Gordon Graham, J.D.
“When I was much younger I heard the words from the Speaker of the House – Tip O’Neill – “all politics is local.” Since he said that some forty years ago, I have learned that successful politicians take those words to heart. Ten years ago I had some involvement with “Below 100” – perhaps the most meaningful officer safety program I have experienced since my start in this business in 1973. I believe it was successful because it did not come from “on high” but rather from the “bottom up.” As I read an advance copy of “How to Thrive With Backup,” both of the above thoughts were resonating in my head as I read the fourteen chapters brilliantly framed in four sections. This “thrive” concept was developed by a group of local people from one small Sheriff’s Office who saw a problem and developed a solution. This book should be read by “someone who has the ability to say yes” in every law enforcement agency in America. It is clear to me that too many agencies focus on the employees and not the family members – and I do not fault those agencies because “we have always done it this way.” Once an informed leader recognizes the need of “supporting the family” – the next question will be “how do I do that?” This wheel has been invented by the good people at El Dorado County Sheriff’s office – and this book will serve as a primer on “how to make this work in my agency.” The approach used by the authors, Thompson, Roe, and D’Agostini, of identifying potential problems in building a successful “Thrive” system in your agency or department is amazingly simple, and through an effective use of “experiences,” their “bullet points” and “checklists” make it much easier to create a similar robust system for the families of your agency’s employees. With all of the current issues law enforcement faces nationally, we must revisit how we “recruit and retain” great people – and when potential applicants get beyond salary and benefits and become aware of your agency’s commitment to their family – that may be the tipping point in their decision. My hat is off to the people behind this “Thrive” concept, and I wish you continued success in all you are doing to make things better – not just locally but nationally
