Apple a Day
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Funny what you think about at times like that. I was having a really bad night once and someone was unloading a pistol magazine at me while I was zigzagging towards the trees. One went right by my left ear and I thought that I could have just bent my elbow and caught the round in my hand. I look back now and wonder why in the world my brain would have come up with that.I posted this earlier in a separate post to my comments which it was related, but immediately following post 55. Since it was in a separate post without any discussion it was a drive by and thus deleted and infraction issued. I apologize for the poor etiquette.
The following is a, in my opinion, well written article in which a veteran police officer and experienced psychologist specializing in police psychology are interviewed. The article makes some of the points I was grasping for much more clearly and eloquently than I could hope to manage.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news...-school-mass-shooting/?utm_term=.2cb47b08ba29
Courage is going from a calm low stress safe zone and heading to a place where one will face immediate danger. Cowardice is ignoring the call. It would be interesting to know what all the other LEO in the area were up to. I wouldn't be surprised if some dragged their feet in getting to the scene. It wouldn't' be the first time an officer has done so.
The RSO had to make his decisions inside the high stress danger zone. He did move towards the danger. The three responding Sheriff officers probably relied on information and his lead in making their decision. They did move from well out of the danger zone into the danger zone.
The officers from the PD had the drive over, with relatively low adrenaline and psychological strain, to gather themselves, review their training, and decide on a course of action BEFORE they entered the situation and were overwhelmed with subconscious psychological effects. They likely had already decided on a course of action when they exited their vehicles. They probably talked it over with a dispatcher who was further removed in addition to each other over the radio.
I believe courage is knowingly walking into a situation calmly, such as the responding police officers did. The reaction when the situation goes to hell right around you is not related to courage or cowardice.
Those judging are trusting extremely limited information interpreted by news reporters who probably have absolutely no idea what they are talking about.
I once watched tracers from an M2 running near cyclic scream by just over my head as I hunkered behind a small retaining wall. Concrete from the building behind me showering down on me and dirt from in front of the wall splashing over. I found myself thinking about the timing between rounds, which was surprisingly long. Wondering whether I could swing my arm between them without getting hit. Remembering/realizing there were almost certainly non-tracer rounds in between the tracers. Wondering if I could still swing my hand in between rounds. Wondering if anyone had ever tried it before. Thinking what a story that would be.
No idea how long I was engrossed in these thoughts. I really don't think I was aware of much of anything besides the tracers passing overhead during this period of time. The 'bad guys' could have retreated back to the wall as cover and I might not have even noticed unless they stepped on me. I couldn't fire on the M2 and I couldn't leave my position. I was physically doing what I should have been doing. I can't say it was anymore than coincidence and luck at that point in time. My mind was totally distracted.
On topic: I'm a teacher. I'm not allowed the tools to defend myself and I don't know if I can count on an RSO or anyone else from outside to intervene if we're attacked. I've done what I can to harden my classroom but right now barricades are the best I can do. I really don't want to end my career as a bullet sponge
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