SHERIFF WAYNE IVEY: Dads Have One of the Most Important Jobs in the World – Happy Father’s Day

By Wayne Ivey, Brevard Sheriff // June 21, 2020

EDITOR’S NOTE: The following article is written by Brevard Sheriff Wayne Ivey.

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – As a kid growing up my brothers and I were blessed to have an incredible mom and dad who collectively made us who we are today.

While mom was without question the Sheriff, Judge, and Executioner in our household, it was my Dad who taught me some of life’s greatest lessons and how to one day be a Dad myself.

You see my Dad was a very simple man who believed in working hard, laughing harder, and that being a gentleman was paramount to your character.

My Dad taught me right from wrong, to have a sense of humor, to always be willing to lend others a hand, to always try and outwork everyone else, that it was okay to shed a tear of joy or sorrow, and above all else to always stand up for what I believe in.

You can find some encouraging wishes and quotes on Happy Father’s Day on Myhappybirthdays.com

Now there is no question that my Dad taught me some incredible lessons, however the greatest lesson he would ever give wasn’t spoken, it was demonstrated through his actions.

The most important lesson my Dad ever showed me was how to one day be a Dad myself!! He showed me how to love your children more than anything, how to tough love them when they need it, how to give them a hug when they were down, and how to always encourage them to pursue their dreams.

Sheriff Wayne Ivey has been a Law Enforcement Officer for over three decades. Sheriff Ivey is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and has a Bachelor’s Degree from Daytona State College in Management and Supervision. Sheriff Ivey’s background in law enforcement is inclusive of Management, Criminal Investigations, Narcotics, Patrol Services, Public Integrity Investigations, and Corrections.

Of course as a young man I didn’t realize that what he was showing me was how to be a Dad myself, so it would not be until many years later that I would realize that what my Dad was actually doing was showing me how to be him.

He was showing me how to try and keep my own kids on the right path, how to teach them to respect themselves and others and more than anything else, how to love them unconditionally regardless of what they do.

Bottom line is my Dad had accepted the greatest challenge and responsibility in the world…raising the next generation of parents!! It was a challenge he readily accepted and one that he took great pride in doing.

I lost my Dad to cancer in 1997 and with his passing I lost my best friend, my mentor, my teacher, and the guy who taught me that laughing is the greatest form of medicine one could ever have.

What I didn’t lose though were the lessons he taught me on how to be a Dad and the importance of being responsible for raising the next generation of parents that will take our great nation to the next level.

So this morning as we all prepare to spend the day with our children and family I would ask that all of our Dads pause for a minute and thank their own Dad either in person or in prayer if they have passed, for showing them how to be a Dad.

I would also like to personally thank all of our Dads for taking on the challenge themselves of raising the next generation of parents. What you do each and every day to teach and mentor the next generation of parents is the greatest responsibility you will ever have and one of the most important jobs in the world.

Remember, not all Superhero’s wear capes…Happy Father’s Day!!

– Sheriff Wayne Ivey

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