IN TRIBUTE TO:
Fermin S. “Sonny” Archer Jr.
NYPD Detective 1st Grade
11/18/1963 – E.O.W. 7/13/2011
Hello Everyone,
Allow me to introduce myself, my name is Orlanzo Douglas, and I am the “Big Son” as he, the great Detective Fermin “Sonny” Archer Jr. often called me. I am also proud to say, almost Eight years anactive member of Law Enforcement serving at Riviera Beach Police Department in Florida.
It is a tremendous honor and needless to say a great opportunity to be a part of the Sonny Archer Law Enforcement Foundation. When I received the call from the Foundation asking, if I knew anyone interested in volunteering to write a monthly newsletter for the Foundation, I jumped at the opportunity. It not only gives me the opportunity to provide information on what and why the Foundation does what it does. I get to learn about and share information on their upcoming events to include, Fundraisers, Blood Pressure screenings, workshops and guidance to some of the very important resources available, that help foster a physically and mentally, healthier lifestyle within both the Law Enforcement profession and throughout the public and lastly, I get to help keep my dad’s memory alive.
So, long story short; I chose to accept this role as author for the foundation because, I feel it is my duty as a surviving family member, and fellow officer, to help save as many lives as possible from the harsh realities of the silence of hypertension within the law enforcement profession.
Often within this profession, we are told to, “Be strong.”, “Don’t complain.”, “Suck it up!”, Keep pushing!” and my personal favorite, “Fight through it!”. These statements are all pretty encouraging and a necessity when applied to the job in the midst of active duty and service. You know the active duty and service I’m talking about; shots fired, person wielding knife; Store being robbed, weaponused, person being assaulted, etc. However, when it comes to the silent and deadly killer, these statements will fail against our survival in preventing or treating what’s harming us within. One ofthose dangers lurking within us is the threat of Hypertension.
Our job as First Responders, requires officers to be vigilant at all times. We are always on high alert and ready to act; to protect; ready to preserve life at all cost. The daily preparation for this causes anenormous amount of stress on our bodies.
There are many ways to combat stress and to prevent or treat hypertension. Going forward I will be sharing tips in our monthly newsletter for your survival, in order for you t oprotect yourself from suffering the same fate my dad, Det. Fermin Sonny Archer and countless othersin our profession have suffered.
First, it starts by knowing what hypertension is:
Hypertension, is the measurement of how fast your blood is flowing within your body to get to theheart so it can function the way it needs to in order to sustain a healthy lifestyle.Hypertension (HTN or HT), also known as high blood pressure (HBP), is a long-term medical conditionin which the blood pressure in the arteries is persistently elevated. High blood pressure usually does not show symptoms. Long-term high blood pressure however, is a major risk factor for stroke, coronary artery disease, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, peripheral arterial disease, vision loss, chronic kidney disease, and dementia. Hypertension is a major cause of premature death worldwide. You should learn what your targeted Blood Pressure measurement is by conducting “self-monitoring” at least once a month. The portable, digital machines are affordable and easy to use. Also, thanks to the Sonny Archer Foundation’s advocacy and the New York City Police Department, there are now several high-tech Blood Pressure machines that have been placed within Precincts and Commands throughout the city for your convenience, so be sure to take advantage by making use of them.
Another tip I offer to you today is:
Practicing a healthy work and personal life-style balance.
When you end your tour, you should try separating yourself mentally, as far away from the job aspossible. You can do this by using these few steps:
- Take some time to yourself to decompress and re-stabilize yourself to your safe, homeenvironment.
- Practice breathing techniques to help bring down your blood pressure from that high alert allshift.
- Put your radios and work cellular phones away, (I know, it’s hard for me also) but we need tobe better to ourselves when we are off duty to avoid the burnout factor of our profession. If itis an emergency the job will find you.
- Take time to find out who you are, off the clock.
- Try new hobbies, make friends outside of your work circle.
- Travel when you’re able to.
- Enjoy being a “person”.
Your profession should not define nor be allowed to consume you. Your profession is not yournumber one priority; YOU ARE! If you are not good, it can lessen the likelihood of you being able tofulfill your duty to serve and protect; which is to help others be good. These steps are meant to helpyou live a stronger, healthier, longer life with the people you love and the people who love you.
Remember, family is always first and without you, your family will not be good.
We at the Sonny Archer Law Enforcement Foundation care for you but more importantly we needyou, to care more about you!
Thank you for doing what you do. Like my dad used to say “If you need me, I’m there!”.Until next month.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD!
Written by: Orlanzo Douglas