Looking Back on a Blessed Career

This article is not my "final" article, but it is the last article that will come out while I am still on the job. The next article I write will be my last, as it will appear in the November issue, and at that point, I will already have been retired for two weeks. I wanted to take the opportunity with this article to look back on everything I was able to do and talk about people who were instrumental in my career.

First and foremost, I probably would not have been in this profession if it weren't for my dad, Jerome Grammas. My dad was a police officer in New York as well as here at LVMPD. My dad was a good man and showed me that serving others was a noble way to live your life. My mom, Sharen Grammas, was also a servant to others, working as an amazing nurse and helping people every day.

A couple of other law enforcement inspirations for me were my brother-in-law Chad Brown, a retired LVMPD Viper sergeant, and my big brother Brian Grammas, a retired LVMPD detective and LVPPA representative. These two guys were older than me, and I always listened to their stories from work, which continued to motivate me to enter this field.

I joined Explorers at 16 years old, and I recall how impactful this position was to my growth as a future officer. Darren Densley was our post leader, and guys like Chris Church, Bill Schoen, and Rory Neslund were our advisors. We had some great times, but more importantly, we learned at a young age how to do the job of a police officer, in training, of course.

My official LVMPD career started at 18 years old, fresh out of high school. I was so honored to be selected as a Cadet. This was an amazing position that I hope continues at LVMPD. So many great things come out of that program for our department.

I was able to work NEAC with some awesome officers who really allowed me to do more than I probably should have! There were many talks from bosses with me and my squad about "not letting the cadet be your backup on a fight call."

In 2001, I attended the police academy. Even for a kid who had been on the job, around the job and, sometimes, doing the job, the academy was eye-opening for me. Even back in 2001, the level of training, the standards set forth by our academy staff, and the flat-out toughness of the academy were what a kid like me needed. Our TAC staff members were all professionals who cared about what the future of LVMPD looked like, and it showed in how they trained and treated us.

Out of the academy and into FTEP. I had some good FTOs, but one, Domingo Lucero, had the most profound impact on me. See, most FTOs, because I was a Cadet, felt that I knew most of what I needed to know and that FTEP was just a formality. Domingo did not! And I am so much better because of how he treated me. He made it clear that being a Cadet isn't the same as being a Police Officer. He was tough, changed my way of writing reports, and pushed me like I needed to be pushed. I am probably not where I am today if not for Domingo. Thanks, brother.

Like everyone else, I went on to regular patrol, working graveyard and swing shifts. The men and women I served with on those shifts were truly tough and amazing folks– people I would take into any gunfight with me, any day of the week. We worked together, laughed together, had each other's backs, and ultimately, grew as officers together. While I can't name everyone, thanks to Paz, Yant, Saab, Colon, Jogodka, and all of those I worked with. I appreciate you fellas.

I did the FTO thing for a bit, which is to say I only had three trainees. Two of them were fired, and one is a lieutenant. Batting .333 would get any player into the Hall of Fame, so I'll take it.

I went to PSU, now known as Flex, and began my investigative career. Learning how to work cases, conduct surveillance, execute search warrants and more was awesome. We had the best time ever on our teams and worked for some great bosses. Mel and Pate were great dudes and even better leaders.

After PSU, I tested for and made it to Narcotics – the most amazing place to work while doing police work. The men and women there were some of the absolute best investigators I had ever been around. I mean no disrespect to our other amazing detectives, but what these folks could do with only a phone number and an alias was nothing short of magical. In that unit, I had so many dear friends. I thank every one of them for showing me how to be a good investigator.

For my last stop – this is like A Christmas Carol, LOL – the LVPPA. Serving the public was always at the front of my mind, and I felt a great sense of pride in doing that. But serving and protecting those who serve and protect others? That was the honor of my life.

When you all placed your faith and trust in me to lead the LVPPA, I took that very seriously. The gravity of being the president of one of the largest police unions in the country was never lost on me. Every day, I tried my best to represent our members and our profession in the best way I knew how. I didn't do it alone, though. In fact, our success was not because of me, but because of the team we built here at the PPA. My last article will be all about my family, both at work and at home, so I won't get too far into my love and appreciation for our team. But the next article will cover everything and every way I feel about you all.

This union is stronger today than it was when I came here in 2014, and that was always the goal: "Leave it better than when you found it." I think we did that.

To the LVMPD executive staff members I have worked with, and, at times, against, regardless of how we may have fought, we still have the best police department in the country. Just remember, it isn't always about beating down employees with discipline. Sometimes, the employee who seems too far gone can still be reached. Don't give up on the men and women who risk their lives for this community. Some of them are having a tough time at work, at home, with their families, or even with their own mental health. Give them grace. And the "worst" employees are often waiting for a leader to help pick them up. Go be that leader, like my friend BP recently was for an officer.

To my pal, the greatest guy no one will ever know, thanks for everything, brother.

To Gov. Joe Lombardo, our former sheriff: Man, you were the toughest dude I ever had to go up against. You showed me how to prepare, educate myself, and not talk out of the side of my neck. Not many people knew – or know – the real Joe Lombardo. I think I have a pretty good idea after many meetings and sit-downs. Keep kicking ass as our governor.

Lastly, Sheriff McMahill: Man, you are just a good dude, brother. I have been fortunate to see how much you truly care about this department and the men and women who work here. Often, folks may not think so, but I know you do. Keep leading from the front, pal.

There are so many more folks I could mention at LVMPD, but I am running out of article space. As I said, this is the last article from your President while I am still actively here.

Thank you all for everything, and thank you for doing the most noble job in the world. Every one of you is my hero! Love you all.

For the last time as your sitting President, stay safe.