Emily Moore | Photographer
Despite the fact that they represent the defense over our city against the most common forms of menace, the lifestyle of police officers sometimes generates more fear than feelings of security. Not for the public at large – but in their own homes. Due to the innate level of risk a police officer’s job entails, families in the mix tend to be tighter. This is true for Brandon Blanquiz. His dad has been a SWAT officer for over ten years, and it has transformed their relationship to one that is much better. He appreciates the time he spends with his dad, even though his dad’s job doesn’t bother him.
“We’re closer and spend more time together because anything could happen when he’s at work,” sophmore Brandon Blanquiz said.
Other than profound changes to the way you live, having a cop as a parent also simply changes your everyday life.
“He’s cautious and very aware when I go out,” sophomore Riley Curry said.
Having this job can sometimes put a strain on being a good parent, or even being home.
“He works a lot, and they call him in away from family,” sophmore Meagan Casias said.
The children of police officers carry the burden of having a parent in a risky job. Everyday their fathers and mothers make critical decisions that could potentially effect their lives; and the lives of strangers that expect their unrelenting bravery. John Moore makes this choice everyday; as a father of two daughters and a cop of twenty plus years, he definitely knows a thing or two about compromises. Especially during his first marriage, which ended in divorce. His job kept him away from home for excessive hours, and it caused a wall to grow between him and his ex-wife. Nowadays, Moore has to work nights and his appearance has changed drastically.
“You have to make the decision if something happens on front of you. Do you intervene and include your family?” vice detective John Moore said.
Working in the presence of corruption and violence everyday can reshape an officer’s outlook on life.
“You appreciate what you have, and you know how fragile life can be,” Moore said.
Knowing about all the crimes that occur might make you want to live somewhere else, or it could not make a difference at all.
“I’m fine living here, our officers protect the city,” Casias said.
Even though their parent’s job causes their life to be hectic sometimes, they wouldn’t have it any other way.
“No, I don’t wish he had a safer job. I know he likes what he does,” Blanquiz said.
It seems like the children of police officers would want to change a lot, but that’s not the reality.
“I wish it was safer. That’s pretty much all,” Casias said.
Looks like the cops themselves would change even less.
“Well, the uniforms are ugly. So I’d change that,” Moore said.
