The President

      I’ve had a lot of experiences as a police officer in a large Metropolitan area. These experiences include talking with a variety of people. I’ve talked and held conversations with everyone from the president of the United States down to the lowest scummiest wino, transient. I’ve talked to all kinds of people in between, serial killers, murderers, many criminals of all kinds, distinguished businesspeople, entertainment people, sports figures, and foreign dignitaries.

      This story is about my conversation with the president of the United States. It was a cold February morning in 1990. I was working foot patrol for the Fort Worth Police Department, which was attached to the SWAT team at the time with my partner and good friend. President George H.W. Bush (Bush ’41) came into town to visit some wealthy donors and was staying at the Worthington Hotel. It was the only five star hotel in Fort Worth at the time. The Secret Service had complete control over the situation but required local police to provide support. They contacted Fort Worth, and the SWAT team was the support.

       Myself, and my partner were stationed at a rear door to the hotel. Our job was to make sure no one entered through the door. We were outside and it was cold. We stood there talking about abstract things as we always did, trying to keep warm. The door suddenly opened. We turned around quickly wondering what was going on. Outwalks Bush ’41 with two secret service agents. All three are in jogging suits.

        My partner who is one of the most congenial people you’ll ever meet said, “Hi mister president. You’ve got my vote.”

       Me being ever the bandwagon guy said, “Yes sir. Me too.”

       As we talked, he turned around with a big smile, “Well thanks fellas. I really appreciate that, and I appreciate what you do.”

       My partner continued, “Are you going jogging?”

       The president said, “Yeah, I jog every day.”

       My partner turned to the Secret Service agents, “So you guys drew the lucky duty. You in good shape?”

       At this point everyone was laughing, even the president. One of the agents said, “We’ve been lucky. So far, we can keep up with him.”

       The president said, “These guys are in way better shape than I ever was.”

       The agent then asked, “Where’s a good place to jog for few minutes around here.”

       My partner said, “It’s Sunday morning. You shouldn’t have any trouble. Down the street towards the river is good.” We talked for a few more minutes about things of interest in Fort Worth.

       My partner said, “If you want, I can call a detail to escort you sir.”

       All three men declined, and they took off on their jog. They must have come back through the front of the hotel because we never saw them again. It was a great experience though. Bush ’41 was such a nice guy. I’ll never forget how he treated us.