Self-Reliance in SoCal: A Female Deputy's Journey to Becoming her Best Self
Welcome to the #stylemecommunity Francesca. Thank you for sharing your story with us.
Name: Francesca | Southern California | Connect: @thinbluelifestyle
I was born and raised in Southern California and could never imagine living elsewhere. My father has worked in law enforcement since the early 1970's so seeing his love and commitment to his community inspired me to do the same. I have been working as a Sheriff's Deputy for over seven years but surprisingly it was through unideal firearm training experiences at work that pushed me to start my 2A journey. Firearms training in the law enforcement academy is rough. It certainly is not fun and the fast pace it is taught at makes it difficult at times, unless you already have solid skills and knowledge of the subject to build on. Because I felt I struggled with it, I hired an instructor who was a full time law enforcement officer and did firearms instruction as a side business. His attitude was friendly and welcoming without the tactical jerk vibe.
He took my weaknesses and insecurities about my weapon handling skills, accuracy and overall knowledge of my firearm, and built me up into a person who was confident and prepared in regards to my training and it was a great feeling. At that point I felt I had a basic level of comfort with my firearm that I felt "ready" to carry my weapon off duty. I knew that the skills and training I had obtained with the above mentioned instructor would provide me with a solid platform to continue to grow and learn in confidence and skill level.
From that point on I went about my life, serving my community. I married my best friend whom I met in jail (insert badum tss sound effect here haha!) We both are employed by the same department and met through work. He is a former Army Ranger and served four badass tours overseas. He supports me but also pushes me constantly to improve and be better in all aspects. His knowledge from his time in the military helps to make us more well-rounded and I am thankful for it.
Tragedy struck in April 2020 when an on-duty injury sidelined me and nearly ended my career in law enforcement. While attempting to apprehend a vehicle theft suspect (who was released from jail 45 mins prior for *wait for it* felony vehicle theft...thanks California and $0 bail) I tore every single ligament in my knee and was told by my surgeon that I was lucky I hadn't broken multiple bones in my leg and it would be a long road until I could run again and return to full duty. I went from working 12 hour days with a HIIT workout at my gym (where's my OrangeTheory fans at?) and running five miles a day to not being able to change my clothes or take a shower without my husband's help.
I was devastated but also knew I was beyond lucky to be able to recover from such a horrible injury.
Like most law enforcement agencies, the news and gossip surrounding my knee spread like wildfire. Within weeks, the rumor that I was being medically retired was circulating. I thought: medically retiring at 30- these people are crazy! Don't get me wrong, I was scared of the long road I had ahead of me and I knew it wasn't going to be easy BUT a tiny voice in the back of my mind said, "you'll show them all when you come back better than ever." That tiny voice got louder and louder throughout my recovery and she isn’t goin’ anywhere.
With the ample amount of free time I had being off work and on disability, I felt compelled to do something to maintain my edge. I had followed Emily from Style Me Tactical for years and loved her sense of fashion, style, politics but also her ability to be self-reliant yet not scream it from the rooftops and make it incredibly obvious. When I thought of Emily, I thought of a badass chick who can handle her own but is perfectly camouflaged into the world around her- making her even more tactical then the guy standing next to her, head to toe in 5.11 gear. I never thought of myself as someone similar but at that time it all clicked- I was that girl too and that's something that every female should consider for themselves. We all have the ability to be our best, self-reliant self and there shouldn't be anything holding us back.
For the ladies out there who are reading this and thinking, "I don't think I'm ready for a firearm" or, "I'm not comfortable with a firearm in my home", a self-reliant lifestyle isn't JUST about firearms. You can be self-reliant and well-rounded with a vast array of different types of skills to stay safe and stay alive. Because of this, I decided to start ThinBlueLifestyle- a page geared towards women to help inspire them to build and live a self-reliant life. I share my skills, knowledge and tips from a law enforcement officer's perspective in order to help all of us learn and grow together. Building and maintaining this knowledge is crucial to make sure we all get home safe. The TBL community is growing and thriving but more importantly- the people IN IT are growing and thriving. It brings me joy to share knowledge and information with them and improve together.
At the time of this entry I am less than a week away from returning to full duty. I running four-five miles again, although a little slower than before, but that’s OK. I’ve learned to give myself grace and that it’s important to never be complacent and always be motivated to improve and be self-reliant.