If you've heard about me as the "Police Photographer", you've officially found the right spot to view my work on my webpage ;)
It's probably well known at this point that I am very involved in the Law Enforcement community in Bloomington. They are all my friends and my family and I love them dearly.
As I mentioned in my blog a while back, I have started a photo project this year I am calling The Thin Blue Life Project, and the goal is to showcase the local officers as the people they are behind that uniform. I would love the world to know that behind that badge is a human being with a family, and friends who they cherish just as much as anyone else, and that the stigma being placed on their profession currently is undeserved and false. These people are so full of courage and love and bravery. They put themselves at risk on a daily basis so the rest of us can live in peace, and they are far too often not recognized for how truly amazing that kind of sacrifice is.
I will be adding to this page each time I do a new shoot with a new family. I hope you will check back frequently for all the new stories I have for you about these wonderful people.
Profit from sales of Thin Blue Life calendars will be donated to C.O.P.S. - Concerns of Police Survivors. Please visit their website to learn more about what they do!
http://www.nationalcops.org/
The Thin Blue Life Project was featured on both PoliceOne.com and WTHR 13 News! Check out the links below for the amazing stories!
https://www.policeone.com/police-heroes/articles/170297006-Photos-LEO-wife-captures-cops-lives-beyond-the-uniform/
http://www.wthr.com/article/thin-blue-life-project-showcases-police-as-ordinary-people
Photographers! If you heard about this project and have decided to take part in your hometown, contact me! I am creating an album on my Facebook page where I will be sharing photos that other photogs have taken from around the US! I would love to see your work!
Email me at SaraHunterPhotography@gmail.com with any photos you would like to share!
"There is nothing more uplifting, humbling, rewarding or demanding in the law enforcement field than being partnered with a k9. Your weaknesses are his strength and vise versa. Knowing when to lead and when to follow is the key to success. Together you are a force to be reckoned with, apart, you are a cop and a dog. It's called a team for a reason."
Trooper Ian Portteus and Czar of the Indiana State Police are partners. They spend countless hours together as a team at work, and then go home and are a family as well.
I watched Czar hop out of he and Portteus's SUV the day I met him and immediately saw the bond. Here was not only a well-trained and powerful K9 officer, but a devoted family member as well. The entire family was loving on him the entire session, including Trooper Portteus' young son. Even I got to love on him and play with him. But when the commands were issued, he quickly obeyed and stood quietly at his partner's side.
The two have been together the last year of Trooper Portteus' three year career with ISP.
"Eventually that partnership blends into a friendship, and that friendship into family."
Trooper Ian Portteus and Czar of the Indiana State Police are partners. They spend countless hours together as a team at work, and then go home and are a family as well.
I watched Czar hop out of he and Portteus's SUV the day I met him and immediately saw the bond. Here was not only a well-trained and powerful K9 officer, but a devoted family member as well. The entire family was loving on him the entire session, including Trooper Portteus' young son. Even I got to love on him and play with him. But when the commands were issued, he quickly obeyed and stood quietly at his partner's side.
The two have been together the last year of Trooper Portteus' three year career with ISP.
"Eventually that partnership blends into a friendship, and that friendship into family."
"When the scent on his pillow has to be enough..you are a Police Wife."
~Anonymous
Some of the strongest women that I know are Police Wives. We kiss our best friend goodbye every day for work, always with that haunting thought, that so many of us have shoved so far to the back of our minds, that they may not return.
Officer Jordan Hasler of the Bloomington Police Department met the love of his life in High School. Growing up in a home with a Police Officer for a father, it was inevitable that the profession would have his heart. Following in his father's footsteps (who has served for more than 34 years now) he swore to protect his community 9 years ago. He has been keeping Bloomington safe with his brothers and sisters in blue since 2010. All the while, his love has been at his side. They wed almost 2 years ago, and are one of the most inspirational couples that I know.
"My wife has without question supported me 100% throughout my law enforcement career," Jordan told me. "She understands and has accepted that we do not have the picture perfect life style due to my career choice. I miss a lot of family functions, weekend events, and holidays gatherings due to my profession. I'm sure when she was little she never pictured a marriage like we have. But she never questions my job, and understands it is what I love to do. For me that says a lot about the kind of person she is, people don't always realize the mental stress an officer's wife or husband goes through."
The sacrifice Law Enforcement couples and families make is a daily one. It is a selfless one. We watch them walk out that door, and we long for them, we miss them so deeply, we fear for them. But we do it silently, knowing that the difference they are making out there is worth it. It's worth the sleepless nights, the empty spot at the dinner table, the countless fleeting moments we struggle to find with them...because we know they are meant to do this. They are born protectors. And they are meant to be shared with the world.
~Anonymous
Some of the strongest women that I know are Police Wives. We kiss our best friend goodbye every day for work, always with that haunting thought, that so many of us have shoved so far to the back of our minds, that they may not return.
Officer Jordan Hasler of the Bloomington Police Department met the love of his life in High School. Growing up in a home with a Police Officer for a father, it was inevitable that the profession would have his heart. Following in his father's footsteps (who has served for more than 34 years now) he swore to protect his community 9 years ago. He has been keeping Bloomington safe with his brothers and sisters in blue since 2010. All the while, his love has been at his side. They wed almost 2 years ago, and are one of the most inspirational couples that I know.
"My wife has without question supported me 100% throughout my law enforcement career," Jordan told me. "She understands and has accepted that we do not have the picture perfect life style due to my career choice. I miss a lot of family functions, weekend events, and holidays gatherings due to my profession. I'm sure when she was little she never pictured a marriage like we have. But she never questions my job, and understands it is what I love to do. For me that says a lot about the kind of person she is, people don't always realize the mental stress an officer's wife or husband goes through."
The sacrifice Law Enforcement couples and families make is a daily one. It is a selfless one. We watch them walk out that door, and we long for them, we miss them so deeply, we fear for them. But we do it silently, knowing that the difference they are making out there is worth it. It's worth the sleepless nights, the empty spot at the dinner table, the countless fleeting moments we struggle to find with them...because we know they are meant to do this. They are born protectors. And they are meant to be shared with the world.
Deputy Josh Fuller of the Greene County Sheriff's Office. My heart was swimming in happiness watching him laugh and enjoy a late afternoon tea with his precious angels. The heart warming smile on his face amidst the sea of pink at the table against the uniform that normally seems so stoic and strong made my heart melt.
I've only just met this family, but all I needed was 5 minutes with them to see how much they love one another. What an amazing group of souls <3
I've only just met this family, but all I needed was 5 minutes with them to see how much they love one another. What an amazing group of souls <3
This family has been dear friends of mine for a long time now. Our husbands deployed together and our kids are growing up together. Even though they are in Indy and we are in Bloomington, we always get together and it feels like it's only been a few days since we have all seen each other.
I've watched this little girl gaze up at her daddy with so much admiration in her eyes so many times, uniform or no uniform. His family loves him so, and he has so much respect from his friends and community.
I've watched this little girl gaze up at her daddy with so much admiration in her eyes so many times, uniform or no uniform. His family loves him so, and he has so much respect from his friends and community.
"Lord, be with him every breath and every step."
The prayers of the Police Family as they send their hero out the door every day. Kisses and hugs for the road, "I love you" with a little more power as they depart. It's the love of the officer's family that brings him home every shift. It's the power of their prayers that keeps him safe.
Officer Robert Skelton of the Bloomington Police Department is a 6 year veteran of the agency. He is blessed with the love of two children and a wife, and is a man of God. Dinner is often during lunch break on shift, often interrupted by call-outs. But prayers over the meal are always a must. As are prayers as his wife prepares his uniform each day before he leaves for duty, lovingly pinning on each insignia, name plate and his badge.
"Being a Law Enforcement Officer's Wife isn't an easy job. The wife behind the badge. But it's driven me right to where I need to be, in the arms of my Creator," she tells me.
In the Police Community, I have often found that a strong sense of faith in a higher power has been the foundation for an officer's courage. The overwhelming response for one another is always prayer in a time of need or sorrow. We pray for one another's safety, and protection, and happiness. We say a prayer of thanks that we have been blessed with a soul that feels the calling to serve, and that we have been deemed strong enough to stand next to them.
John 15:13 -
Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
The prayers of the Police Family as they send their hero out the door every day. Kisses and hugs for the road, "I love you" with a little more power as they depart. It's the love of the officer's family that brings him home every shift. It's the power of their prayers that keeps him safe.
Officer Robert Skelton of the Bloomington Police Department is a 6 year veteran of the agency. He is blessed with the love of two children and a wife, and is a man of God. Dinner is often during lunch break on shift, often interrupted by call-outs. But prayers over the meal are always a must. As are prayers as his wife prepares his uniform each day before he leaves for duty, lovingly pinning on each insignia, name plate and his badge.
"Being a Law Enforcement Officer's Wife isn't an easy job. The wife behind the badge. But it's driven me right to where I need to be, in the arms of my Creator," she tells me.
In the Police Community, I have often found that a strong sense of faith in a higher power has been the foundation for an officer's courage. The overwhelming response for one another is always prayer in a time of need or sorrow. We pray for one another's safety, and protection, and happiness. We say a prayer of thanks that we have been blessed with a soul that feels the calling to serve, and that we have been deemed strong enough to stand next to them.
John 15:13 -
Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
"You're my hero."
Those words mean more than anything when the come from the mouths of our children. They watch our every move and mirror us, molding into the spitting image of us before we even realize it.
Sergeant Nathan Williamson of the Monroe County Sheriff's Office is his family's hero. It's evident in the way they look at him, the way they talk about him, and the way they mirror him. His wife gazes at him as he speaks, and his children copy his every move. They feel safe and secure in his presence. He is their rock.
Those words mean more than anything when the come from the mouths of our children. They watch our every move and mirror us, molding into the spitting image of us before we even realize it.
Sergeant Nathan Williamson of the Monroe County Sheriff's Office is his family's hero. It's evident in the way they look at him, the way they talk about him, and the way they mirror him. His wife gazes at him as he speaks, and his children copy his every move. They feel safe and secure in his presence. He is their rock.
"Most people are happy being average. Most are happy being faceless in a sea of faces."
In his uniform, a deputy is a faceless servant to most. A badge and a uniform. His name is often unasked, his story untold. He is just an average public servant to the world.
But he is so much more. He is a hero, a role model, a husband, a father... He is someone's entire world. He is not faceless, but the vision of safety and security and love. Little faces gaze up at him with admiration and loving arms long to hold him. That face is the face they admire more than anything.
Deputy Mike Miller of the Monroe County Sheriff's Office is a seasoned veteran of Law Enforcement. He served 6 and a half years with the Howard County Sheriff's Department (including service as a SWAT team member there) and is currently at 2 and a half years with Monroe County. He has been a college athlete and is now an honored member of our Law Enforcement community, having received a Life Saving Award for his service. He is also a husband and a father, and very obviously loved dearly.
He is anything but faceless. My hopes are that the rest of the world looks at him the way his family does and sees the man that he is, and not just the uniform that he wears.
In his uniform, a deputy is a faceless servant to most. A badge and a uniform. His name is often unasked, his story untold. He is just an average public servant to the world.
But he is so much more. He is a hero, a role model, a husband, a father... He is someone's entire world. He is not faceless, but the vision of safety and security and love. Little faces gaze up at him with admiration and loving arms long to hold him. That face is the face they admire more than anything.
Deputy Mike Miller of the Monroe County Sheriff's Office is a seasoned veteran of Law Enforcement. He served 6 and a half years with the Howard County Sheriff's Department (including service as a SWAT team member there) and is currently at 2 and a half years with Monroe County. He has been a college athlete and is now an honored member of our Law Enforcement community, having received a Life Saving Award for his service. He is also a husband and a father, and very obviously loved dearly.
He is anything but faceless. My hopes are that the rest of the world looks at him the way his family does and sees the man that he is, and not just the uniform that he wears.
"I took the time to look around and just enjoy the sight of my fellow officers working together. I love the camaraderie, the teamwork, the success we enjoy. We laugh, we commiserate, we complain; sometimes we communicate so intensely with just a look, a gesture, no words necessary; we know exactly what the other is thinking. I've been going home at night completely exhausted, but with my sides aching from laughing so much, and feeling like a part of something terrific. I've been feeling good. Why? Because we're a "Brotherhood." "
- from The Brotherhood of Law Enforcement, by Tami Jones
Officer Alec Leggio and Deputy Bennet Dillon are brothers. Not by blood line, but by the blue one. The two bonded during their time in the Indiana University Police Department Academy four years ago. In the following years they have worked together with both IUPD as well as Ellettsville PD. Since, Dillon has moved over to the Monroe County Sheriff's Office, yet the two remain the closest of friends.
In addition to their friendship, the two are blessed with the phenomenal support of their significant others. Leggio is married to his high school sweetheart, who has encouraged his dream of being a Law Enforcement Officer their entire relationship. Dillon is recently engaged to the girl of his dreams, who just happens to be Leggio's sister :) "She has always been there for me and does an amazing job supporting me through all the craziness and long hours that work brings," Dillon tells me.
The bond between the two, despite their varying agencies, was an inspiration to me. They perfectly symbolize the closeness that everyone who wears a badge out there has with one another. It is a close knit community, and the unity they all share is one of the most moving things one will ever see.
- from The Brotherhood of Law Enforcement, by Tami Jones
Officer Alec Leggio and Deputy Bennet Dillon are brothers. Not by blood line, but by the blue one. The two bonded during their time in the Indiana University Police Department Academy four years ago. In the following years they have worked together with both IUPD as well as Ellettsville PD. Since, Dillon has moved over to the Monroe County Sheriff's Office, yet the two remain the closest of friends.
In addition to their friendship, the two are blessed with the phenomenal support of their significant others. Leggio is married to his high school sweetheart, who has encouraged his dream of being a Law Enforcement Officer their entire relationship. Dillon is recently engaged to the girl of his dreams, who just happens to be Leggio's sister :) "She has always been there for me and does an amazing job supporting me through all the craziness and long hours that work brings," Dillon tells me.
The bond between the two, despite their varying agencies, was an inspiration to me. They perfectly symbolize the closeness that everyone who wears a badge out there has with one another. It is a close knit community, and the unity they all share is one of the most moving things one will ever see.
"A man’s desire for a son is usually nothing but the wish to duplicate himself in order that such a remarkable pattern may not be lost to the world." -Helen Rowland
Officer Jordan Allor is a 6 year veteran of the Bloomfield Police Department, and he's got a huge fan. It was pretty obvious watching the two of them walk around that his son thinks that the sun rises and sets with his daddy.
Allor knew at a very young age that he wanted to be an officer. Like all officers, the job can be hard on a family. There is lots of time away from your loved ones and you can't help but feel sometimes like you're missing out. But that's not the case with Allor. If anything, the hardships he witnesses on duty make him work harder to cling to his loved ones and appreciate their time together all the more.
"Responding to calls involving children has brought me closer to my son. When dealing with these situations I can’t help but to think that these kids are going to have a hard life. These situations remind me it is my responsibility to make sure my son has everything he needs to become successful in life, including a loving family."
Allor is dedicated to both his blood and blue family. You can often find him riding with his co-workers on days off even.
"My favorite part of being a police officer is every day is a new adventure. I never dread going to work."
Officer Jordan Allor is a 6 year veteran of the Bloomfield Police Department, and he's got a huge fan. It was pretty obvious watching the two of them walk around that his son thinks that the sun rises and sets with his daddy.
Allor knew at a very young age that he wanted to be an officer. Like all officers, the job can be hard on a family. There is lots of time away from your loved ones and you can't help but feel sometimes like you're missing out. But that's not the case with Allor. If anything, the hardships he witnesses on duty make him work harder to cling to his loved ones and appreciate their time together all the more.
"Responding to calls involving children has brought me closer to my son. When dealing with these situations I can’t help but to think that these kids are going to have a hard life. These situations remind me it is my responsibility to make sure my son has everything he needs to become successful in life, including a loving family."
Allor is dedicated to both his blood and blue family. You can often find him riding with his co-workers on days off even.
"My favorite part of being a police officer is every day is a new adventure. I never dread going to work."
"Children are likely to live up to what you believe of them." - Larry Byrd
That's the way State Trooper Jonathan Cain sees the community that he protects. A 9 year veteran of the Indiana State Police, he began his path into law enforcement with the desire to make the world safer for the children. At first glance, this uniformed man seems just at stoic and disciplined as any State Trooper one may encounter, but after just a few minutes of talking to him and watching him with his children, it's obvious what a huge heart he has.
Cain spent 4 years at Manchester University and graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Physical Education. He was also a star member of the basketball team all 4 years.
Oh course I had to ask him to shoot some hoops in uniform ;) His son eagerly ran onto the court in a basketball jersey ready to go. "Is that dad's college jersey you're wearing?", to which I was answered with an enthusiastic nod and grin.
Men of his character are what makes the LEO community so grand. The willingness and desire to continue to push on day after day for even just the smallest amount of difference in a child's life they may interact with is, to me, what makes an outstanding officer.
I won't quote the song, but you know where Im going with this...They are the future... And Trooper Cain carries this in his heart every day, uniformed and non-uniformed.
That's the way State Trooper Jonathan Cain sees the community that he protects. A 9 year veteran of the Indiana State Police, he began his path into law enforcement with the desire to make the world safer for the children. At first glance, this uniformed man seems just at stoic and disciplined as any State Trooper one may encounter, but after just a few minutes of talking to him and watching him with his children, it's obvious what a huge heart he has.
Cain spent 4 years at Manchester University and graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Physical Education. He was also a star member of the basketball team all 4 years.
Oh course I had to ask him to shoot some hoops in uniform ;) His son eagerly ran onto the court in a basketball jersey ready to go. "Is that dad's college jersey you're wearing?", to which I was answered with an enthusiastic nod and grin.
Men of his character are what makes the LEO community so grand. The willingness and desire to continue to push on day after day for even just the smallest amount of difference in a child's life they may interact with is, to me, what makes an outstanding officer.
I won't quote the song, but you know where Im going with this...They are the future... And Trooper Cain carries this in his heart every day, uniformed and non-uniformed.
“The guys who fear becoming fathers don’t understand that fathering is not something perfect men do, but something that perfects the men.” – Frank Pittman
Officer Ben Hammond does not fear fatherhood one bit. He is welcoming it with open arms. The 9 year veteran of the Vincennes Police Department is currently expecting his first child, and they have decided to decline knowing the sex in advance (I am saying girl, just so you know).
“It will be challenging at first, I am sure," he told me. "Knowing that I have a loving and supportive wife will make it easy though. She is a rockstar of a wife and mother." They gazed at one another the entire session. It was obvious how excited they were. "I am definitely ready to start the net chapter of our lives."
Hammond already has some practice in as a dad with his stepson, who obviously wants to be just like him when he grows up. He proudly jumped out of the car in his Police tee and showed me, little toy pistol and holster strapped to him ready to "protect and serve". He has already mastered the protective police stance when he is around his mommy.
Hammond is also a veteran. A national guardsman since 2001, he has served two tours in Iraq. He is one of the many outstanding men and women who choose to serve not only their community, but their country as well. Wearing both uniforms "allows him more opportunities to help even more people". It's a difficult balance, as both uniforms require time away from loved ones. But it is a sacrifice the whole family is proud of.
Officer Ben Hammond does not fear fatherhood one bit. He is welcoming it with open arms. The 9 year veteran of the Vincennes Police Department is currently expecting his first child, and they have decided to decline knowing the sex in advance (I am saying girl, just so you know).
“It will be challenging at first, I am sure," he told me. "Knowing that I have a loving and supportive wife will make it easy though. She is a rockstar of a wife and mother." They gazed at one another the entire session. It was obvious how excited they were. "I am definitely ready to start the net chapter of our lives."
Hammond already has some practice in as a dad with his stepson, who obviously wants to be just like him when he grows up. He proudly jumped out of the car in his Police tee and showed me, little toy pistol and holster strapped to him ready to "protect and serve". He has already mastered the protective police stance when he is around his mommy.
Hammond is also a veteran. A national guardsman since 2001, he has served two tours in Iraq. He is one of the many outstanding men and women who choose to serve not only their community, but their country as well. Wearing both uniforms "allows him more opportunities to help even more people". It's a difficult balance, as both uniforms require time away from loved ones. But it is a sacrifice the whole family is proud of.
"So we raise her up every morning, and we bring her down slow every night. We don't let her touch the ground, and we fold her up right. On second thought, I do like to brag. Cause I'm mighty proud of that ragged old flag." - Johnny Cash
Deputy Landon Reynolds is about as patriotic as you can get. A Kentucky native, he's all about the red white and blue. While working the night shift full time, he earned a college scholarship and spent 4 years at the University of Louisville. It was during that time that he fell in love with rodeo. He's had his leg over a bull or two in his day.
"There's nothing like being behind the bucking chutes when the entire arena and fans are praying and then a cowgirl rides the fence of the arena during the National Anthem with the flag waving...It's a true American sport!"
He has since moved to Bloomington and has been with the Monroe County Sheriff's Office for almost a year now (July 27th is the mark, to be exact). He is one the unique individuals that was born to do the job. The desire has been there since he was young. With no prior history of Law Enforcement in the family, it was truly a calling for him, and he believes that whole-heartedly. "I never thought twice about what I wanted to do for the rest of my life." Big things have been rolling in since for him! He recently wed the love of his life, and they are currently expecting this first child in March of 2017. We shocked him with that news at the start of their photo session. ;)Their adoration for one another was literally pouring out of them. You meet two people and you just KNOW they were made to be with one another. There is no doubt about it with these two.
"Besides my mom, I've never known anyone more patient, supportive, and caring in my entire life. She's the perfect balance to my crazy rodeo and cop life."
They are my kind of couple. Dusty boots, cowboy hats, and lots of love for this country.
Deputy Landon Reynolds is about as patriotic as you can get. A Kentucky native, he's all about the red white and blue. While working the night shift full time, he earned a college scholarship and spent 4 years at the University of Louisville. It was during that time that he fell in love with rodeo. He's had his leg over a bull or two in his day.
"There's nothing like being behind the bucking chutes when the entire arena and fans are praying and then a cowgirl rides the fence of the arena during the National Anthem with the flag waving...It's a true American sport!"
He has since moved to Bloomington and has been with the Monroe County Sheriff's Office for almost a year now (July 27th is the mark, to be exact). He is one the unique individuals that was born to do the job. The desire has been there since he was young. With no prior history of Law Enforcement in the family, it was truly a calling for him, and he believes that whole-heartedly. "I never thought twice about what I wanted to do for the rest of my life." Big things have been rolling in since for him! He recently wed the love of his life, and they are currently expecting this first child in March of 2017. We shocked him with that news at the start of their photo session. ;)Their adoration for one another was literally pouring out of them. You meet two people and you just KNOW they were made to be with one another. There is no doubt about it with these two.
"Besides my mom, I've never known anyone more patient, supportive, and caring in my entire life. She's the perfect balance to my crazy rodeo and cop life."
They are my kind of couple. Dusty boots, cowboy hats, and lots of love for this country.
"We've all heard the phrase..."there's something about a man in uniform". For those who have done nothing more than enjoy the view, there is a lot more to consider before making a decision to be a part of all the uniform entails. Being the wife of a police officer is not for the weak, nor the self centered, nor the needy, clingy, insecure or high maintenance type of woman. Being the wife of a Police Officer means you must be as dedicated to his love of the job as he is. The first step toward that order is realizing it is not a job to him. It is who he his." - Melissa Littles, "The Police Wife Life"
Indiana State Police Trooper Beau Brumett has found that perfect woman. And he did not hesitate to ask her to be his wife. The two have been together since junior high, and it's obviously a match made in heaven. "She is my best friend and the love of my life. I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with this truly amazing woman." I've got to admit this is another of my all time favorite engagement sessions. The two of them positively gravitated toward one another the entire time I worked with them. Every time the were in one another's arms they gazed at each other and smiled. I sigh every single time I look through these shots.
Brumett is a newer member of the law enforcement community. He started his career with the Indiana State Police in November of 2015, the first member of his family to ever wear a badge.
"I attended Vincennes University and studied Law Enforcement before joining ISP," Brumett told me. "I have always admired LEOs, but Indiana State Troopers always stood out the most to me because of their professionalism, dignity, and appearance."
He wore his uniform proudly for sure, but the smile peeking out from under the brim of his hat was impossible to miss as well. He lit up every time his fiance spoke. However, it was hard to pay attention to the uniform after watching the two of them together. I was too focused on the intense way they responded to one another and the the ear-to-ear smiles on their faces. Suddenly they just became two people in love and that's all that mattered.
Please join me on congratulating these two. They are truly meant to be.
Indiana State Police Trooper Beau Brumett has found that perfect woman. And he did not hesitate to ask her to be his wife. The two have been together since junior high, and it's obviously a match made in heaven. "She is my best friend and the love of my life. I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with this truly amazing woman." I've got to admit this is another of my all time favorite engagement sessions. The two of them positively gravitated toward one another the entire time I worked with them. Every time the were in one another's arms they gazed at each other and smiled. I sigh every single time I look through these shots.
Brumett is a newer member of the law enforcement community. He started his career with the Indiana State Police in November of 2015, the first member of his family to ever wear a badge.
"I attended Vincennes University and studied Law Enforcement before joining ISP," Brumett told me. "I have always admired LEOs, but Indiana State Troopers always stood out the most to me because of their professionalism, dignity, and appearance."
He wore his uniform proudly for sure, but the smile peeking out from under the brim of his hat was impossible to miss as well. He lit up every time his fiance spoke. However, it was hard to pay attention to the uniform after watching the two of them together. I was too focused on the intense way they responded to one another and the the ear-to-ear smiles on their faces. Suddenly they just became two people in love and that's all that mattered.
Please join me on congratulating these two. They are truly meant to be.
"A beautiful woman uses her lips for truth, her voice for kindness, her ears for compassion, her hands for charity and her heart for love. For those who don't like her, she uses prayer." -Unknown
Sergeant Pam Gladish of The Bloomington Police Department is one of the strongest women I know. Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Officer, Friend...she wears all of these hats with love and compassion. An Indiana State University grad, she originally began her career in Child Protective Services as an investigator for 2 years. Her heart's calling has always been to work with and better the lives of children. After 2 years with CPS, she answered the calling for a new challenge in her life in hopes of making an even bigger difference and bettering lives in her community. Now a long time veteran on BPD, she is a well recognized, smiling face amongst the youth in her blue uniform. "After 21 years on the department, I can honestly say the Officer Friendly was my favorite part of the job. I enjoy interacting with kids and showing them that we are 'regular' people too!"
Sgt. Gladish is "Nona" to 4 beautiful grandkids who very obviously admire her with every bit of their precious little hearts. She is married to a man who looks at her with so much love and admiration and support. And she is a daughter to two very proud parents.
"My dad and mom may not have been elated about my career choice, however they have always supported me with this decision. As you can see, my dad received a hat the year I graduated from the academy, and he wore it often." I watched her mother's eyes fill with tears as they embraced that day while holding the photo of her father. They mean everything to one another. Prayers are heavily spoken on a nightly basis over her in hopes that she returns home to them all every shift. It's in the power of those prayers that they find comfort and peace against the worry the job inevitably brings to an officer's loved ones.
At the end of the day, when the belt and uniform come off, she is just like every other woman. She has a family to love, a home to help run, and dreams to be dreamt.
Sergeant Pam Gladish of The Bloomington Police Department is one of the strongest women I know. Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Officer, Friend...she wears all of these hats with love and compassion. An Indiana State University grad, she originally began her career in Child Protective Services as an investigator for 2 years. Her heart's calling has always been to work with and better the lives of children. After 2 years with CPS, she answered the calling for a new challenge in her life in hopes of making an even bigger difference and bettering lives in her community. Now a long time veteran on BPD, she is a well recognized, smiling face amongst the youth in her blue uniform. "After 21 years on the department, I can honestly say the Officer Friendly was my favorite part of the job. I enjoy interacting with kids and showing them that we are 'regular' people too!"
Sgt. Gladish is "Nona" to 4 beautiful grandkids who very obviously admire her with every bit of their precious little hearts. She is married to a man who looks at her with so much love and admiration and support. And she is a daughter to two very proud parents.
"My dad and mom may not have been elated about my career choice, however they have always supported me with this decision. As you can see, my dad received a hat the year I graduated from the academy, and he wore it often." I watched her mother's eyes fill with tears as they embraced that day while holding the photo of her father. They mean everything to one another. Prayers are heavily spoken on a nightly basis over her in hopes that she returns home to them all every shift. It's in the power of those prayers that they find comfort and peace against the worry the job inevitably brings to an officer's loved ones.
At the end of the day, when the belt and uniform come off, she is just like every other woman. She has a family to love, a home to help run, and dreams to be dreamt.
When a Monroe County Deputy and his family moved a couple of houses away from us, I was so delighted to have another LEO family so close that I immediately introduced myself. It's been a few years now and our kids have become best friends and play together pretty much daily. I cherish this family and I am so happy to have them so close. We watch each other's kids and they have sleepovers all the time. They are one of my favorite families ever.
I've watched him clear his cruiser off for work from snow numerous times the last few winters. It occurred to me one day to photograph him doing so as he left for work, knowing he would probably spend a majority of his shift standing outside in that snow and cold while the rest of us sat inside warm. It made me appreciate what he and his colleagues go through every winter for all of us on a daily basis.
I've watched him clear his cruiser off for work from snow numerous times the last few winters. It occurred to me one day to photograph him doing so as he left for work, knowing he would probably spend a majority of his shift standing outside in that snow and cold while the rest of us sat inside warm. It made me appreciate what he and his colleagues go through every winter for all of us on a daily basis.
The Bloomington Police Department has my heart. My father in law served with them for 32 years and I proudly wear his name. These men and women are my family and I have grown so close to so many of them. I am honored to have photographed them numerous times now and honored to be a member of their community. Outstanding group of men and women.
I am so thankful to be so involved with them as well as the Monroe County Sheriff's Office.
I am so thankful to be so involved with them as well as the Monroe County Sheriff's Office.
I have been asked many times if my own family would be part of the Thin Blue Life Project. And I finally decided to do it. So here we are!
Detective Jacob Hunter of the Bloomington Police Department. Entering his 5th year with the agency, he was assigned as a detective the beginning of 2016.
Hunter was raised by a cop. His father retired with the Bloomington Police Department as a detective with 32 years of service under his belt. He is no stranger to the stress, struggles and pain that the job can bring. However, he is also no stranger to the joys of it. Like many of his fellow officers, his greatest joy with the job comes in interaction with the youth of the community. I've seen first hand how soothing he can be to a scared little one. His stoic demeanor fades the instant a moment of compassion is needed in any situation he may enter. He was taught to be fair and stern, but to also be kind and compassionate.
Hunter is also a veteran of the US Army. He is a husband. And he is a father. He is the entire universe to his family.
There are people who are born to do this job. He is one of them. Although he has traded in his uniform on the job for a shirt and tie instead, he still wears his badge with pride. He carries the job with him every minute of his day. He will forever be one of those cops who is always trying to do the absolute best that he can for everyone he comes in contact with. He is an extremely heroic soul.
This is my husband. I am a proud Police Wife. I will always stand at his side and support him in all that he does. #LEOW #ThinBlueLife #iamnotafriad
Detective Jacob Hunter of the Bloomington Police Department. Entering his 5th year with the agency, he was assigned as a detective the beginning of 2016.
Hunter was raised by a cop. His father retired with the Bloomington Police Department as a detective with 32 years of service under his belt. He is no stranger to the stress, struggles and pain that the job can bring. However, he is also no stranger to the joys of it. Like many of his fellow officers, his greatest joy with the job comes in interaction with the youth of the community. I've seen first hand how soothing he can be to a scared little one. His stoic demeanor fades the instant a moment of compassion is needed in any situation he may enter. He was taught to be fair and stern, but to also be kind and compassionate.
Hunter is also a veteran of the US Army. He is a husband. And he is a father. He is the entire universe to his family.
There are people who are born to do this job. He is one of them. Although he has traded in his uniform on the job for a shirt and tie instead, he still wears his badge with pride. He carries the job with him every minute of his day. He will forever be one of those cops who is always trying to do the absolute best that he can for everyone he comes in contact with. He is an extremely heroic soul.
This is my husband. I am a proud Police Wife. I will always stand at his side and support him in all that he does. #LEOW #ThinBlueLife #iamnotafriad
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