Thursday, May 23, 2024
My condolences to Sue, Kim, Bryan and Danny and the rest of the family. Bob truly was a remarkable man.
Those of us who had the privilege of working with him will always remember him for his memorable sayings, which we affectionately called "Wattyisms."
Bob often said that working in Probation was a "calling" for him, not just a job. He frequently spoke about the "Gift of Office," perhaps the most meaningful of all his Wattyisms. Though religious in origin, this concept perfectly applies to the profession we have chosen and the “office” we hold.
The human tendency is to make an “office” into a privileged position, a position of power over others. Bob would point this out with his characteristic side smile and remind us of the true meaning of the Gift of Office.
The value system embodied by Jesus does not allow for a focus on position and power. “Gifts of Office” are about servanthood and empowering others. Rest in Peace, Bob.
The following are some of the classic “Watty-isms”
Sometimes we have to shake the tree
We are our own worst enemy
They’re “underwhelmed” .......(my personal favorite)
Run from me and your running from the Judge
Sometimes in this business right is wrong, and wrong is right
In DWI we win even when we lose
The wave of “the present”
Therapeutic warrant
Therapeutic cuffing
Therapeutic arrest
We are walking warrants
We need to educate the judges
It’s the end of an era
Always wave –when in doubt
I had to get cute with the judge
What are they going to do to me? Send me to Vietnam?
I screwed myself as usual
Sometimes we are the biggest enablers
I am G.O.D (Good Orderly Direction)
…in my therapeutic way
These handcuffs have a lot of history
I’ve made over 2,000 arrests
I’ve made more arrests than most police officers
Spread it around
I like to explain things
I’m a man to man guy
Paralysis has set in....... (comes in a close 2nd)
I have to go decontaminate the trainees........... (3rd favorite)
This is a vacation and not a job for some of us
Maybe we are only glorified apes
Listen to me, I know my s**t!
We do it all here
I know what my people do
Listen, you might learn something here
I am a credentialed alcohol/substance abuse counselor, licensed by the state and the nation
I probably trained your counselor
Balanced in all things
We’ve got a situation here
Let’s prime the pump
