Officer Tee!

It was years in the making, and it culminated in over four months of intense training both physically and mentally. On September 10, 2008, Stephen Lee Gray and more than 25 other citizens became Police Officers as they were deputized after successfully completing Snohomish County's Police Academy.

Tee has long had aspirations of being a Police Officer and being a servant of the community. In Steve, the Tulalip Tribe will be getting a strong-willed, fair, smart, and exemplary employee--a natural leader.

Becoming an officer wasn't easy, and it wasn't handed to him. He endured job interviews, physical agility tests (with tons of sit-ups and lots of running), tons of training for various police skills, and lots and lots of PT (that's physical training to us civilians). He was even more "negaTee" than normal due to the stresses of Academy life, but all close to him knew it was tough. There were times when most would have had thoughts of quitting, but Tee endured.

Through it all we heard many of his tales of woe and wonderment, like taking part in a police situation exercise, getting talked to by one of his teachers, and then getting surprised by this teacher as he sprayed Tee in the face with pepper spray---Ooooo fun! :) Or, getting to drive vehicles in ways we only see in the movies (I'd say think of the A-Team, or Talladega Nights). There were also the drill instructors screaming in your face (a la Clint Eastwood in
Heartbreak Ridge), and making you feel like a "scum bag". Then there was....lots and lots and lots of running. Or addressing and being addressed by last names, "Yo GRAY!! Gimme 20!!"

I know Tee and his fellow cadets will miss all of this fun stuff, but for us, we were glad they were done and are very proud.


The graduation ceremony was held at convention room at the new Tulalip Resort. The room was packed with friends, family, and fellow officers. The ceremony opened with the marching in and placing of the colors/flags. After this, a few veteran officers gave talks, and instructors for the cadets were introduced.

Then the cadets took the stage. This was our first chance to see them together and at attention. Additionally, this was our first "photo op", and as soon as this was mentioned throngs of
"paprazzi" rushed the stage (including me & Asia). Flashbulbs were flashing and people were tripping over each other trying to get the perfect snaphots. All the while, the cadets did their best to stay stoic. We were allowed a few minutes to scammer around, but then we had to take our seats.





After this, more talks were given. Some awards were given, and then the future officers were given their certificates of completion and were badged by someone close to them. The way it worked out, the Tulalip tribe ended up being the last agency to deputize their officers. And since there were only two officers and Tee's name was what it was, Tee was the closing act for the show. Basically this meant he didn't have to stand at attention as long as everybody else.

One by one, each recruit was called up to receive their certificate and congratulations from various Veteran law enforcement officers, they were then badged, they then all went up on stage and stood at attention. Our dad did the honor of pinning Tee's badge (was a little loose, but it looked fine).



Once again, while all the officers stood at attention the audience were given our second opportunity to snap pictures. The throng rushed the stage and the flashes snapped and popped for minutes. This time the crowd did their best to crack cadet smiles. "Yo Tee. SMILE, man!" I said in a deep funny voice. Today these officers were stars.



This was the ceremony, and this is what happened. This was Tee's show. But he had a contingent there to share this special moment. His ex-boss from the Tulalip job, and other officers were there to share the moment. But more importantly, Tee also had some family there to whoop (war whoop, that is ;) ) and holler.

Ceremony

Badge-pinning

Congrats

Crackin' A Smile!

Paparazzi


On The Line

I love graduations. They are such big parts of a person's life. They usually signify a change in one's life, and it's always good to be there to support a graduate. I'm so glad I made the trek to the west side to be a part of it with Tee, Asia, Dad, Tork, & Suzie. We had an awesome time.

Line Up

Not everyone could physically make it to the graduation, but Tee knew they were all their through texts, thoughts, and phone calls. We're all proud of ya, Tee ("ya big lug", says Jay).

:)

PS--Tee, I owe you $$ for a tattoo!!

PPS-- Ok, enough of my rambling. There are tons of pics, and those are far more interesting! You can click on each picture for a full-size view. Enjoy.

The Colors

The Gang

Tulalip Cops

Tee & Asia

Hanging Out

Asia Smile

Tee's Posse

Future Hoopty

Outside Tulallip Resort

Tee & Dad

Tee Escalade

Cop Feet

On Patrol, Aieeee!

Yum!