As I was driving home from my meeting with the LAPD Retirement Counselor, I found myself stuck in L.A. traffic and my mind began to wander. The moment took me back in time to a day (24) years earlier.
I was just a young woman driving home from my secretarial job when I found myself stuck in L.A. traffic. It was at that moment, I heard a radio commercial that would change my life forever. It was an LAPD recruitment commercial speaking about the different career options within the department. They talked about Detectives, K-9, SWAT and the Bomb-Squad but when they said you could even be a helicopter pilot for the Air Support Division, I felt a surge of adrenaline rush through me. I got the chills and my mind began racing with excitement and thoughts of the possibilities.
I needed a dynamic change in my life and it was as if that radio commercial was speaking directly to me. I always wanted a career that would be fulfilling, rewarding, honorable and with a belief that I was making a difference. This could be a career that would lead me to a true sense of well being knowing that I was one of the ‘good guys' by helping others. This could also be the best opportunity for me to learn how to do something about crime and injustice in a day and age when many feel helpless.
I immediately began researching the prerequisites and discovered that in order to apply for the Air Support Command Pilot position, I would need to complete a minimum of (5) years in street patrol, obtain a commercial rating in aviation and maintain an impeccable background and personnel package. I also learned there had never been a woman selected for this position.
Knowing I did not have any prior experience and not even a friend or family member remotely involved with police work or aviation, I could have been discouraged but something inside of me just said I could do this. I felt empowered and encouraged with such a purposeful goal.
I knew this would require a tremendous amount of work and effort on my part so I focused on the end result. I completed the selection process and was chosen to enter the L.A.P.D. Academy. I graduated and was eventually wheeled to Southwest Division. While on-duty, I was a committed Police Officer, my time off was spent as an aviation student and I obtained my commercial rating.
After (5) years in street patrol, an observer position became available at Air Support. I researched, prepared and was chosen. I continued my aviation studies and a year later, a pilot position became available. I continued to study, prepare and soon discovered that I had been chosen for the Command Pilot training program. I graduated and received my Pilot wings. I was elated but also knew that my career was once again, just beginning.
I was flying patrol, catching criminals and fighting crime. My dream had come true. I soon discovered even greater opportunities were waiting for me. My long-term goal was to help others and I truly enjoyed teaching so I applied for the position and was chosen as Air Support Division's first female flight instructor. The responsibility entailed many challenges but I was tremendously rewarded by graduating (6) additional Command Pilots onto the flight line.
Looking back, I am amazed at the opportunities, the challenges and the rewards that a career with LAPD has offered to me. It is everything that I thought it could be, hoped it would be and so much more.
I only wish that I could give someone the incentive to accept their most rewarding challenge. I have learned that the true definition of ‘lucky' is meeting preparation with opportunity. LAPD has presented to me more opportunities than most people will see in a lifetime.
I want to thank the Los Angeles Police Department for turning my once everyday life stuck in L.A. traffic into “Adrenaline Rush Hour!”
With gratitude and appreciation,
Los Angeles Police Officer - Command Pilot, CFI
Teresa Lincoln
(Retired) |
