In September of 2014 The Wife and I took a trip to Guatemala. On my return I told the story of my visit to the local police station in the City of Antigua. Of course I acquired a badge for my collection. I still have it. The post below is the original story for present day reading. Enjoy.
COURTESY CALL - GUATEMALA
Don't
ask me why, but the wife and I took a trip to Guatemala in late
September (2014). By now everyone who knows me, should know, the
important question is: "Did you get a Badge?"
Well of course the answer is, "Yes."
We had the good fortune of being the only
people on this tour so it didn't take too much effort to have our guide
take us to a police station. He found one in the City of Antigua.
Before
getting to the police station I pumped the guide for all the
information I could get about this City. Let me share some facts and
work my way up to headquarters.
I
learned that Antigua is the oldest City in Central America, and it
served as a capital during Spanish rule. It is quite a colorful City.
Unfortunately it was built on a fault line, making it a land that shakes. It also has survived these tremors in the ground.
Many
of the homes and buildings were facades from older days. In many cases
all that was left from earthquakes was an outside wall or two. From
these ruins present day homes and businesses were built.
Some
of these buildings have walls that are over a foot thick, and you
should see the wood doors that they have. Guaranteed they did not come
from Home-Depot. A good number of these doors are over a hundred years
of age.
The
streets of Antigua were wide, and made of cobble stones. For the most
part they were clean, and solid. Most vehicular traffic was small cars,
motor scooters, and an occasional horse and buggy.
I
learned that electric here is produced from hydro-electric plants. The
Country is self sufficient in electrical production. Distribution, on
the other hand, is a problem.
Electric
is transmitted to the town by overhead wires. If it weren't for the
telephone poles, carrying these electric wires, I would have thought
myself lost in time. With them, I still got the feeling of being
somewhere in the twilight zone.
As
I approached the police station I was wondering if we were at the right
place. I quickly learned not to judge a book by its cover.
The police station was small. It was colorful. The color of choice was appropriately blue. I loved it.
It
was easy to find out who was in charge. I had the guide introduce me as
a retired officer. I then offered my own "Buenas Tardes." It was
nicely received with a smile and handshake.
The
police had their own translator. He made conversing nice and easy. His
command of English was very impressive. I injected my Jersey Spanish every now and then, and we hit it off quite well.
My
explanation for being there was simple. I write for Police Collectors
News. I told them all I wanted was a handshake and a smile for a picture
or two. I let it slip that I also collect Badges.
From
our introductory remarks, I was rewarded with great conversation, some
nice pictures, and a fine badge from "El Jefe's" shirt. I have it home
now where it is displayed under glass. It serves as a fine memory of a
great afternoon in Antigua.
The
State Police Officers who made my day were Freddy Chavez Gomez (Officer
in Charge), and Inspector Carlos Villatoro, (translator). They were
terrific Gentlemen. I made sure to get their pictures for my friends at PC News.
Outside
in the small court yard area of HQ, I was introduced to a Detective,
who also was very friendly, and eager to show off the badge that he
carries in his work.
Just
down the street from HQ, I ran into a man who spoke English fairly
well. He told me he was a retired Philadelphia PD Officer. Bill Shetz
now works with the American Legion. He advised me there is a community
of retired US Police Officers working with the American Legion. They
help the police and the local community. I was feeling at home here.
At that point my wife reminded me of the volcano, that was puffing, and our need to go shopping, so I gave Freddy and Carlos a nice Jersey Hug
and a handshake. They showed me a great time, and their hospitality was
truly enjoyed. Gracias, mi Amigos. Hasta Luego, and Thanks for a great
memory.
