By CJ Cheatham
Happy TWENTY YEAR Law Enforcement Anniversary, Chris Cheatham.
Bear with me. This may be a long one. But again, he deserves it.
To appreciate who he is, you have to understand where he comes from. When Chris moved to Minden after his parents and sister tragically passed away, he could probably count on one hand how many people he knew. He was at the vulnerable age of about 15 with almost no family left. He was a fighter who didn’t care about consequences or authority because he didn’t have anyone left other than 3 grandparents and 2 uncles…at 16 and 17. The ages that you feel most invincible and need the most guidance in my opinion. He was strong willed and head strong and when I met him at 17 had a “I do what I want, when I want” attitude. And he did. He already had to do grown up things while dealing with 3 deaths but then became a teen parent shortly after. His road to becoming a police officer was no where in sight.
I saw the emotional toll and struggles that losing everyone in his family had on him. So many moments that his parents should have been here for but weren’t. It’s not fair and there was nothing I could ever do to replace them on those days except reassure him that they would have been so proud. I think becoming teen parents saved him (and us) in many ways.
I believe certain people are put in our lives for a reason. Chris didn’t let just anyone in. So I will always be grateful for the day Chris sat down and talked to Josh Richie about law enforcement. Josh was one of the best at Minden PD and quickly became another family member in our eyes. Josh’s influence lit a fire and pushed Chris to take the leap. The day he was sworn in as a Minden police officer was one of the most proudest moments I’ve ever experienced. Our then 5 year old had a true hero to look up to. It’s a no-brainer after Josh was also one of Chris’ training officers that he should be the one to pin his badge at graduation. He gained more that day than just a gun and badge. He had a built in family within the Minden Police Department. The department and officers over the last 20 years have become so much more than just fellow officers to Chris and myself.
He takes what he does very seriously and has seen things in his 20 years that no one should ever see.
One thing that he learned from his losses and the experiences he’s had since becoming an officer is to nurture what you have. He pours his knowledge into these guys like he would his own kids. No matter their age or rank – if he can help, he will. He advocates for them like no other that I’ve seen. He tells it like it is no matter who you are. But he’s real and he always wants the best for Minden Police Department. He never wants to see an officer leave but anytime that conversation comes up, he’s quick to tell them that if they can better themselves somewhere else, do it. Always put what’s best for your family first. We’ve seen many come and go over the years but that family aspect never leaves no matter how long they’ve been gone.
Although nothing about this job is easy, he loves it. I’m so thankful that I get to see it first hand and have this understanding that most people don’t get to see. Watching and listening on a daily basis makes me more proud of him now than I was on this day 20 years ago!
