As my second extra duty assignment of the day was ending, a young woman named Shameka Batiste approached my car. I had my window down. She gave me two Walmart bags and asked me to take them. She seemed uneasy and quickly tried to leave without sharing her name. A note was attached to one of the bags, written on the back of a receipt. It thanked me for being myself and mentioned that her son, Rashad, who is 10, wants to be a SWAT officer. When I finished reading the note, she was gone. I found her in the parking lot, and we had a wonderful conversation. I shared that I was a SWAT member for nearly nine years and wanted to meet Rashad. She offered to bring him for a visit. She explained that she teaches her children to see people as individuals, not focusing on race, and that everyone is equal. She also discussed her family’s challenges but spoke positively about their experiences with law enforcement. We shared several hugs, she thanked me again for my work, wished me safety, and expressed her love.
In a city where officials seem focused on racial division, she didn’t see my race. She saw a man. She saw a man, a son, and a father, doing a job her son aspires to. She said my parents must be proud. Why can’t our city leaders see that? Thank you, Shameka Batiste, for your kindness, and I look forward to meeting Rashad! Also, thank you for the Coke, water, bananas, apple, orange, and the huge sandwich! ❤️💚