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An up close and personal interview with U.S. Police Veteran and Togetherweserved.com Member:
PO Michael V Fontaine (Ret)(1991-2011)
Metro Transportation Authority, Harris Co, TX
WHAT INFLUENCED YOUR DECISION TO MAKE A CAREER IN LAW ENFORCEMENT?
A 'confluence' of my grandmother's teachings and a television show planted a seed in me that would eventually influence my decision to make a career in Law Enforcement. The first things my grandmother taught me were 1) treat others as you wish to be treated and 2) it's just nice to be nice. Of primary importance and notwithstanding the former two edicts was the Love of God towards us and the fact that we (I) should love God with all our (my) heart and being.
Highway Patrol with Broderick Crawford was a favorite television show of mine and I watched it 'religiously.' As far back as I can recall, I have been enamored with Law Enforcement and buoyed by my grandmother's teachings, I have instinctively looked to assist those in need as brothers and sisters in Christ. Retirement from active Law Enforcement duty has not dimmed my desire to be of assistance to those in need. This desire to assist others as a Law Enforcement Officer led me to make a career in Law Enforcement, although I took a circuitous route thereto.
WHAT WAS YOUR CAREER PATH AND WHAT ARE YOU DOING NOW?
My career path has been that of a Motor Officer, my 'dream assignment!!!' I have worked Radar Task Force as well as DWI TASK Force. Of course, I spent my time walking a beat and in Patrol as well. All the while, I dreamed of the day I would make Motors. As a boy, my dad had a friend who rode a gleaming blue Harley-Davidson motorcycle. I was hooked the very first time I saw that bike. Thankfully, when two Motor slots became available, I was eligible to apply. I made it!!! Words cannot fully explain to this day my overwhelming happiness and pride at becoming a Motor Officer. Therein I was able to fulfill two major dreams of mine, as a Law Enforcement Officer, ride a Harley and get paid to enforce traffic laws.
I am a firm believer that effective traffic and truck enforcement DOES save lives and Motorcycle traffic enforcement is most effective at accomplishing this task. Additionally, the special assignments, such as dignitary protection and escorts, departmental escorts of visitors to the city etc. ensure no two days are ever alike (of course the same is true for all Law Enforcement), Motors is challenging and to me the height of excitement. I also rode competitively against other officers, this kept my skills sharp. I have a 'trunk full' of memorable assignments (the Navy's Blue Angels and AF Thunderbird pilots like to roll fast) which I will cherish forever. THIS SECTION DEDICATED TO OFFICER KEITH DEES, HPD SOLO DIVISION-FRIEND AND PARTNER.
DID YOU SERVE IN THE MILITARY PRIOR? AND IF SO, IN WHAT BRANCH OF SERVICE? IN WHAT WAYS HAS MILITARY SERVICE INFLUENCED YOUR CAREER IN LAW ENFORCEMENT?
I served in the US Army. As an NCO I learned not only how to work together to accomplish assigned tasks, but to motivate those under my charge to effectively get the assignment (s) completed. This required effective communication skills and the ability to work with diverse personalities. This trait served me well on the myriad of traffic stops I made, as well as all citizen contacts both positive and those which were not so pleasant in nature.
WHICH, OF THE AGENCIES OR DEPARTMENTS YOU WERE ASSIGNED TO, DO YOU HAVE THE FONDEST MEMORIES OF AND WHY?
METRO PD is the only local PD I ever worked for, therefore my fondest memories are of that department. The friendships forged there and the fact that I was afforded the opportunities to fulfill my Law Enforcement goals mean more to me than words can measure.
FROM YOUR ENTIRE LAW ENFORCEMENT CAREER WHAT PARTICULAR INCIDENT HAD THE BIGGEST IMPACT ON YOU AND WHY?
Unfortunately, out of all the great times, fun and assignments I experienced, the incident which had the biggest impact on me was the on duty death of my friend, teacher and partner, KEITH DEES (HPD SOLO Officer). This incident always comes to mind when I reflect upon my Law Enforcement career.
OF THE MEDALS, AWARDS OR BADGES YOU RECEIVED, WHAT IS THE MOST MEANINGFUL TO YOU AND WHY?
Here again, I must mention my SOLO (Motor) wings as my most meaningful badge. There was no greater honor for me than to pin that flying wheel on my uniform shirt each day. That wheel was indicative of all my hopes and dreams, PRIDE was the order of the day everyday.
WHICH INDIVIDUAL PERSON FROM YOUR CAREER MADE THE MOST POSITIVE INFLUENCE ON YOU AND WHY?
 The individual who made the most positive influence on my Law Enforcement career was Officer Earnest Byrd (HPD retired). Earnest and I are also best of friends. During ride-alongs with Earnest, I learned police ethics, I observed his strong work ethic. In watching Earnest I observed an Officer who genuinely cared about the public and had the respect of all individuals we came in contact with. Earnest took the time to listen to the complainant as well as the suspect (if there was one).
When HPD initially started their Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) to handle mentally challenged suspects or complainants, Earnest volunteered for the first CIT class; this is indicative of the type of person Officer Byrd is/was 24/7. Hence, because I was able to observe Earnest perform perfunctory as well as more challenging tasks, I was given a 'front row seat' to observe in kind, the type of Officer reflective of my personality and that my grandmother would have wanted me to become.
CAN YOU RECOUNT A PARTICULAR INCIDENT FROM YOUR CAREER THAT WAS FUNNY AT THE TIME AND STILL MAKES YOU LAUGH?
The incident that still causes me to chuckle is the 'case of the moving gas pump.' We all know that officers are constantly on the lookout for stories and incidents (which by the way, seem to grow the more the incident is bandied about) to joke, tease and generally 'mess' with your head. Well, it happened that I was at a gas station and backed into a 'moving gas pump.' It had to have moved, because back at the station, that was the story!!! "The gas pump moved and Fontaine backed into it" spread throughout the station like wildfire.
Of course, my sergeant was not amused at all, as this was my second 'accident.' My Sergeant-being the caring individual he was offered (read threatened) to assign me to walking a beat. As I recall a photo of my first accident, complete with caption reading "Crash Fontaine" was still saved in my locker after being passed about and finally pasted to the front of my locker. Later on, after being promoted to Motors, Sarge told me he was glad I made Motors, as the department could not afford to keep me in patrol vehicles.
WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER THE MOST IMPORTANT LESSON YOU HAVE LEARNED AS A LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER?
The most important lesson I have learned as a Law Enforcement Officer is how to successfully deal with the myriad of personalities that present themselves both on duty and in everyday life.
WHAT LAW ENFORCEMENT ASSOCIATIONS ARE YOU A MEMBER OF, IF ANY? WHAT SPECIFIC BENEFITS DO YOU DERIVE FROM YOUR MEMBERSHIP(S)?
Police One; TWS. These organizations keep me in the mix as far as what is going on currently in Law Enforcement. Additionally, I have come to understand that basically we operate and think the same no matter the region we work.
HOW HAS SERVING AS A LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER INFLUENCED THE WAY YOU CONDUCT YOUR PERSONAL LIFE AND YOUR RELATIONSHIPS WITH OTHERS OUTSIDE OF THE DEPARTMENT?
 Serving as a Law Enforcement Officer has taught me to think objectively whether in my personal life or dealing with members of the public. This is a highly desirable trait as conflicts can arise anywhere, anytime and we are expected to set the bar as far as our actions and reactions and be the example of level-headedness.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU HAVE FOR A ROOKIE WHO HAS JUST PUT ON THE BADGE?
The advice I have for rookies is the advice or principle taught to me by my martial arts instructor-Grand Master Al Garza who also trains Police Officers in self defense tactics- SEEK NOT TO BE UNDERSTOOD BUT TO UNDERSTAND. This edict will serve rookies, FTO's, all of us who must make quick decisions which affect the lives of others.  Finally, listen to your FTO, don't ASSUME you know anything (my dad taught me when you assume, you make a ass out of u and me). Spend much time in prayer and reflection (of the day's activities) and take good, cogent and specific notes AND WHEN NECESSARY-ASK QUESTIONS!!!
IN WHAT WAYS DO YOU FEEL THIS WEBSITE CAN BENEFIT THE LAW ENFORCEMENT COMMUNITY?
This website can benefit the Law Enforcement community by furthering the cohesiveness and brotherhood we should all share. If an Officer feels isolated because of a situation he or she is in, we should know we are not alone-not the first, certainly won't be the last to face whatever the situation may be. Remember the fallen, and stay safe.
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TWS VOICES
TWS Voices are the personal stories of men and women who served in the US Military and convey how serving their Country has made a positive impact on their lives. If you would like to participate in a future edition of Voices, or know someone who might be interested, please contact TWS Voices HERE.
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For all current serving and veteran Police Officers, Together We Served is a secure, feature rich website enabling Officers to reconnect with lost Brothers and Sisters, share in the camaraderie of other Officers, network for professional purposes and to honor the service of all.
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