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SJRCC Press Release
June 2009
SJRCC instructor recollects police tradition, solidarity with book
St. Johns River Community College instructor and St. Augustine resident George Parsons has taken his lifelong passion for law enforcement beyond the beat and into the civilian world with his first published book, “Passing the Baton.” The book gives a first-hand account of the experiences, traditions and camaraderie behind his 24-year career in criminal justice.
Parsons said he wrote the book to carry on the history and tradition of the nightstick - or baton - and to share stories from his career that include serving in the arson, marine and K-9 units. “It’s my way of reaching beyond classroom instruction and giving advice to future officers regarding police life and the importance of teamwork,” Parsons said. “I also wanted to share the history of what was once considered a crucial part of an officer’s communication, defense and initiation – the baton.”
The book begins with the history of the baton and how officers once used it to keep a safe distance from civilians, call for help and to initiate members into the force. Parsons also reflects upon his career that began in 1973 with the Baltimore Police Department and the baton he calls “Miss Rosewood.”
“I still have my original nightstick that I purchased from a guy we called “Nightstick Joe.” It is handmade of rosewood,” Parsons said. “She went on the street with me every single day I worked. If Miss Rosewood could talk, she would tell a lot of stories.”
Parsons said preserving the baton’s history is important. “It’s not mandatory to teach the baton training. Today it’s optional, and that’s a mistake,” he said. “It’s a good tool to fall back on and it’s important to instill its history and tradition. An officer had to earn the right to become part of passing the nightstick.”
Parsons demonstrated the “drop” or “call for help” while on campus, letting his baton fall to the sidewalk in a loud clamor. Within seconds of dropping Miss Rosewood, several cadets rushed from the classrooms ready to assist Parsons, who consented with a grin.
Parsons’ retirement led him to Florida and eventually to SJRCC where he has taught within the criminal justice program for four years. In his book, Parsons also acknowledges his daughter, Holly, for designing the cover and SJRCC instructor John Green, Ph.D., for editing. The book was recently picked up by Amazon.com and Borders.com and is available to the public.
PHOTO CAPTIONS:
PHOTO ONE: SJRCC criminal justice instructor George Parsons holds the original nightstick that inspired his book, “Passing the Baton.” The book explores the highlights of his 24-year career as a police officer.
PHOTO TWO: SJRCC criminal justice instructor George Parsons demonstrates how officers would “spin” the nightstick.
PHOTO THREE: SJRCC criminal justice instructor George Parsons describes the items collected from his 24 years as a police officer in Baltimore. The photo can be found in his new book, “Passing the Baton.”
Return to SJRCC home page.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Susan Kessler
SJRCC Director of Public Relations and Publications
5001 St. Johns Avenue
Palatka, FL 32177
(386) 312-4020
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