by California Casualty | Peace Officers |
Here at California Casualty, we pride ourselves in knowing and understanding the professions that we work with.
But we also recognize, there is only so much we can know without being in the cop car, classroom, fire truck or hospital day in and day out. There’s only so much you can know without actually living it.
One of the highlights of this Battle of the Blogs–for me at least–has been the inside look that these blogs offer. With great writing and honest content, they are a chance to go inside the worlds of our professions- inside the cop car and into the fire.
And that’s really the stand-out feature of today’s blog.
Today’s TOP Law Enforcement Blog is…
Raindogblue.
The blog is authored by a real cop. And it talks about real things. Names and locations have been changed, but the content–the substance–is honest.
Best of all? The writing is spectacular. You can feel the real in the writing. Raindog will take you out there with him. But beware, it’s not always pretty.
As always, we wanted to know more about the man behind the blog. Here’s our Q&A with Raindog himself…
Raindog, how would you describe Raindogblue?
Raindogblue is a journal dedicated to Momentary Glimpses of Police Life. Be warned. This is the blog of street cop: brutal, injuring, disturbing. The stories are real. The jargon is used. Only the names of people and places have been changed to protect the fragile and innocent.
What is the focus or mission of your blog?
My blog is dedicated to describing the daily life of a patrolman.
What originally drove you to start blogging?
So that my family and friends would understand what I do and so my children, when they are adults, will know why their father was gone so many nights.
How long have you been writing on this particular blog?
I started Raindogblue on March 31st, 2008. This is my first blog.
Do you have any favorite or least favorite blogging topics?
I don’t write about favorite or least favorite topics. I write about the job. I write about stories from calls. I write about the language and jargon. I write about the bureaucracy. I write about the mundane and remarkable.
Tell us a little bit about your blog ‘community’ …
At the core, Raindogblue is read by my family and friends, but over the years I have picked up readers who are interested in first responders and the families that support them. My readership spans from every state in the US as well regulars from the UK, Norway, Canada, Germany, and Mexico. And finally, despite my attempt to be anonymous, about two years ago, my blog was discovered by co-workers who were web surfing. One of my stories went viral. Officers remembered the call and started reading the blog, including my partner, Grumpy. I have been told several officers want their stories told and given nicknames in the journal.
What about them surprises you or gives you inspiration?
I like the dark humor and camaraderie for those who ‘get’ the job. Mostly, I like comments. Raindogblue is a record for the readers as much as it is for me.
What have you learned from the experience?
1) Tell the truth. It is better than fiction.
2) Don’t use the names of people and place: change them. Anonymity strengthens the story and protects the people portrayed in the posts.
Any great/funny/inspiring stories you’d like to share?
Looking for Meat, Frank, A Break in the Routine and The Crash
If you win, to which charity will you donate your $200 winnings? Why?
The Sunshine Division. They feed the hungry and clothe children.
To check out Raindogblue, click here! To vote for your favorite Law Enforcement blog, click here!
by California Casualty | Peace Officers |
Today’s featured blogger has one of the most interesting journeys into the Law Enforcement world… we just have to share.
First things first. Her name is Suzie Ivy…
(Hi, Suzie!)
When Suzie was 45-years-young, she decided to enter the police academy. Now, I can’t speak for you guys, but I gotta say I think that is pretty incredible.
And that was just the beginning. Suzie was also the first female officer in her town (girls rule!). Not even two measly years later, she was a bona fide detective.
Best part of it all?
Suzie’s ongoing journey is chronicled. Head to her blog and you can hear all the ups and downs on her road to mid-life-restructuring.
In the meantime, we wanted to know more about Ms. Ivy as a blogger! Check out our interview with her…
So, Suzie, how would you describe your blog?
My blog is the happy, sad, and hilarious side of law enforcement.
What do you hope to accomplish with ‘The Bad Luck Detective’?
To make people see police officers as real people. We are at times good, bad, and ugly but we are human. We laugh and cry the same as everyone else.
Why did you start it?
I needed a way to relieve stress from work. I’m a detective specializing in sex crimes. Quite often my cases get me down and I needed a place away from work where I can connect with people who help me find reasons to laugh.
When was that (starting the blog)?
Two years ago.
What’s important about the blog- to you as a writer?
I feel blogging has saved my sanity many times and it’s important for everyone in law enforcement to have an outlet where they can by honest and share their true feelings. It’s a job we can’t help but take home and if we don’t find a way to escape for a short time our careers will end too soon or we will be miserable. A life balance is key to our success.
Do you have a favorite–or least favorite– thing to write about?
My favorite thing to write about is anything that will make someone laugh. It’s usually at my own expense because, like all cops, I make stupid mistakes. My least favorite thing to write about is officers dying in the line of duty, sex crimes and domestic violence. I’ve written these posts because we need more public awareness.
Has anything surprised you in this blogging experience?
First, the fact that people actually read and follow my blog is amazing and exhilarating. So many of the comments I receive from readers put a smile on my face or make me laugh out loud. By sharing my less than stellar moments in LE, readers are willing to share theirs. Every comment gives me inspiration.
What has been your best experience as a blogger?
Meeting new people and making wonderful friends is beyond a doubt the highlight of blogging.
Have you learned anything?
That it’s okay to share sad times too. When I first started my blog, I was determined to always make people laugh. I’ve found that when I share my unhappy moments, my readers offer incredible support.
Can you share with us something funny about yourself?
It doesn’t matter how busy I am at work, I’m called to catch snakes. I have no fear of them but most of the officers I work with are petrified when it comes to these amazing creatures. I slid a small garden snake under the bathroom door to get a fellow officer back for a practical joke he played on me. He stood on the toilet screaming until we got the door unlocked and I collected the snake. I’m sure retribution will come my way and I waiting.
So, Suzie, if you win the Battle of the Blogs, to which charity will you donate your $200 winnings and why?
100 Club of Arizona. They don’t just provide support for the families of fallen officers they provide grants to police agencies to help with safety equipment and keep us alive. They are awesome!
We loved learning more about the amazing Miss Suzie Ivy almost as much as we love reading her blog. This Bad Luck Detective is also on Twitter and Facebook. To read her blog CLICK HERE! To Vote for her blog, CLICK HERE!
by California Casualty | Homeowners Insurance Info |
Carbon monoxide (CO) in your home can be a quiet, deadly killer. You can’t see or smell it, but in high enough levels, it can kill someone in moments. CO is produced whenever any fuel is burned – oil, gas, wood, charcoal, etc…Typically, the amount released into your home environment from well-maintained and properly operating appliances, but still hundreds of people die every year from CO poisoning.
Symptoms of CO poisoning:
- dizziness
- confusion
- nausea
- fainting
If you suspect CO poisoning – get to fresh air, and get an emergency room quickly. Be sure to let the doctor know you suspect CO poisoning.
Prevention is the best way to avoid CO Poisoning
- Have your fuel burning appliances checked regularly
- Don’t idle your car in your garage
- Choose appliances that vent outside whenever possible
- Follow all instructions on your fuel burning appliances
- Install CO detectors
- Don’t ignore any symptoms, especially if multiple members of the household experience them
by California Casualty | News |
One thing I love about working here is that I hear a story about how someone made a customer’s experience wonderful on a nearly daily basis. The folks here at CalCas take a great deal of pride in the care they give customers, and it shows when we receive letters like this, from Joseph and Hilary in Oregon (edited a bit to remove some personal information).
Fred –
My wife and I have been with California Casualty for many years and have always enjoyed your competitive rates. Not until recently have we had to deal with your claims department and to be honest hopefully we don’t have to again for some time as being in an accident is not fun.
However it is important that you know how AMAZING our experience was with the claims department. We had a bad accident which caused a tremendous amount of stress in our lives. It was quickly determined that we had a total loss and Richard took over our claim. He quickly reached out to us to informed us of how the process would work.
Richard kept the communication lines very open and we felt that we were truly appreciated as customers throughout the entire process. We felt that Richard went out of his way to show us that he and your company cared about helping us move past this unfortunate situation. Here are a couple of the things that really stuck out from our interaction with him however there were many other moments that he exceeded our expectations with his service……
-Our claim was on his desk to be processed on the 31st of January. We had a new car in mind that we were getting at a discount but must be purchased that day due to end of the month push. I informed Richard of this the morning of the 31st and asked how much our settlement would be for so that we could determine if this was the right choice for us. He moved us to the top of the pile and got the info back to me within about 3 hours. This allowed us to save a good amount on our new car purchase.
-Richard made the process of getting the funds released quickly very easy on us. He gave simple instructions of what he needed from us and informed us where we were at along the way and we now have the settlement check (much faster than anticipated I should add).
-I am not sure how much say Richard has but we were also very happy with the settlement amount and Richard’s explanation of how it was determined. This prevented in arguing back and forth about what we were entitled to.
Again there was more but we don’t want to go on too long. I know from our interactions that Richard is a great asset to your team and brings a real value to being a California Casualty client!
Richard told us in an email that he still holds onto “the belief that you pay premiums for coverage AND service”. Before this accident my wife and I didn’t believe this. We do now!!!!!
If we can give any other feedback on our service from your claims department (specifically Richard) please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
Sincerely,
Two EXTREMELY satisfied clients
