A Tribute to Lt. Robert L. Nelson,

Transcription

1 50 State Security Service, Inc. The Lieutenant Robert L. Nelson Edition September 2013 A Tribute to Lt. Robert L. Nelson, The past two weeks have been a very difficult time for the 50 State Family. With the events of Saturday August 17 each of us have grieved in our own way and adjusted our perspective of the future. Lt. Robert Nelson was one of us and one we can all be proud to have known in whatever way our paths may have crossed. We will all have our own memories of the smile, the laugh, the commitment, the dedication, but we were all impacted by his presence and his passing. Through these challenging times we all learn something about ourselves. The one thing we can all agree is that we came together, supported one another and got to know each other in a different way. There was an outpouring of sympathy and support from the Security Community, the Miami-Dade County Police, Broward County Sheriff s Office, the Police Officer s Assistance Trust and individuals too numerous to mention. Lt. Nelson had many friends and when all was said and done they all came together, shared their grief, paid their respects and honored a very deserving man and particularly his personal family. While words and gestures can never replace the loss, your efforts to share your own feelings and appreciation for good person, doing the very best he could every day and in every way he could, can serve as inspiration for all of us as we move forward. Inside this issue: Proclamation of Lt. Robert Nelson Day Page: It Takes a Special Kind of Person 3 In Remembrance of Lt. Robert Nelson Testimonials There are many testimonials to Lt. Nelson in this edition of P.R.I.D.E., all of which only re-enforce his recognition by the Lt. Robert Nelson Officer of the Year to be awarded each year for the attributes defined by P.R.I.D.E. and the Proclamation included on page 2. Those attributes give us guidance in what we can do to make sure we are delivering on the commitments we make to our clients and one another. Thank you for your compassion, thoughts and prayers during these very difficult times. You make us proud to be a part of the 50 State Family. Let us not forget how we came together in this situation and recognize that we are here to do our best and deliver on our commitments as we go about our daily lives professionally and personally.

2 Page 2

3 Page 3 It Takes a Special Kind of Person By Michael Lipari It takes a special kind of person to wear a badge and gun To devote their life entirely to fight the battles that must be won. So often they re not appreciated for the job they are asked to do. But they gladly lay down their life because they wear that badge for you. Some seem to think that they really have it made That all they do is ride around for the money they are paid. But every time trouble appears they re the first one that they call. it's only then they realize they are special after all. There's a person behind that badge who has feelings just like you. So seldom do they get praise for all the things they will do. If you ever stop and think of what they face day and night You'd respect what they stand for and learn to treat them right. There is a person behind that badge and they re not made of steel and the things we watch on T.V. to them are very real. Their job is simply protect, report and observe, Watch out for personal property all of this they must preserve. They chose to help their fellow citizens a decision made from their heart To protect us with their life and give each person a better start. You should say a prayer each night, to thank God that they are there. When you see them on the streets, or on the rail you should show them that you care. Without the sacrifice they make, we'd always live in fear, They should be commended to wear the uniform they wear so dear Lt. Robert Nelson Lt. Robert Nelson with his father, Bobby Nelson

4 Page 4 Lt. Nelson was very dedicated. One day it was getting close to the time Lt. Nelson was to report for duty. For some, this was normal, but not for Robert. So I decided to give him a call to find out what was going on. He answered his phone immediately and said that his motorcycle had broken down but that he was close by and would be at the office soon. Shortly thereafter I looked out the window and saw him pushing his motorcycle into the parking lot. Lt. Nelson had a backpack on and his face and clothing were covered in dirt and grime. He had made it to work. Many people would have used this incident as an excuse not to come to work; but not Lt. Nelson. He s what I would call dedicated to his job. May God bless him and my prayers go out to his family. Doris Smith, Communications Officer I first met Robert in February of 2012 and while speaking with him the thought of this is a very nice young man kept going through my mind. During the course of our conversation age came up and when he told me how old he was I could not believe it. Not that his conversation was immature, because it was not.. He just looked young. Maybe, it was because he was so very nice. Maybe, it was because you saw his love for God shining through his eyes. Who knows, but, something special was there. Each and every encounter with him was one that had you walking away smiling. Maybe, because each conversation with him left you feeling upbeat. When he laughed he had a twinkle in his eyes and his shoulders shook. His laughter was infectious. He was sincere, intelligent, polite, professional and he would do anything to help out a co-worker. The short time that I have known him will never be forgotten. I will always have fond memories of a wonderful man that went out of his way to help others. Barbara Perez-Jackson, Training Specialist "Robert was given a special detail where he had to wear a plain black jacket from the uniform room. The problem was that the jacket was 3 sizes too big. I met Robert at the post and he had the sleeves rolled up. I could clearly see he was uncomfortable about the jacket however he simply said, "Let's do it!" and we did. He will be greatly missed." Hank Balzer, Account Manager.

5 Page 5 Robert was a true friend. He was so friendly and happy...always smiling. After every special detail or event he was sent on I always received a call saying what a fantastic job he did. His standard response for any assignment given was "will do, no problem. Captain John Swicord Robert really made a difference. Everyone spoke very highly of him. He was one of those people who was ready, willing and able to help out. He was a quiet observer with a great sense of humor. Every assignment he was given he did with a positive attitude. Paul Barcinas, Vice President Operations Although I personally didn t interact on a daily basis with Lt. Nelson, it didn t take but one exchange of words to notice his quiet and professional demeanor. As stated by my co-workers at the news of his untimely death, he would help anyone without question. It was truly heartbreaking to have this happen to him. This incident shows all of us to value each day a bit more as well as the value of our security officers work along with the danger they can encounter. May he continue to guard all of his family, friends and his 50 State family from above. Sincerely, Virginia Arce, Processing Assistant I send this letter of condolence to the family of Lt. Nelson. Though I may not have known him personally, he was my brother co-worker which made him family. Words cannot express my feelings for your loss but with God, time will heal our sorrows and pain. I ve been told he has touched many lives and was a joy to those close to him. A favorite verse of min from the Bible, Psalm 91 comes to mind in remembrance of Lt. Nelson which brings me comfort and if read, I pray that it brings the family comfort as well. Though gone, he will not be forgotten and rest assure, our Father has a great man at his side still serving with a smile. Capt. Ronald Myers MDT- Supervisor USMC-Retired

6 Page 6 Over the past few years, I had the privilege of working with Robert Nelson on numerous occasions when he worked at some regular Posts and on some Specials I was associated with. I got to know him quite well. If asked to describe Robert, the first word I would think of would be solid. He was a solid individual. By that I mean, when he said something, you could count on him to follow through. When he did something, you knew it would be done right and to the best of his abilities. He was reliable, conscientious and responsible. He was also a man who took his job seriously and took pride in his work. But all in all, when everything is said and done, he was the best thing you can say about a man; he was a good guy. He will be missed. Bill Albert, Account Manager As a Dispatcher every experience that I ve had with Lt. Robert Nelson was a very pleasant one! Lt. Robert Nelson always wore a smile & if you were disturbed about something his presence alone would change that immediately. Lt. Nelson was humble, respectful, caring, kind and very punctual, he was always ready for work, well prepared for whatever was asked of him and he did it with a smile. Lt. Robert Nelson will always be remembered, gone but never forgotten!!! Love, Chantelle Colbert, Communications Officer We are deeply sorry about what happened to our son and our team member. Maybe you feel that he is far away now, but the precious moments and all the memories are the most wonderful treasure that nobody can take from you or from us. May the love of God comfort you. You have another angel around you. His mother must now be so grateful to God because now she is not alone anymore. She has with her, her dear son! God bless you all! Martha Agualimpia, Assistant Director, Human Resources

7 Good -bye to a great officer, friend, brother, son, uncle and you will always be in our hearts. May you rest in peace. Page 7 cousin. You may be gone from this earth but With love and honor, Your 50 State family