Author: Meredith Hemphill
This Father’s Day, Master Trooper Jason Ratliff and Master Trooper (Ret.) John King Sr. have something extra special to celebrate. On April 19, they each had a son graduate in the 162nd Basic Patrol School—like father, like son.
Trooper Garrett Ratliff remembered attending his father’s Basic Patrol School graduation when he was about 9 years old. Now it’s all come full circle. Jason initially didn’t want his children to be in law enforcement because of the dangers involved, but on Garrett’s graduation day, he beamed with pride.
“What dad wouldn’t be proud standing where I’m standing? But I think a better way of putting it would be honored that he would follow in my footsteps and work alongside me,” Master Trooper Ratliff said.
Trooper John King Jr. wanted to join the Highway Patrol since he was very young. As a child, he helped John Sr. wash his patrol car. Now he has one of his own. Not only was John assigned to the same district his father worked, but he also received his father’s old call number, a symbolic passing of the torch to the next generation. And the new troopers are starting their careers with the advantage of their father’s mentorship.
“Always be respectful. Treat people how you want to be treated,” Jason said, summarizing his father’s advice. “If I stop somebody, I would want to treat them as if it’s my mom in the car.”
For both fathers and sons, the Highway Patrol is more than just a job. “I think the Patrol is a calling,” John said. “They call them legacy kids, but I think you make your own legacy.”
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