APOSTLE
A Pledge Of Support To Law Enforcement
Definition of Apostle from Merriam-Webster Dictionary:
1: one sent on a mission, 2: a person who initiates a great moral, reform or who first advocates an important belief or system.
Mission Statement-
Promoting a culture of support for those who Protect and Serve
through awareness, unity, integrity and mutual respect.
My Story-
Back in late 1990’s I did Ride-a-Long with officer Al Torres in Santa Maria, CA.
I don’t remember all the details of that ride, but I do remember it was on the evening shift and I was
just excited to be along side Officer Torres. What struck me about Officer Torres was his demeanor.
He had that persona about him, like he could be your Dad, Coach, Mentor, etc. He came across to me like
he genuinely cared about people and his community. It showed in the way he talked to you and how he interacted with
others. A few details I do remember about that ride was that we responded to some sort of traffic collision, and
I remember I was at the station where the suspect had to give a sample, (yes, that kind of sample).
But the best memory is that Officer Torres had a personal Cellular Phone in his Patrol Car.
Why is this the best memory? It was a BAG cellular phone! Remember this was the late 90’s. It was like a small suitcase!
I remember he said he had it so he could call his wife.
To me, he was the perfect example of a Peace Officer.
So why APOSTLE?
I guess I always had admiration for Law Enforcement. As a kid I loved to watch CHiPs and Emergency! on TV.
There is just something about sirens and flashing lights, but that’s not what compelled me to start APOSTLE.
It was the morning that Senior Officer Jaime Padron lost his life while trying to apprehend a shoplifter.
That was April 6th 2012. As I watched the news cast I remember that feeling of loss. What struck me more than anything
was the scene of those First Responders who where standing at attention, saluting Officer Padron as he was loaded into an ambulance.
That brought me to tears. It was then that I decided to find a way to promote the appreciation for those who
Protect and Serve and put their life on the line everyday.
Where did APOSTLE come from?
The acronym APOSTLE was created through trial and error. I had an idea that if I could create an acronym that represented
support for Law Enforcement, it would be something that could be promoted. I came up with A Pledge Of Support To Law Enforcement.
As stated above, the very definition of Apostle is messenger. I am a messenger promoting support of Law Enforcement.
What am I trying to accomplish?
With APOSTLE, I look to promote the support of Law Enforcement. It has been a few years since my initial concept
and now I am continuing my mission with a logo I designed. My aspirations are to see my logo on store fronts,
vehicles, shirts, hats, etc. By wearing/displaying the APOSTLE logo, you are showing/pledging your support.
Everywhere you go you see different logos on just about everything. I envision seeing people of all ages showing
their support for Law Enforcement through APOSTLE. To see every community get behind their Law Enforcement, showing their support to the
Men and Women who Protect and Serve, I feel would have a positive impact on both citizen and Peace Officer.