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By Dan Carlson, on January 16th, 2007
I’m always on the lookout for articles and stories about career changes and transitions. I also look for things to read that cover the idea of pursuing jobs and careers with meaning and purpose. Today the Strib had one that covered both: Want a career with more of a purpose? You’re not alone. It tells the stories of several people, people who get together with an organization called “Shift”. It provides an opportunity for people to share stories and resources as they look at their lives, their jobs, what they do and what they want to do.
Several stories are about people who felt the need to move to jobs with purpose. A woman switched from a career as a fund raiser to environmental writer, work that she says “feeds her soul”. The story that has the most relevance to Public Safety Ministries is the man who sold his company and became a full time firefighter. The public safety professions, for the right people, are full of fuel for the soul and purpose.
But where do those of us in the professions go when we are due for change. As I talk to cops and firefighters who are nearing retirement age, usually in their early to mid 50′s, all are focused on what they will do next. Everyone realizes they need to do something, but their dilemma is they are leaving a fulfilling purposeful career. How do they replace that spiritual fulfillment they have live with for years? Do they want to replace it? Can they be happy if they don’t replace it?
One of the projects I am most excited about in my new career is my participation in the upcoming “SMPSTF Retirement Academy”. In February the South Metro Public Safety Training Facility is hosting the 1st (hopefully annual) Retirement Academy. Its purpose is to simply help cops plan and prepare for retirement. But plan for it physically, intellectually and spiritually. Five weeks, one night a week for about 3 hours a night. We will discuss a variety of topics with a variety of speakers including a panel of retirees that will share their experiences.
Check out the Strib article and give some thought this week to what you would do if you were in a position of career transition.
By Dan Carlson, on January 15th, 2007
By Dan Carlson, on January 6th, 2007
I wrote awhile ago about the ritual of “sitting in your luggage”. I was speaking metaphorically at the time about preparing for a new career journey in my life. Well today I’m about to sit on it literally. Cam and I are leaving today for a 5 day trip to Mexico. We are celebrating our 25th year of marriage. It has been over 20 years since just the two of us have taken a trip that wasn’t either work related or involved visiting family that is scattered through out the country. Our objective for this trip is to just relax and enjoy each other’s company without any other agenda.
 
Although the trunk you see will not be our luggage for this journey, it is a place I sit when I stop and pause before I leave on a trip. It is the trunk of my Great Uncle Fritz Carlson, my Grandpa Ivar Carlson’s brother. This is the trunk he carried his stuff in when he came to America about 100 years ago. He and Grandpa Ivar were carpenters. Ivar married my Grandma Elsa who also was born in Sweden and became a nurse here in America. It is a historical place for me to sit, in fact a spiritual place.
I am still unwinding from the great retirement celebration we had the other night. And time to pause, sit, reflect and “spiritually defibrillate” is an important exercise I need prior to this long anticipated time alone with Cam. So I won’t be posting anything on this site for the next several days, but when I get back I’ll be refreshed and recharged and ready to start this next exciting phase of my life.
By Dan Carlson, on January 5th, 2007
I am still humbled and amazed by the the attendance and kind words that were shared at my EPPD retirement party last night. I had the opportunity to share stories, memories, plans for the future and a lot of laughs last night. I was blessed by the presence of friends, family, co-workers, community members, retired colleagues in both the police and fire service.
I need to beg forgiveness for not taking the time last night to publicly acknowledge the hard work by my Administrative Assistant, Tracey Schowalter and our Projects Coordinator Sonja Ritchie-Roy,who put on the event! The event is exactly what I had hoped for!
 
  
EPPD Captain Mike Bosacker was the MC, and we heard messages from City Manager Scott Neal and Mayor Phil Young and several others.
  
Kind and humorous words were shared by my friends and colleagues.
 
Father Tim Power closed the program with a great story and some wonderful words of inspiration
A great gift of my 5 badges from over the past 25 years.
Thanks for the great evening, it is one I will never forget!
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By Dan Carlson, on January 5th, 2007
The following is the invocation I presented at yesterday’s Hennepin County Chiefs of Police association meeting:
Dear God,
We thank you once again for this opportunity to gather in the spirit of Public Safety leadership. We ask that you bless the food we receive today as nourishment for our bodies, the information we receive as nourishment for our minds and the fellowship we share as nourishment for our souls.
Specifically today we ask for wisdom in the coming year. As Law Enforcement leaders we are constantly faced with the responsibility for making critical decisions. Help us use sound judgment, fairness and integrity as we make those decisions
Again we thank you for this time together. Please guide us as we lead those who protect and serve our communities.
Amen
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Minnesota Chiefs of Police Association
Minnesota Law Enforcement Memorial Association
Minnesota National Guard "Beyond the Yellow Ribbon"
Minnesota Emergency Services Chaplain Association
Hennepin County Chiefs of Police Association
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
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