Leave of Absence....

Rob Pincus · July 23, 1999, 03:30 PM

As part of a premature mid-life crisis and self-worth analysis, I am (as alluded to in another thread) giving up my free-wheelin', own-schedule-setting, living month-to-month gloriously free self-employed life to become a full time LEO.

This has probably been put off for about 10 years with college, military, family and money-making concerns, but I am finally going to go do it.

As many of you know, I will be running for one of the board of director spots of the LEAA this fall, and they are headquartered in Northern Virginia. In order to be closer to LEAA headquarters and to remind myself what snow looks like, I will be relocating to that area of the country and working for a mid-sized municipal PD.

For the past few months I have undergone a rather extensive screening process and hiring competition and I was finally offered a spot in a Virginia Certification Academy earlier this week. I assure you that hiring practices vary greatly from LEA to LEA, but this was one of the most rigorous I have ever heard of, but it is a quality department with good equipment, progressive training, excellent pay, in a nice area (affordable living, good schools, etc...), staffed mostly with some very professional LEOs.

The academy I will be attending is 17 weeks or so long and is in Fredricksburg, VA. I start next week.

As of this moment, my ISP is only active in the south, so I will need to get a new one up north. Also, I am not sure how much time/access I will have once I get up there. So, basically, I may disappear for awhile. But I assure you all that I will be back as soon as conditions permit.

I have realy enjoyed being part of TFL's development over the past 10 months and I appreciate Rich and everyone else that has made it a great experience. This place has really helped to sharpen my gun knowledge, political beliefs and training theories. I value my experience with TFL very highly.

I'll be around for another few days before I disappear, but I already know I'll miss my daily participation with The Firing Line.com.

------------------
-Essayons

[This message has been edited by Rob (edited July 23, 1999).]

Kodiac · July 23, 1999, 03:47 PM

Congratulations, Rob.
I hope you find success and satisfaction in your life altering change.

You will find Virginia judges to be very supportive of the Officers in there courts.

There is a little Eastern Indian restaraunt up that way - the spicy chicken curry is so HOT, and tasty...

johnboy · July 23, 1999, 04:06 PM

Wish you the best in your future endeavors. I know you will be busy, hopefully we will see you at the state match in October.

Best,

Johnboy

JHS · July 23, 1999, 04:31 PM

Good luck, and watch your 6.

Futo Inu · July 23, 1999, 04:33 PM

Rob, I think I can safely say we will all miss you a great deal even if only a short absence. Good luck and check back with TFL ASAP. I suppose this is why you'll be stuck with a DAO HK USP?

Ed Brunner · July 23, 1999, 04:49 PM

Y'all come back now,heah?

------------------
Better days to be,

Ed

Spectre · July 23, 1999, 04:56 PM

Sorry to see you go, but good to have known you, buddy. Watch yourself, and best of luck.

**Rich Lucibella** · July 23, 1999, 05:06 PM

Rob-
As I stated in my eamil, I'm glad you decided to take this opportunity. Whether you stay with it for a year or a hundred, you owed it to yourself to try.

As a plank-holder and Staff Member of TFL, you've brought a great deal to the table. Keep in mind the lessons you've taught here and the ones you've learned. Do us proud!
Rich

Hal · July 23, 1999, 05:35 PM

Rob: Glad to see you get a shot. Sorry to see you go, even for a short time. Hearfelt congrats and thanks for everything. Be careful, and be safe. You will find that snow still sucks, but the change of seasons makes it worthwhile.

Jim V · July 23, 1999, 05:46 PM

Go for it, Rob. Good luck in the lawman game. (So you did not tell them about TFL did you?) LOL

------------------
Ne Conjuge Nobiscum
"If there be treachery, let there be jehad!"

HS · July 23, 1999, 06:36 PM

All the best to you & your Family Rob.
Keep a look out for an Internet Cafe', that way you can check in when you want & get some free doughnuts to boot!

------------------
"The Gun from Down Under !"
http://www.para1911fanclub.w3.to/

**4V50 Gary** · July 23, 1999, 07:51 PM

My generation was heirs to the "coffee and doughnut" legacy left to us by our seniors. Rob's generation is healthier with "bran muffins and espresso." Alternatively, "bottled water" is acceptable in lieu of caffinated beverages.

Rob, good luck and enjoy the academy. Unlike my classmates, I use to study a little every night so I didn't have to cram for exams on Friday.

------------------
Vigilantibus et non dormientibus jura subveniunt

Rob Pincus · July 23, 1999, 09:37 PM

thanks for the good wishes guys, here and in the Emails.

Yes, this is why I will be "blessed" with a DOA(!) USP.

There were SEVERAL gun related questions in the psyche screening.. I did "admit" that I was a gun collector, a gun enthusiast, that I frequented gun shops, competitions and shows. I also explained to them that I did marketing work inside the industry and was a certified instructor. Niether TFL nor my tattoos were discussed

.

Free Coffee I am used to, I haven't ever been offered a bran muffin, but I hope the Subway shop up there has the same policy as the ones down here!

As far as the State IDPA Match, I Really want to be there.. Do you think I can get TNDPC to buy me a plane ticket? Then again, if they did, they'd want me to wear one of those damn orange shirts!
By now you guys have probly found a ringer to make sure it wouldn't be worth my while to come back anyway.

------------------
-Essayons

ShadedDude · July 23, 1999, 09:47 PM

We will miss you Rob!

Good luck!

------------------
The Infamous ShadedDude
http://www.inanimatemotion.com
Web Design and Hosting

Dan · July 23, 1999, 10:07 PM

Rob,

I wish you luck in your new career.

------------------
Dan

Check me out at:
www.mindspring.com/~susdan/interest.htm
www.mindspring.com/~susdan/GlocksnGoodies.htm

Dennis · July 23, 1999, 10:25 PM

Rob,
Best of luck. My bet is you'll "wow" 'em!
(Can't help myself...) Remember, we're on YOUr side!!!

Dennis & Leona

Grayfox · July 23, 1999, 11:27 PM

Rob,
When life makes an opportunity avalible, you must seize it or forever regret it. Go For it! Don't look back. I'm sure you'll be an excellent LEO.
I'm reminded of an old Ray Price song that says "I'd rather be sorry for something I've done, than for something that I didn't do."
Besides, you'll be back to TFL. I ain't like your leaving forever.

Best of luck to ya!

Byron Quick · July 23, 1999, 11:31 PM

Good luck, guy. It takes all kinds

Keep in touch.

Prichard · July 23, 1999, 11:40 PM

!Buena suerte! Good luck!

BAB · July 24, 1999, 12:04 AM

Good luck, Rob! And don't be a stranger!

Bruce from West Oz · July 24, 1999, 03:51 AM

All the best, mate ... If I was only 20 years younger ......

My learning tip as an ex-chalkie is the same as someone else gave you -- do it as you go and avoid the last-minute panic.

But you'll succeed because you have the biggest factor of all -- motivation -- you want to be there!

Give 'em heaps!

Bruce

El Chimango Pete · July 24, 1999, 07:58 AM

And from "The Other Down Under" (where by the way, LEO's are among Argentina's most underrated and underpaid professions)... all the best! - hasta pronto!
Peter Knight

Bill Lance · July 24, 1999, 10:30 AM

Rob,
Best of luck and keep us up to date as much as you can in reference to school and your time with the DAO H&K.

Art Eatman · July 24, 1999, 03:07 PM

Yo, bro, best luck to ya! I guess you'll look for wild hogs in your spare time...

Best regards, Art

Senator · July 24, 1999, 04:57 PM

Good luck, Rob. I hope things work out for you in your new job. Thanks for all you've contributed at TFL.

In light of these new developments, what is the status of FOUP?

Thanks.

------------------
Kelly

www.SenatorsPlace.com

Deo Vindice

July 23, 1999, 03:30 PM	#1
Rob Pincus Senior Member Join Date: October 9, 1998 Location: Hotels Posts: 3,668	As part of a premature mid-life crisis and self-worth analysis, I am (as alluded to in another thread) giving up my free-wheelin', own-schedule-setting, living month-to-month gloriously free self-employed life to become a full time LEO. This has probably been put off for about 10 years with college, military, family and money-making concerns, but I am finally going to go do it. As many of you know, I will be running for one of the board of director spots of the LEAA this fall, and they are headquartered in Northern Virginia. In order to be closer to LEAA headquarters and to remind myself what snow looks like, I will be relocating to that area of the country and working for a mid-sized municipal PD. For the past few months I have undergone a rather extensive screening process and hiring competition and I was finally offered a spot in a Virginia Certification Academy earlier this week. I assure you that hiring practices vary greatly from LEA to LEA, but this was one of the most rigorous I have ever heard of, but it is a quality department with good equipment, progressive training, excellent pay, in a nice area (affordable living, good schools, etc...), staffed mostly with some very professional LEOs. The academy I will be attending is 17 weeks or so long and is in Fredricksburg, VA. I start next week. As of this moment, my ISP is only active in the south, so I will need to get a new one up north. Also, I am not sure how much time/access I will have once I get up there. So, basically, I may disappear for awhile. But I assure you all that I will be back as soon as conditions permit. I have realy enjoyed being part of TFL's development over the past 10 months and I appreciate Rich and everyone else that has made it a great experience. This place has really helped to sharpen my gun knowledge, political beliefs and training theories. I value my experience with TFL very highly. I'll be around for another few days before I disappear, but I already know I'll miss my daily participation with The Firing Line.com. ------------------ *-Essayons* [This message has been edited by Rob (edited July 23, 1999).]

July 23, 1999, 03:47 PM	#2
Kodiac Senior Member Join Date: August 16, 1999 Posts: 1,173	Congratulations, Rob. I hope you find success and satisfaction in your life altering change. You will find Virginia judges to be very supportive of the Officers in there courts. There is a little Eastern Indian restaraunt up that way - the spicy chicken curry is so HOT, and tasty...

July 23, 1999, 04:06 PM	#3
johnboy Retired Screen Name Join Date: November 17, 2000 Posts: 204	Wish you the best in your future endeavors. I know you will be busy, hopefully we will see you at the state match in October. Best, Johnboy

July 23, 1999, 04:31 PM	#4
JHS Senior Member Join Date: November 30, 1998 Location: Goodwell,Ok. Posts: 505	Good luck, and watch your 6.

July 23, 1999, 04:33 PM	#5
Futo Inu Senior Member Join Date: February 12, 1999 Location: Oklahoma City, OK, USA Posts: 3,624	Rob, I think I can safely say we will all miss you a great deal even if only a short absence. Good luck and check back with TFL ASAP. I suppose this is why you'll be stuck with a DAO HK USP?

July 23, 1999, 04:49 PM	#6
Ed Brunner Senior Member Join Date: October 11, 1998 Location: Natchez, MS, USA Posts: 2,562	Y'all come back now,heah? ------------------ Better days to be, Ed

July 23, 1999, 04:56 PM	#7
Spectre Staff Alumnus Join Date: October 23, 1998 Location: ATL Posts: 3,277	Sorry to see you go, but good to have known you, buddy. Watch yourself, and best of luck.

July 23, 1999, 05:06 PM	#8
Rich Lucibella Staff Join Date: October 6, 1998 Location: South Florida Posts: 10,229	Rob- As I stated in my eamil, I'm glad you decided to take this opportunity. Whether you stay with it for a year or a hundred, you owed it to yourself to try. As a plank-holder and Staff Member of TFL, you've brought a great deal to the table. Keep in mind the lessons you've taught here and the ones you've learned. Do us proud! Rich

July 23, 1999, 05:35 PM	#9
Hal Senior Member Join Date: October 9, 1998 Location: Ohio USA Posts: 8,563	Rob: Glad to see you get a shot. Sorry to see you go, even for a short time. Hearfelt congrats and thanks for everything. Be careful, and be safe. You will find that snow still sucks, but the change of seasons makes it worthwhile.

July 23, 1999, 05:46 PM	#10
Jim V Senior Member Join Date: January 31, 1999 Location: SE Michigan - USA Posts: 4,038	Go for it, Rob. Good luck in the lawman game. (So you did not tell them about TFL did you?) LOL ------------------ Ne Conjuge Nobiscum "If there be treachery, let there be jehad!"

July 23, 1999, 06:36 PM	#11
HS Senior Member Join Date: October 11, 1998 Location: Brisbane.....Australia Posts: 1,258	All the best to you & your Family Rob. Keep a look out for an Internet Cafe', that way you can check in when you want & get some free doughnuts to boot! ------------------ "The Gun from Down Under !" http://www.para1911fanclub.w3.to/

July 23, 1999, 07:51 PM	#12
4V50 Gary Staff Join Date: November 2, 1998 Location: Colorado Posts: 21,850	My generation was heirs to the "coffee and doughnut" legacy left to us by our seniors. Rob's generation is healthier with "bran muffins and espresso." Alternatively, "bottled water" is acceptable in lieu of caffinated beverages. Rob, good luck and enjoy the academy. Unlike my classmates, I use to study a little every night so I didn't have to cram for exams on Friday. ------------------ Vigilantibus et non dormientibus jura subveniunt

July 23, 1999, 09:37 PM	#13
Rob Pincus Senior Member Join Date: October 9, 1998 Location: Hotels Posts: 3,668	thanks for the good wishes guys, here and in the Emails. Yes, this is why I will be "blessed" with a DOA(!) USP. There were SEVERAL gun related questions in the psyche screening.. I did "admit" that I was a gun collector, a gun enthusiast, that I frequented gun shops, competitions and shows. I also explained to them that I did marketing work inside the industry and was a certified instructor. Niether TFL nor my tattoos were discussed . Free Coffee I am used to, I haven't ever been offered a bran muffin, but I hope the Subway shop up there has the same policy as the ones down here! As far as the State IDPA Match, I Really want to be there.. Do you think I can get TNDPC to buy me a plane ticket? Then again, if they did, they'd want me to wear one of those damn orange shirts! By now you guys have probly found a ringer to make sure it wouldn't be worth my while to come back anyway. ------------------ *-Essayons*

July 23, 1999, 09:47 PM	#14
ShadedDude Senior Member Join Date: October 11, 1998 Location: TN Posts: 254	We will miss you Rob! Good luck! ------------------ The Infamous ShadedDude http://www.inanimatemotion.com Web Design and Hosting

July 23, 1999, 10:07 PM	#15
Dan Senior Member Join Date: October 24, 1998 Location: Hiram, Ga Posts: 283	Rob, I wish you luck in your new career. ------------------ Dan Check me out at: www.mindspring.com/~susdan/interest.htm www.mindspring.com/~susdan/GlocksnGoodies.htm

July 23, 1999, 10:25 PM	#16
Dennis Staff Emeritus Join Date: November 23, 1998 Location: a small forest in Texas Posts: 7,079	Rob, Best of luck. My bet is you'll "wow" 'em! (Can't help myself...) Remember, we're on YOUr side!!! Dennis & Leona

July 23, 1999, 11:27 PM	#17
Grayfox Senior Member Join Date: December 17, 1998 Posts: 1,885	Rob, When life makes an opportunity avalible, you must seize it or forever regret it. Go For it! Don't look back. I'm sure you'll be an excellent LEO. I'm reminded of an old Ray Price song that says "I'd rather be sorry for something I've done, than for something that I didn't do." Besides, you'll be back to TFL. I ain't like your leaving forever. Best of luck to ya!

July 23, 1999, 11:31 PM	#18
Byron Quick Staff In Memoriam Join Date: November 13, 1998 Location: Waynesboro, Georgia, USA Posts: 2,361	Good luck, guy. It takes all kinds Keep in touch.

July 23, 1999, 11:40 PM	#19
Prichard Senior Member Join Date: February 7, 1999 Posts: 263	!Buena suerte! Good luck!

July 24, 1999, 12:04 AM	#20
BAB Senior Member Join Date: March 2, 1999 Location: Midwest Posts: 459	Good luck, Rob! And don't be a stranger!

July 24, 1999, 03:51 AM	#21
Bruce from West Oz Senior Member Join Date: February 26, 1999 Location: Perth, Western Australia Posts: 274	All the best, mate ... If I was only 20 years younger ...... My learning tip as an ex-chalkie is the same as someone else gave you -- do it as you go and avoid the last-minute panic. But you'll succeed because you have the biggest factor of all -- motivation -- you want to be there! Give 'em heaps! Bruce

July 24, 1999, 07:58 AM	#22
El Chimango Pete Senior Member Join Date: January 11, 1999 Location: Sierras de Cordoba - Argentina Posts: 352	And from "The Other Down Under" (where by the way, LEO's are among Argentina's most underrated and underpaid professions)... all the best! - hasta pronto! Peter Knight

July 24, 1999, 10:30 AM	#23
Bill Lance Member Join Date: June 11, 1999 Posts: 18	Rob, Best of luck and keep us up to date as much as you can in reference to school and your time with the DAO H&K.

July 24, 1999, 03:07 PM	#24
Art Eatman Staff in Memoriam Join Date: November 13, 1998 Location: Terlingua, TX; Thomasville, GA Posts: 24,798	Yo, bro, best luck to ya! I guess you'll look for wild hogs in your spare time... Best regards, Art

July 24, 1999, 04:57 PM	#25
Senator Member Join Date: October 27, 1998 Location: Charlotte, NC Posts: 60	Good luck, Rob. I hope things work out for you in your new job. Thanks for all you've contributed at TFL. In light of these new developments, what is the status of FOUP? Thanks. ------------------ Kelly www.SenatorsPlace.com Deo Vindice