“Adrenaline Rush Hour!”

Dear Chief Bratton,

I am sending this note of appreciation to you, your Command Staff and the Los Angeles Police Department with gratitude for the past (24) years of a truly exhilarating career.

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)

Comments

[Centurion]

Teresa congratulations on your retirement and thanks for keeping my family, my fellow Officers, and me safe when flying over the City of Angeles.

[Sharon]

I just read your story and I am bewildered at your tenacity. So many people spend so much time doing things without direction or forethought. Your ‘focus’ should be bottled and prescribed to all of us. You and the LAPD are a perfect pair when it comes to preparation and opportunity. Like salt & pepper.
Sharon

[Tray]

Ms. Lincoln
I read through the lines of your mesmerizing story and I felt your hardship. 24 years ago was a different world and even more so within the police department. Your story was so positive and yet I could feel none of it was easy. I believe it is your positive attitude that made you so successful with the LAPD and that is what makes you an example to us all. It’s easy to feel positive for short spurts at a time but for 24 years, my hat is off to you! Thank you for making me believe again. Tray W.

[Denise]

Congratulations for your accomplished goal. Your story will inspire many women to see the opportunities of living the dream, and will motivate them to work harder and make it their dream too. Thank you for your years of hard work in helping the City of Los Angeles be safe. My family and I really appreciate it.

[Cindy Wheeler]

Dear Theresa,
I am now where you were 24 years ago. Thank you for paving the way. Thank you for setting the example to me and to so many other women like me who may doubt themselves. You have given me a renewed sense of excitement and adventure to do what I need to do.
With sincere appreciation, Cindy

[Monica McIntyre]

Terri,
Your have touched so many lives and are still doing so..I am so proud to be called your friend.

With gratitude,
Monica

[Zombie Hunter]

Congrats on dodging patrol for 19 yrs! Ha ha ha.

Seriously though, congrats on your well-deserved retirement.

I'm not sure why you thanked Bratton and the command staff (infection).

It's the ground soldiers that make this dept so great.

Watch your six you sexy vixen you!

[Lissa M.]

Terresa,

All I can say is, “Wow!” You have something special. Maybe it’s your focus on the future, perhaps your belief in yourself but something lead you to what would have appeared to be an impossible goal to the normal person. I’m so happy for you that you perused this endeavor with the LAPD. You are a true selling point for this organization.
They offer so many opportunities for anyone who applies themselves. They say it’s based on merit but from your story, I believe it’s based on a person’s attitude and work ethic. You are a true inspiration and someone that we can all learn from ethically and professionally.
Your attitude, diligence and determination clearly explains why so many people with more experience would have been over-looked and not chosen for the rare opportunities and positions that were dubbed to you. High 5 my friend and in great hopes your competition hears this loud and clear!
I am a big fan and in great hopes of becoming your persona,
Lissa

[Budd]

Dear Chief Bratton,
I never write comments but felt compelled when I read this story, in particular to the part when Theresa applied as an instructor. So many people bring experience to their position and to their organization but when they are not willing to share this information, what good are they? When a person is willing to share and to teach what they have learned from the ground up, they are of value to an organization exponentially. I only hope the LAPD does not lose sight of what a great asset an instructor is and can continue to be to your already great legacy. I for one would appreciate learning from this officer who learned from the ground up, working her way to LAPD aerial patrol, catching criminals and fighting crime to then teaching me how to start a helicopter and not killing myself in the interim. She was so lucky to have found the LAPD but I believe they were even luckier to have found her.
With the fondest of regards, Budd

[Neil Sheffield]

Chief,
The last comment is what caused me to comment. I never comment but also felt compelled. Not only do I never comment but I also never felt a lump in my throat when I read any of these PD stories – until this one.
This story is so heartfelt that anyone and everyone could relate. We have all been there with a compelling, rewarding challenge that we were afraid to commit to due to a possible failure. We believed that we were committing more to the failure than to the excitement of the possibilities. This woman with what appears to be everything against her pursues the impossible. She not only succeeds buts excels in her endeavor. What do you make of that? Do we just die as scaredy-cat fools or at least put ourselves out there? I guess this is a question we must all ask of ourselves? She answers the question with a question – How much of your soul are you willing to reveal? So poignant! She decided to make her life a masterpiece and she succeeded! Maybe all of us can do the same if only we could contain the same work ethic and attitude – Perhaps LAPD has many of the ingredients that could work for many of us and we never knew??

[Jay Rosenberg]

I’m a resident of LA and all I can say is that I’m really sorry for me and my family that Theresa is retiring. It sounds like she is too and will miss her life as aerial LAPD. Perhaps LAPD will miss her even more. She is such an attribute to the organization, to all applicants and especially to female applicants. Bye-Bye Theresa and hope you enjoy your next life from here. You will be incredibly successful whatever you decide to do. We will miss you! Love, all of LA and the entire Rosenberg Family.

[Gabe]

I also read Theresa's blog entry and am moved to comment on her determination and commitment to her career and to public service. What too often gets lost today is that she is like many, many men and women in the department, at least in my limited experience with LAPD. They joined because they wanted a challenge and they wanted to do good, and despite having so many obstacles thrown in front of them, most have managed to keep that spirit and attitude. Most of all I salute those like Theresa who have kept on doing, long after they've learned that credit and thanks won't often be forthcoming, and that there will be plenty of blame to go around when something doesn't go well.

So congratulations and thank you.

[Nina Yates]

Dear Terri,
For years, as you remember, whenever I heard a helicopter, I'd race outside, hoping it was you. I miss the "drill," as all of us miss your dedicated, expert patrol. But I feel so fortunate to count you as my friend these past 14 years. You've met life's challenges with humor and grace, and persevered professionally to inspire and lead. I thank you as both friend and public for your hard work on our behalf. Your awards and applause are richly deserved!
Love,
Nina

[Jason Gates]

I have been away on vacation and couldn’t believe this story when I returned to your blog. Where do you find an employee that is so appreciative and gracious? I’m sure her journey was not an easy one and I’m sure she risked life and limb along the way. Does she just pat herself on the back and walk away, no! She stops traffic to look back and thank those in her path. That’s unreal! Perhaps the department would re-hire her to head up the recruitment team teaching others the true meaning of LA’s Finest. Better yet, I should offer her a consultation position for my company? Teresa, if you are interested, please call me. Jason Gates.

[Janice Weinberg]

Dear Chief Bratton,

I was browsing your Blog archives and have no idea how I missed this posting. I am so impressed. What a story – What a career!

After reading this, I feel so fortunate to have an LAPD chopper over my neighborhood. In fact, I would have joined the force years ago if I only knew the opportunities that were available, that the department was so women friendly, that I could have retired looking like her and with such a gracious departing attitude. Where in all of Corporate America can you find that?

Ms. Lincoln truly showcases the department’s attributes in a spectacular manner. Congratulations to her and to the LAPD. Who knew? This is such a great story that it should be copied into a recruitment brochure. I only wish it had been years ago when I was making my career decisions. I could have been her!

Sincerely,
Janice Weinberg

[John Harrell]

T Bird, a well writen account of your time at ASD. Many of us are very proud at what you accomplished at A.I. and ASD. The challenges that we all shared at ASD were unique within the PD. Do use your enthusiasm for your future goals. I enjoyed reading your thoughts.