Van Beek: The changing of the guard
Sometimes it felt like Joey Staufer and I were on the set of “Lethal Weapon.” Murtaugh and Riggs, heading out to a routine meeting together, then … something would hit the fan, nearly every time.
“I don’t make things complicated, that’s the way they get all by themselves,” like Riggs said, was a feeling we had frequently. If not a major event occurring, we’d witness a drunk driver or some other incident, engage as expected, then upon arrest, try to remember how to fill out the forms, needing to call a deputy for assistance.
My partner (in theoretical crime) and dear friend, Joey Staufer, who is leaving his post as Eagle’s chief of police, has been an inspiration to work with. His passion is matched by his dedication to serving. We have shared some fun times together, as well as some life-threatening situations.