Ask the Officer: Goodbye, but not really

By Glenn Raggio

Menlo Park Police Officer

Fourteen years ago, I'm sure very few of my Police Academy peers ever heard of Dion and the Belmonts, held a silver certificate, waited in a gas line, or listened to Paladin recite Shakespeare from his horse.

I was 40 years old when my fantasy to become a police officer began its wonderful journey to reality.

By the time I left the academy, I felt like I was their age -- even younger. My calm, cool adult demeanor gave itself eagerly over to anticipation. I had a cause. I took an oath. I began a love affair with a community.

For nearly 14 years as a reserve and regular officer, I held to my instincts and my oath. I was rewarded daily with spoken and unspoken gratitude from nearly everyone with whom I came into contact.

While I am leaving the Menlo Park Police Department, my profession stays the same. I'm just moving up the road a piece -- to the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office, where I will complete my law enforcement career.

On August 15, I will officially become Deputy Sheriff Raggio.

Conjures up the image of a dusty street with wooden walks and men with hats, worn saddles on tired horses, and the swinging doors to a saloon creaking to a slow pause, doesn't it?

I'm joining a long-standing tradition, and I'll be proud to become a part of it. I can't wait.

Oh ... not all of me is leaving. I'm still a resident of this community and will remain one. While the title of this column may change to "Ask the Deputy," it will still be written by Glenn Raggio. Similar uniform, different badge, different patch, same guy.

Thank you, Menlo Park, for allowing me to serve you.
Menlo Park police officer Glenn Raggio has been writing the Ask the Officer feature in the Almanac since 1996.