Spent a few days in Huntsville, Texas, hanging out with the fine officers of the Huntsville Police Department. Sergeant David O'Rear even took me for a ride-along.
Getting ready for the ride-along, safely strapped in the "shotgun" seat of Sergeant David O'Rear's police car.
I needed a "booster seat" so that I could see over the dashboard. I am, after all, a bear of very little stature. Sergeant O'Rear graciously propped me up on his report forms box, and off we went!
"One-Adam-Twelve. See the bear."
Sergeant O'Rear set me on the top of his computer so I could watch him do police stuff. Notice the "Don't Taze me, Bro!" fake shirt. A nice touch!
A close-up.
"Don't Taze me, Bro!"
(Notice the red dot right in the middle of my forehead! Kind of scary!)
"Give it up, Bear!"
Sergeant O'Rear found that I fit nicely inside a Huntsville Police Department coffee mug. Kind of felt like I was in "Bear Jail".
Here I am exploring some old, out-dated police equipment. Oh, hello Monkey!
Meet my new friend, NYPD Bear. He is from New York City, and is a REAL police bear!
This is Sergeant O'Rear's desk. Notice the background picture on the computer monitor. That's Sergeant O'Rear in the middle (in the maroon jacket), and the Huntsville PD Detectives from about 1987.
Attitude - Honesty - Ethics - Communication - Common Sense. That's what we're all about here in the Huntsville PD.
I think Bike Patrol would be fun ...
... even though my legs aren't nearly long enough to reach the pedals.
Where's Fred? (Remember the "Where's Waldo?" cartoons?)
I'm a little easier to spot in this one.
I tried on one of HPD's riot helmets, just in case we were called to a riot while I was on duty. I don't think this one is quite my size.
More Bike Patrol.
More Bike Patrol.
That's what I'm talking about! These are some of HPD's long guns: Colt AR-15's and Remington 870's equipped with mounted lights.
Here I am filming a Public Service Announcement: "Fred-the-Pooh urges all kiddos to wear their helmets whenever riding their bikes or skateboards. The helmet can save them from busting their punkin' heads open."
"Fred also reminds all drivers to wear their seat belts while driving. Not only could it save your life ... IT'S THE LAW!" (Notice the "Click It or Ticket" slogan on the calculator.)
Here I am posing for a picture with my new friends at the Huntsville Police Department.
And one final parting shot.