JR SWAT 5: Five, On the move

Chapter 10: Preventive Care

Back at HQ...

"Guys!" Deacon called.

Street and Tan had just started another round, being stuck on a tie after going to extras. They immediately froze and turned to the moving officer outside of the ring. Big droplets of sweat came down their foreheads, backs and even elbows, as perspiration soaked their shirts and pants. Both gasped for air, Street with his hands to the side, while Tan rested his weight on the ropes. Exhausted and tired, neither one wanted to call it quits, but when they heard Deacon calling so sternly, they knew it was serious.

"D! What's up?" Tan called between breaths, noticing the leader continued moving quickly.

Sergeant Kay turned his shoulders and answered, "Eagle. Now!"

Since he didn't stop, the younger officials assumed they had no choice. They immediately exited the ring, removed their gloves, placed them on the rack, grabbed a hand towel and sprinted after him.

"Ladies and gentlemen" called a man in the main screen.

Most of the officers on duty had gathered around the main screen, some in patrol uniform, others in training gear and others in formal attire. However, everyone stared at the screen quietly, paying close attention. Tan and Street quickly joined their team, surprised that Luca was among them as well. He stood between Hondo and Deacon, dressed in civilian clothing.

"If there is one thing I despise the most is burying one of my own, especially because of a self inflicting incident. I hate having to witness the trumpets, the lines, the salute, the flag folding... everything!" the angry man said. "Because you know what? I hate losing one of my own. I hate it. I do. They're my family. As my family, I want them to thrive, to be successful, to have my back as much as I have theirs."

The room went silent, as the more than twenty officers stood staring at the screen. The man took a deep breath, allowing a silent second to go by.

"Just the other week I attended funeral services of a young SWAT recruit with plenty of potential. It has come to my attention all the praises, comments and even compliments that this young man received while training at Metro. Sergeant Kay wrote about his persistence. Officer Luca about his impressive combat abilities and problem solving skills. Others like Sergeant Harrelson, Stevens and several others praised him on his physical abilities and complex capabilities in the field and beyond. And then?"

Silence.

"I find out this man was so troubled, he injured his own partner, right before he took his own life. What a pity! What a disaster!"

Silence.

"I don't know about you people, but I'm tiiiiiiiired of this! Law enforcement officers make up the third highest population among suicides and self destructive incidents in this nation, only behind medical personnel and military. After Covid, in California alone, this has increased by over 100%, making it the second leading cause of deaths among officers."

For Street this hit differently. He was sent back to all those times he went to sleep with a terrible hangover. Not to mention Chris' alcohol issues, Hondo's issues with working out uncontrollably and even Tan's obsession with his ex wife's boyfriend. He understood now that human emotions can drive anyone to extremes, if not dealt with properly and on time. 

Hondo's words that morning resounded loud in his mind. After explaining the situation about the threat reported by Sergeant Hanson, he was emphatic on keeping a close eye on the kids. "Listen, kid, desperation can drive anyone to loose themselves and everything's they've worked hard to get. We can't let them throw away everything they've gained. Time is the best remedy, but patience is a virtue." Listening to the man on the screen and how serious this issue was, he understood perfectly that now more than ever, Rubio needed him...as well as Chris. However, just like Hondo said, "Remember that you're not alone. You don't have to deal with everything on yo own. We a team, we got you!"