Helping hand: Why no officer is ever too heavy to carry

This article is based on collaboration between students in the FBI National Academy’s executive writing course. The course is designed to enhance the written communication skills of law enforcement leaders and provides them with an opportunity to share their knowledge, experience and subject-matter expertise through publishing. Established in 1935, the FBI National Academy is a professional course of study for U.S. and international law enforcement managers nominated by their agency heads because of demonstrated leadership qualities. For more information, visit https://le.fbi.gov/training.

By Deputy Chief Aaron Huguley

What if I told you, “You ain’t heavy, he ain’t heavy, she ain’t heavy, we ain’t heavy.” Allow that to settle in and marinate for a moment, and for the sake of this article let’s disregard the incorrect grammar and focus on the meaning. What comes to mind? What does that mean to you?

Now what if I told you there are more than 1,280,000 law enforcement officers in the United States and none of them are heavy? You may or may not have guessed by now, but the meaning of this profound quote is you are worth a helping hand — we all are.

This profession calls for us to be selfless to the communities we serve, but more importantly, selfless to ourselves — you and me. If we neglect to take care of one another, we are of no value to the residents and visitors in our respective communities.

Military ethos

There is an ethos that is associated and deeply rooted in the United States military. The principled words echo in every military movie ever made, and when you hear it at just the right part, it sends chills down your spine.

Those words are, “Leave no man behind.” They carry a meaning that transcends generations, and all who wear the uniform possess a defined understanding. Does that understanding extend to us in law enforcement? Absolutely it does. Those words could not ring any truer for us who wear the blues, the browns, the greens, and that noble shield. “Leave no man behind” is akin to “We ain’t heavy.”

Back-up when it counts

Intrinsically, what does it mean? It means that you are interested in the well-being of your fellow officers — you genuinely care about them. This does not only apply to the battlefield or the streets, but to every aspect of life.

The quotes, “You ain’t heavy, he ain’t heavy, she ain’t heavy, we ain’t heavy” and “Leave no man behind,” mean we are willing to be there whenever we are called upon by another LEO. The call may not always be verbal. It may be a look, it may be a history of one too many beers, it may be a high volume of absences from work, it may be a use-of-force incident, it may be overhearing them yell at a spouse over the phone, it may be during or after a divorce.

This profession has trained us to have a heightened sense of awareness and to know when something just isn’t right. I say use that same training to take notice when something just isn’t right with Officer ____, Detective ____, Deputy ____, Trooper ____. They deserve a 10-12, or back-up, just as you do in your time of need. Who better to give it to them than someone who understands the stressors of the job and bleeds blue, brown, or green?

Warning signs we miss

Early on in our careers, we are often perceptive and lend a helping hand. Remember in the police academy when you or another recruit would slow down and run with someone who needed that support and extra motivation? Or during the FTO program when we would meet up with other recruits who were having a difficult time?

However, as our careers progress and our individual ambition creeps in, our blinders unintentionally go up. The greetings of “What’s up?” or “How you doing?” are no longer genuine questions. We are all familiar with the responses, “Just another day,” “Doing the best I can,” or “Living the dream.”

I am not saying these responses always signal that something is wrong. Nevertheless, these types of responses, in combination with other variables, should cause the proverbial hairs to rise up on the back of your neck. To go even further, I believe you have experienced a time when the hairs did rise up and you just ignored it — because you did not have the time, or you did not know that officer that well, or you did not like that officer.

If you can relate, I just want you to remember: “He ain’t heavy, she ain’t heavy, we ain’t heavy.”

A helping hand matters

We must remember that lending a helping hand is not just physical, but mental as well. Certainly, there will still be times when a fellow LEO will need that hand to help them off the ground. But I dare say there will be more occasions when they need that hand to help them through a mentally trying struggle.

There are officers in your department who need you. There are officers you can think of right now struggling with substance abuse, gambling, domestic violence, infidelity, debt, abuse of pain or sleeping pills. They need to know that you see them, you care about them, and that you are invested in their physical and mental well-being.

They need to know you will lend a helping hand — and that they are not heavy.

If you were struggling, what kind of help would mean the most from a colleague? Share below.

About the author

Deputy Chief Aaron Huguley serves in many capacities. He is a protector of the community, leader of officers, devoted husband and proud father – all anchored by his steadfast commitment to making a difference both at home and in the community.

A graduate of the University of Detroit Mercy, Deputy Chief Huguley earned both a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and a Master of Science in Intelligence Analysis. He is a results-driven law enforcement leader with a strong background in courageous leadership and investigative procedures. Deputy Chief Huguley is skilled in mentoring teams and driving efficiency in operations, as well as committed to strategic planning that reduces crime and enhances community safety.

Over the years, Deputy Chief Huguley has demonstrated an unwavering dedication to public safety and professional growth. He authored departmental policies for Critical Incident Stress Management and Non-Family Child Abduction, initiatives that reflect his balance of strategic vision and hands-on service. Some of his many accomplishments include: Graduate of the FBI National Academy – Session #295; Board of Directors – Governance Committee Chair, Orchards Children’s Services; Certified Public Information Officer; Graduate of MACP Police Executives & New Chief’s School; Criminal Justice & Law Instructor; Training Instructor: Simunitions, PPCT, and Defensive Tactics; Youth Mentor; and Co-Director, My Brother’s Keeper – Southfield Chapter

In his current role as Deputy Chief of Police for the Southfield Police Department, he oversees the Detective Bureau, Court Services, Detention Center Operations, background investigations, the property room, and the department’s Task Force Officers. He continues to lead with integrity, innovation and compassion.