— Chapter 14 —

First Lessons in Uniform

The early days of becoming an officer are rarely glamorous. This chapter can frame the adjustment from dreaming about the job to carrying its rhythms, discipline, and expectations in real life.

An empty parking lot in front of a multi-story yellow brick building with numerous windows and a rooftop with antennas and a vent, under a clear blue sky.
Footprints in the sand at the beach.

Footprints

A Marine in Dress Blues uniform with a white cap and black sunglasses, standing in front of an American flag.
A man in a gray suit, white shirt, and red tie taking a selfie in front of American and Ohio flags.

Instructor Robert Goodner

Billy Crawford

A badge with a gold emblem featuring an eagle, a medical symbol, and the text 'HAYNES EMERGENCY SERVICE' on a blue and white embroidered patch with yellow border, and a metal name tag reading 'PACKY DEMPSEY' attached at the bottom.