The true definition of "Fraternalism" by Dave Anaya

On August 6^th, I had the honor to help one of our fellow Mesa Police Officers (and worthy FOP Brother) do something that I will never forget. It is truly one of the high points of my 10 years as a police officer. I was asked by Brother Candy Guevara to help him do something for a special person of this community. I was riding with Candy that day and we were met by Brother Despain at a residence in the 700 Block of West Portobello.

Candy informed Brother Despain and I that a person wanted to meet with us. Since I do many meetings with citizens in my position as a Community Action Officer, I didn’t think much of it until he told me the details of our visit. Our assignment was to visit with 29 year old Marcos Castro. Mark (as he is called) always wanted to be a police officer. He loves the police and his favorite shows are "COPS", "L.A.P.D" and the NBA (especially when the Chicago Bulls are playing). Candy has known this family for a long time and has become quite close to them. In fact, Candy’s mother said that Mark’s mother has been asking her if it would be possible to have us stop by for a few minutes. Mark’s mother said that it would mean a great deal to her if we visited with him for just a few moments. Candy informed Mark’s mother that we would be able to meet with him. She was extremely pleased that the Mesa Police Department would let three officers come visit her son.

When we pulled up in our patrol cars, I didn’t see anything unusual. We entered the house and we were met by Mark’s mother. She said that Mark would be happy to see us. She thanked us over and over again. We then went to Mark’s room. He immediately smiled and was overjoyed to see us. He told me that he wanted to be a cop. He wanted to be with other police officers and have a picture taken next to a police car. When I first saw Mark I knew that we would make this young man’s day by simply visiting with him. You see, Mark is confined to a wheelchair. He suffers from the debilitating illness Muscular Dystrophy. He has lived like this all of his life. He knows that he will never achieve his lifelong goal of becoming a police officer. His spirits are not sad however. He loves life and lives it to the fullest. His love for the police profession is truly inspirational.

Candy asked Mark if he wanted to take some pictures with us. He was so happy that you could see it in his smile. We went to the carport and began taking some pictures. Brother Despain then took a picture of Mark and Candy standing next to our patrol car. We took several more pictures with Mark. We were going to publish them here but Mark wanted to keep them.

Mark’s condition is very difficult for him and his family. It is a great responsibility that takes a lot of time and love by his mother. The simple act of stopping by and visiting with Mark while we were on duty made a big difference in his life. His mother was very grateful and happy that the Mesa Police Department would let three officers take a few minutes out of their busy schedule to visit with her son. She became emotional when she saw the joy that our visit brought to her son. She said to Candy, "you guys added years to his life by stopping by here today and I don’t know how I can thank you." I thought to myself, "We should be thanking her for letting us enrich her son’s life." I was overwhelmed at the amount of joy our simple 15 minute visit brought to Mark and his mother.

This is a visit that Mark will never forget. I know that I am speaking for Brother Guevara and Brother Despain when I say, "I won’t forget it either."

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