Issue link: https://let.epubxp.com/i/423221
addressing the importance of wearing a seatbelt. "I do know that now every time you do sit in your patrol and you sign on, they put a disclaimer saying you are required to wear your seatbelt, kind of like an acknowledgement before you can even start [the car]," says Roy. The measure is there for officers' safety, and also ensures a little extra accountability. Back when he worked for the gang division at Houston PD Roy was in and out of the car all the time. He admits it can be tough to change old habits and says "to be honest, there were a lot of times I didn't wear my seatbelt just because it was so uncomfortable. But they do save lives. You just never know; you could be at a stoplight, somebody T-bones you, they hit you from behind and you're not wearing your seatbelt; you don't know what's going to happen." His message to anyone struggling, whether with injuries or finances or isola- tion: "Never give up, never quit. "Being a police officer you deal with loss, you deal with a stressful job…every- one looks at the police officer as being the hero, the strong and brave person, but inside that uniform is a human being." Now he is an author, an advocate, and most of all a proud father of a spirited four-year-old boy. Roy is grateful to be where he is today, to get up and walk, and go out and try to inspire the lives of young adults. "I'm still dealing with it and I know how hard it is to just get through the day." He credits his faith in God for helping him get through the lowest points. "I had to believe in some- thing. I couldn't see. I had to believe in that and that's what got me through the suicide, the depression, the defeat, the loneliness. That's for me and I can't speak about it enough. You've got to believe in something." ■ See what you've been missing. 6521 pr-infrared.com • 800-722-8078 A DIVISION OF P&R; TECHNOLOGIES, INC Thermal imaging sees clearly in total darkness —and through light smoke, dust, fog, even foliage! FLIR LS $3,999 FLIR M-24 $5,880 FLIR M-18 $9,208 FLIR T75 LONG RANGE SIGHT NEW & IN STOCK! Circle 14 on Reader Service Card 22 Law Enforcement Technology December 2014 www.officer.com LEADERSHIP Back when he worked for the gang division at Houston PD Roy was in and out of the car all the time. He admits it can be tough to change old habits and says "to be honest, there were a lot of times I didn't wear my seatbelt just because it was so uncomfortable. But they do save lives. You just never know..."