Mr. Doug

Labor Day Weekend

2008-09-06T21:18:00.006-06:00

I had a pretty darn good Labor Day weekend. I went with Brittney's family up to bear lake. We had a good time with her extended family just hanging out, having fun, and of course eating raspberry shakes!

Lets play catch up shall we?

2008-08-19T19:31:00.005-06:00

Where do I begin? So many new things happening in my life...How about my wonderful girlfriend Brittney! That sounds like a great place. Her and I have known each other for like 14 years or something close to that I had never said more than hello to her. This is an interesting story in that I have always found her attractive but never had the guts to ask her out. Her dad works with my dad (Centerville Police Dept).

Our relationship started back in early June. She just happened to come to a police awards banquet where both her dad and mine were receiving awards. I had been there maybe 5 minutes or so, and then I saw her walking up with her family and I went WOW! I hadn't seen her in a long time and so I was stunned by how gorgeous she was...I said hello to her dad and then her. Her dad then asked me how the police academy was going, and I told him not so good because I had just quit - to accept a full time position with SLCPD and go through their academy which was seperate from the state academy. I then found out that Brittney is going to go through the academy in about a year and a half. Right then and there I knew I wanted to know more about this girl - and as they say, "the rest is history."

We've been dating for just over 2 months now and she is incredible! I cant get enough of her. I'll spare those of you reading this all the sappy details...just know that she is incredible and made me work to get her!

The other news is that I've been in Salt Lake's police academy for about 7 weeks now, and it is incredible. It is so much more difficult than the state academy, but I love it. I do nothing but study for our tests which are monday, wednesday, and friday. Its gruelling but I'm enjoying it very much.

Just this last Thursday I was sprayed with Pepper Spray AND IT SUCKED! Seriously the worst experience of my life. I'd rather be shot in the leg.

Job Offer!

2008-06-06T12:32:00.005-06:00

I've been offered a job by Chief Burbank of the Salt Lake City Police Department! I can't even begin to tell you how excited I am. This is one of the moments I've longed for my entire life. Ever since I was a kid I've wanted to be a cop, and now the opportunity is here.

I heard last week that Chief Burbank wanted to meet with me....I had to wait almost a week from when I got the call to when I actually met with him. Talk about nerves....I found myself constantly thinking about the interview I was to have with him. What would he want to know? What questions would he ask? What would I say? Was I going to be nervous? These thoughts consumed me for those few days, and then the moment came. I was waiting in the 8th floor lobby of the police department. A secretary came out and got me. She led me into Chief's office. I shook his hand and took a seat. What was the first thing I noticed? A huge bowl of peanut M&M's...haha. They looked delicious - the thought occurred, eat one. Then the nervous pit in my stomach said NO! you'll throw up on his desk...haha.

We talked for about 20 minutes. We went over the police department standards, his expectations and direction for the police department. He then asked me if I had any questions...yeah I had questions, like did I get the job or what? I of course didn't ask him that, so I asked how many have you hired so far, and how many do you plan to hire? He responded by saying that he had hired 14 so far, and that it could be as many as 22. We talked for a few more minutes and then he said, "well thats about all I have." which totally left me wondering if I had the job or not....then he slid a piece of paper across the desk and offered me the job! I was extatic to say the least. I said "yes!, of course I'd love to accept the position." I then signed the necessary paperwork and we shook hands and he welcomed me to the police department.

What a great moment in my life! I couldn't be happier.

I then went to the SLCC POST academy where I was currently taking classes to become certified as a police officer. I went and talked to Sgt Attridge and told him I had been hired by SLCPD and he said, "No, no, no, no...." and then sighed...told me congratulations and wished me luck. He was sad to see me go, but wished me the best. I then withdrew from classes just in time to meet the rest of the class who was getting ready to start their workout...I was still in my suit and tie, and they were all wondering why I wasn't in PT (physical training) gear. I then told the whole class I had been hired and they applauded me, and I left class 057 forever.

My great friend Andy Cluff has also been hired on by SLCPD! How great is that?!

Superior Fitness Award

2008-05-22T14:25:00.005-06:00

Let me begin this by saying I've been trying to attain this Superior fitness Achievement Award for the past 5 months.

If you've been following my blog then you know I am in the police academy, and you know I LOVE it. Well, I had a bit of a love & hate battle with being in the academy yesterday. I have been working my butt off to get this superior fitness award, and have not been able to get it...I have been doing great on all the requirements except for the mile and a half. We need to run the mile and a half in 9 minutes 48 seconds or less for the award. To pass the class you need to run it in 14 minutes and 46 seconds. The first time I ran, which was way back in January I ran it in like 11 and a half minutes or something like that...not very good. Every time we've ran I've tried to push myself harder and harder knowing that I would need to give it everything I've got if I wanted to achieve the award. So the last time I ran, my time was 10 minutes 19 seconds....not good enough. Not good enough by about 30 seconds...That's a lot of time to cut off. I knew it was going to take everything I had if I was going to pass the test which goes as follows:

High Jump - Need to jump 29 inches
Sit ups - Need to do 50ish in 60 seconds
300 meter sprint - Need to do in 43 seconds
Push ups - Need to do 65 without stopping
Mile and a half - Need to do in 9 minutes 48 seconds

My results are as follows:
High Jump - 30.5 inches
Sit ups - 74 in 60 seconds
300 meter sprint - 43 seconds (barely made it)
Push ups - 82 without stopping
Mile and a half - 9 minutes 42 seconds!

So as you can see from my results, I PASSED! I was so excited! But as I mentioned earlier, I was having a love/hate relationship with the academy. I was HATING running. In fact, I pushed myself so hard that as soon as I crossed the finish line I puked! Just heaved and heaved. Yeah, it was really nasty. I was hating myself for pushing my body to its limits. As soon as I was done puking, I started to LOVE the feeling of accomplishing my goal of achieving the requirements for the superior fitness award! I threw my hands up in the air and pumped my fists in victory while screaming YES!!!! I just smiled, and told myself good job. It was awesome. Great experience for me.

We now have two of us in our class that have achieved the superior fitness award requirements. Myself and an incredibly great athlete Kriss Skeem. He is amazing. He ran the mile and a half in 8 minutes and 59 seconds. That's unreal! If it weren't for him I wouldn't have achieved my goal. He told me to keep up with him, and to push myself as hard as I could. As I was nearing the end of my run, my body didn't feel like I could keep going, and I was starting to slow down. I heard him yelling his guts out for me to sprint if I was to make it....He was exhausted but still found the energy to pump me up and cross the line with 6 seconds to spare...what a guy! Thanks Skeem!

Wow these are cheesy

2008-05-16T14:19:00.003-06:00

Here are some cheesy pictures of my buddy Andy and I practicing quick draws, and trigger pulls for the police academy. I have Andy beat on quickness with the draw, however he is a little quicker at putting the gun back in the holster and getting it buttoned up....I'll get there.

I've just realized after viewing these pictures, that I'm probably going to be the skinniest cop in the United States....

I'm an Uncle!

2008-05-12T09:55:00.003-06:00

I'm an uncle! My little sister Sami had her baby boy about two weeks ago. He is really cute! His name is Jasper (weird, I know) but I call him Jazz or Jazzy.

Grandpa Von

The Academy

2008-05-09T11:18:00.003-06:00

I've had a few people ask for some pics of the academy, so here you go:

SLC PD Testing Process

2008-05-01T15:22:00.003-06:00

SLC PD Testing Process

So I'm about halfway through the Salt Lake City Police Departments hiring process. I just had my polygraph done, which was completely nerve racking. I was so nervous, and there was really nothing for me to be nervous or worried about. I'm now just waiting to hear back from them as to whether or not I'm going to be selected for the next round - which happens to be the oral boards. I've already been through 2 oral boards with other departments, so that doesn't make me too nervous.

I heard today from Andy Cluff, my good friend who is also going through their application process that they have it narrowed down to about 29 individuals so far...down from about 90. Pretty good odds, being that they are hiring right around 20 new officers. So needless to say I'm pretty stoked. And you know what? Even if I don't get on with SLC it has been a great experience.

I am also currently working as a reserve officer up in Syracuse, but don't get much time to do a whole lot up there. Between work, the academy , and trying to get some sleep, it been pretty rough. A lot of late nights, thats for sure.

Police Update

2008-03-24T09:56:00.002-06:00

As most of you know, I'm currently going through the police academy. I'm enjoying every minute of it. I've been wanting to do this my entire life and I feel like its definitely the right thing for me to be doing.

I'm on as a reserve officer with Syracuse City PD and have been waiting for a full time position to open up so that I can have a better shot of having an actual paid position. Well, the time has come and Syracuse is hiring for a full time position. My Sgt. called me about two weeks ago to let me know, and asked me to come in and fill out the application. I was of course delighted to hear the news.

I had an Oral interview with several officers which I thought went really good, but not great. Every time I have an interview I feel like I could have said something better, or relayed a certain trait better....I guess that's just my nature. Well I wasn't sure if I would get through to the second interview, but sure enough I got a phone call on Friday morning asking me to come back for my second interview - this time with Chief Wallace and Lt. Jensen. (Ask me if I'm nervous - I think you know the answer) I'm going this Friday (March 28th)

That being said, I am really nervous, but very excited at the same time. This is my opportunity to do what I've always wanted to do and so I'm looking forward at the chance. My ducks are all in a row, and now I'm just waiting to see what happens. I've also got some back up plans - I just tested with SLC PD on Saturday morning and did great so I just need to fill out my background and then its on to the written test which is on April 5th, and I'm also scheduled to test with Bountiful on April 5th. hmmm.....

Wendover

2008-03-24T09:36:00.006-06:00

Driving down to Wendover with Scott, Andy & Jill - It was Jill's b-day on Friday so we decided to celebrate by driving down on Saturday and spending the night.

Wendover...(imitation Vegas)

Sworn In as an officer

2008-03-07T14:34:00.004-07:00

Chief Wallace and I shaking hands just after being sworn in.

Enjoying my first donut as a newly sworn in officer...haha - too funny.

Syracuse City PD Reserve Officer

2008-01-31T09:35:00.000-07:00

Syracuse City Police Reserve Officer

Well, I've just accepted a position with Syracuse City Police Department. I'm very excited at the opportunity and thought of having this be my career. This is what I've always wanted to do, and I couldn't be happier with how things are going.

The interesting thing about all of this is that I'm still going through the police academy. So I still have a couple of months before I can actually be out there patrolling on my own. Once I'm certified as a reserve officer in April I'll be able to be on my own.

I've actually got another 5 months to go before I'm completely certified with everything. There are two modules and an EVO (Emergency Vehicle Operation) class that I need to pass, so if already having a job isn't motivation enough, I don't know what is!

POST (Peace Officer Standard Training)

2007-12-04T16:53:00.000-07:00

So I had an interview with the SLCC POST Director last Thursday. We went over my application to get into the class, and after an hour he told me I was in! Awesome. I'm feeling pretty good about that. Here's one of the best parts - my buddy Andy Cluff is going to be in the same class. Its gonna be pretty fun. It will be a great learning step, and it'll put me another step closer to beginning my career. I guess in a way this is the start of my career. I get so excited when I think about it!

I know cops don't make that much money, but I'm really not worried about that. I'm just really excited to be one. I'm sure with time I'll gradually move up the chain and so will my salary. I'm testing with Syracuse city this Thursday. I'm taking the written test and PT test so hopefully I'll be able to get some good scores. The only thing I'm really worried about it making it past all of that stuff and then having an actual interview. I guess we'll see how it all goes huh?

Mexican Crack

2007-11-05T16:40:00.000-07:00

No Mexican Crack is not some sort of illegal narcotic....It's a climbing route up in Little Cottonwood Canyon. In fact, its the funnest climb I've ever done. My buddy Craig Carlson called me up early
Saturday morning (11AM) and woke me up. I just let the phone ring, and then I thought to myself, what are you doing? Get outta your bed and go do something! So I hopped up and called Craig back. We organized a time to go climbing and headed up south.

We picked up Ali who wanted to come climbing with us. Her an I had actually talked about going climbing the day before and so it worked out perfectly. We had originally planned to go to Big Cottonwood canyon and climb up by the S-curves, and it was way too crowded so we headed down the canyon to Challenge Buttress, which was empty except for the Hollowman route which we wanted to do, so we settled for a quick 5.6 around the corner. I lead the climb and got it set up on top rope for Ali. She headed up and did a great job, and then Craig cleaned the climb. We were in the shaded side of the canyon so it was getting pretty darn chilly. Ali was freezing to death, trust me I know - she put her hands on my neck. So, we decided to head over to LCC and hit up Mexican Crack. A 5.10a climb that's just a classic!

Mexican Crack starts out with a tricky bouldery crack, gaston, offwidth type of thing, and then splits into a thin finger crack and then into a great handjam crack. It was soo fun! 3 very distinct climbing styles on one route. Amazing! Ali even got up the beginning of the crack. She's tough as nails, I've never seen a girl quite as buff when it comes to climbing. She was so determined. It took her a few minutes, and I had given up on her but she powered on.

All in all Saturday was so beautiful! Great sunny fall day, ended with a great bon-fire over at my buddy Scott's.

Happy Halloween

2007-11-01T11:27:00.001-06:00

So I'm not a huge fan of Halloween. I don't like getting dressed up and I don't like giving away candy for free - haha. I'd rather eat it all myself since I'm paying for it, but whatever. I'll work on being more Charitable.

I went over to Ali's house last night and we made dinner and passed out treats and went up to her parents house to take pictures of her nieces and nephew, who were so cute. They are pretty awesome kids. They were so stoked to go out trick or treating and to be dressed up.

Ali and I had carved some pumpkins the night before and she bought some cool LED lights that you put in the pumpkin. Hers was multi-colored and mine was just orange like a candle. I carved a haunted house and she carved a flamingo....they looked so rad!

We ended up going to this party in the Avenues, which was pretty packed. There was a total lack of good music, good food, and space to move around. None the less it was a pretty good time for the hour that we were there. I saw of few buddies from here at Backcountry.com - Tim and Milly were there! Awesome.

My New Car

2007-10-30T17:11:00.001-06:00

I have a new love in my life. She's been around for just about a month...2005 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT - I love this car so much its crazy. I haven't ever had a "new" car. I did have a pretty nice Jeep Grand Cherokee before this car, but it was a 99' so it wasn't really "new". My car is pretty quick, its got a turbo so it'll get up and go. I know for a fact it'll do at least 133mph....and it'll do better than that too...I just need a bigger stretch of freeway or a more confident attitude - I'm always scared that I'm gonna get pulled over and get a ticket/license revoked or something horrible like that. That would put my dreams of becoming a cop on hold huh? haha.

National Police Officer Selection Test

2007-10-25T12:55:00.000-06:00

So the first time I took this test I thought I would breeze right through it, which I should have...I'm a little retarded when it comes to math, and I only finished half of the math section in the alloted time given. So bummed. So I finished the rest of the test knowing it would take a miracle to have passed the math section. Well I had to wait for two agonizing weeks to see if I passed or not. When I finally received the test results my total score was an 82! but, I failed the math section cuz I didn't finish it! Grrr.

Well I went and took the test again about a week ago, and got the results back in the mail yesterday. I PASSED! I got an 80 in the math section and did great in the reading, writing, and grammar sections. Total score of 87. I'm totally stoked. It puts me one step closer in achieving my dream job of being a cop.

Sage was here!

2007-10-25T09:55:00.000-06:00

Its known that I work for the best outdoor company on earth. I'm the retail store manager for Backcountry.com which also houses a few other websites (Tramdock.com, Dogfunk.com, SteepandCheap.com, WhiskeyMilitia.com, and GearEngine.com)
There are a few perks that come from working here: Cheap gear, industry passes, awesome peeps, great lifestyle, etc...

Yesterday was a great day for me here. One of my skiing idols came into work yesterday. Sage Cattabriga - Alosa. We set up the retail store for his arrival - Big banner welcoming Sage to the Tramdock.com team, Pizza for 100 people, and we had our gearheads lining the entrance applauding and welcoming him to our store.

He's a pretty chill dude. I got to ask him a few questions about his totally awesome career as a professional skier. He was more than happy to answer questions, sign posters and take a few photos. We're going to be bringing on more and more professional athletes and sponsoring them through our websites.

New Music

2007-10-22T13:26:00.000-06:00

So, I've recently decided that I hate listening to the same music day in and day out. I can't stand the radio. Top 40 stuff isn't really my thing and commercials make me loose all interest in staying on one radio station. By the time I do find a radio station playing something good, the next song sucks. Its a losing battle...

Until now - I found a new radio station. Its called Pandora.com I listen to it all day long at work. No commercials, only good music. Here's why its only good music.
1. You type in who you want to listen to
2. It plays only music similar to that artist/song
3. You tell the station if its good or not and it adjust the songs.
4. What if you want to listen to different types of music? You create as many stations as you want and then you can do a quick mix which allows you to combine radio stations to give you a variety of music. Pretty cool huh?
5. NO commercials!

Anyways I'm not one to recommend stuff unless I think its worth it, and this is worth it for sure.