You know, sometimes I think that if Jeremy wouldn't have died, I would have been a hero. I have a sense that I got cheated out of that. Then I feel like a piece of shit because that selfish thought even crossed my mind. Joiner would like new officers to realize that they can fall short of their goals no matter how hard they try. You can give it your best and fully expect that you are going to come out on top.
Police probably feel that more than anyone.
But I want young officers to know that shit happens and that things may not turn out the way they want them to. Prepare for that. Know that some things are beyond our control. Now half way through his career, Joiner remembers high points of which he is especially proud. I've done lots of good things during my years in law enforcement - saved lives, caught bad guys, murderers, returned runaways to their parents.