Monday. After 110-115 degree days this just doesn't cut it, it's at least 85-90 at night in the building. As of this weekend, now that the hottest days are behind us, the AC is at maximum all night. You could hang meat in my office right now. G

I do find it interesting that in this digital world, with references galore, prototypes to examine and state of the art hardware/software, major errors seem to abound. It has happened in the armor modeling world as well as the automotive lately. Curious. Are we more intolerant of error that has been with us all this time, or is this a modern phenomena? G

No one who gets into law enforcement is naive enough to believe it's all kittens and sunshine out there. Of course there's an element of danger involved, 80 percent of the training is in preparation for that. No one should be the target of a random violent assault just because of their occupation. We lost a LVMPD cop off duty, in his own driveway last year, targeted because he was a cop. Then there are the two officers who were killed eating pizza. ALL LIVES MATTER G

I don't know the movie, but that's a hot looking ride. G

Charlie, Charlie, Charlie, you hit the nail squarely on the head with that hammer my friend. I was told from the beginning that my mouth could get me into trouble quicker than ever. I was also taught how to talk myself out of trouble and schmooze the situation until lots of help got there. The job is nothing but communication and common sense. It seems some of my cohorts forget that communicating means speaking and listening. Interpersonal skills are an art form. I was always fortunate to work with the best and smart enough to shut up and learn. "We the people" means just that. i.e. You don't have to be a jag off to get the job done. "Salus Populi Suprema Lex Esto" It was our motto, says it right there on the badge. It was drummed into us daily in the academy and we were constantly reminded of it throughout our careers. "Let the welfare of the people be the supreme law" G

I cannot imagine what some of you guys are going through in regards to health issues and related costs. Every day I count my blessings that my health has endured. Thanks to MrsG I quit smoking, curtailed the drinking and as of today am 60 lbs lighter than two tears ago. Over the counter allergy medicine and Ibuprofen for some snuffles and twinges is all I require right now. I gave up on the VA decades ago and deal with those "issues" on my own. That's what the Ibuprofen is for. I am truly blessed. G

Amen to both these statements. G

I don't know what it is, but more coppers get killed right before retirement than when they are brand new and stupid. I suppose it's the thought of finally getting out the allows one to let down their guard so to speak. This guy killed in Fox Lake by all accounts was a hard charger, so I don't really think that was the case. It's a dam n shame. G

Now that's cool! Love it. G