You’ll have to forgive me this week. You see, the person I’m writing about is someone I’ve known and known well since my college days back in the late 1980s. And to be quite honest most everything exchanged between this individual and I have been insults.

 

It’s not that we dislike one another. Actually, just the opposite is the case. Rather, it’s because there are friends that if you’re not insulting then you’re telling them you’re no longer their friend.

 

Because of that, it’s going to be a bit troubling to have to not only tell you what Doug Betler recently did, but to tell you that I am honored to have the chance to tell you about it. Before I go further, I should also tell you I’m not writing about my friend Doug Betler. I’m writing about Lt. Doug Betler of the Bridgeport Police Department.

 

For those who only know him as the person wearing a badge and the blue of law enforcement, they should know that he’s been around for a while. In fact, he just recently surpassed a 20-year milestone of service with the Bridgeport Police Department. That, in and of itself, would be worthy of praise. However, it is what he recently completed that should let you know just how dedicated he is to a profession whose sole goal is to protect your property, well-being and your life.

 

Since this complimentary stuff is going to get difficult, let’s get started. Earlier this year, Betler said that Bridgeport Police Chief John Walker received information that there was an FBI agent wanting to sponsor a member of his department to head to the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Va. Betler said an email was sent out to staff about those with interest and Betler responded.

 

“I got back with Chief Walker and let him know I was interested and then had to be appointed, which I was,” said Betler.

 

For those thinking going to the academy is a walk in the park or something anyone can do, you would be wrong. While it’s not the paramilitary type of training Betler and every other law enforcement officer receives at the State Police Training Academy, it’s no walk in the park – particularly for a veteran officer in his 40s that has family.

 

“It’s a great opportunity, but you had to weigh the fact that it’s a 10-week course. That meant being away from my family,” said Betler. “That, I knew, would be tough.”

 

So for two and a half months, Betler left his wife Melissa and 11-year-old son Mason Mondays through Friday to take part in the academy. Of course, Betler said that wasn’t all bad – for his wife.

 

“I’m sure my wife would like to thank everyone for my time away,” he jokingly told an audience at a recent City Council meeting where he was recognized for attending the Academy.

 

During his 10 weeks, Betler took leadership classes, forensic science courses, attended workshops on media relations, behavioral sciences, physical education and more. Basically, he said everything was geared toward becoming a better leader and handle any situation a department my face.

 

“The biggest thing is the networking established amongst peers. That’s amazing. I’ve talked to guys every day since I graduated back on Sept. 18,” said Betler. “If I need information, or anyone involved, needs something on policy or procedure, you send out a request to the people you had class with and the emails pour in. That’s already been helpful.”

 

Here’s the thing. Betler’s recent class of 230 graduates didn’t consist of individuals from West Virginia, Appalachia or the East Coast. Rather, it was a conglomeration of law enforcement officials from around the world. If you don’t believe that, consider Betler’s roommate was from Nigeria.

 

The really incredible part – less than 1 percent of all officers get a chance to attend the FBI National Academy. In fact, only one other officer in Bridgeport has ever held that distinction and that is the late Lt. James Hotsinpiller. To put it mildly, when you’re in a classification all alone with Jim Hotsinpiller, I can assure you that you’ve done something special.

 

“I certainly don’t mind being lumped with Jim Hotsinpiller. I was able to work with him in my early years and there was one thing that you knew for sure with him. You knew exactly where you stood with him,” said Betler. “That’s definitely one thing, and maybe the most important thing, I got from him. I let people know where they stand and sometimes that’s hard because you tell them where they’re at and they may not like it.”

 

Still, just how in the heck did Doug Betler – a guy I remember from my foosball and  ping pong playing days at Fairmont State – not only end up as a pretty damn good officer, but one good enough to go to the FBI National Academy?

 

Surprisingly, Betler had no intention of ever getting into law enforcement. His friend, Richard Fernandez talked him into taking the Civil Service test and eventually he was hired. Betler initially thought he would use the position with the Bridgeport Police as a stepping stone for a federal job.

 

“Things never worked out from that standpoint, but I have no regrets about it,” said Betler, who thanked Walker and Chief Deputy Randy Hartley for the most recent opportunity. “It’s been a good 20 years and I’m not going anywhere.”

 

So for two decades, Betler has seen change as he began as patrolman first class, then became a sergeant and now is a lieutenant. What hasn’t changed is who Doug Betler is as a person. He’s still the same guy  that can make people laugh,  can hurl and receive insults with the best of those he knows and works with and can manage to do it professionally.

 

One of the individuals that appreciates Betler’s sense of humor is an important one – Chief Walker.

 

“Doug is full of laughter. He jokes with the staff and takes it and dishes it out it equal measure,” said Walker. “In our profession, that’s a needed commodity. He’s just a pleasure to have around.”

 

Belter knows he’s considered one of the staff’s jokesters, and perhaps it’s highest ranking one.

 

“I can level down when I need to and have a good time and, this isn’t bragging, but I get along with just about everyone. Still as a supervisor, you have the fine line where you can joke around and still need to make sure those people you are responsible for know you’re serious when you need to be serious,” he said.  “It really is as simple as treating people the way you want to be treated.”

 

And Walker said the methodology has worked. Someway, somehow, this guy who I used to – and still – argue with about who is the cheapest man on the planet (although we have a mutual nameless friend that has wrapped up the title), has become a highly successful and respected police officer.

 

“Doug is very professional and he’s serious about how he handles his position. He’s one of the officers that is a leader because he has a lot of people going to him for advice,” said Walker. “He’s an asset to our staff and to this city.”

 

There you have it. Doug Betler is an asset. And I had to write about it. I would have never thought the day would come, but it’s here. Yet in the interest of full disclosure, I have to admit that I’m not only happy for Doug’s most recent opportunity, I’m thrilled to know him professionally and pleased to call him a friend personally.

 

Good job Lt. Betler. You’re representing your city, your profession and your family in the highest possible manner.

 

Editor's Note: Photos show Doug Betler at top on patrol and with his wife and son in the third photo. Chief John Walker is shown with the plaque given to Betler at Monday's Council  meeting in the second picture, while  Betler's official FBI Academy "mug shot" is at the bottom.