From the Desk of Chief Ogden | Seeds of Leadership | By Chief David A. Ogden
Civility Is Contagious
People don’t learn how to behave by reading laws—they learn by watching us. After more than thirty years in police work, I’ve stopped being surprised when someone lies. What surprises me now is when they choose to tell the truth.
So where do you land on the respect meter? Do you follow the speed limit because it’s the rule—or because you value life, yours and everyone else’s? Laws don’t just exist to control us; they exist to remind us that others matter.
Civility isn’t weakness. It’s strength under control, guided by purpose. Your life either brings light or casts a shadow. And every time we normalize disrespect, we shrink what’s possible between us.
Civility is caught more than it’s taught. The way you carry yourself—especially around those closest to you—echoes longer and louder than you think. And these days, we could all stand to raise the volume on decency.
Plant Seeds, Grow Leaders, Keep Inspiring!
- David A. Ogden
