Stepping Back Into The Game
- Raven
- 3 hours ago
- 5 min read
This ‘From The Rooftops’ was addressed to previously retired RLSH who have stepped back into active mode. I have asked these back-in-action RLSH five questions:
When and why did you retire from RLSH work?
What brought you out of RLSH retirement?
Do you have any new goals this time around?
Do you find it easier to step back into RLSH work since you’ve done it before? Feel free to elaborate.
Do you have any words of wisdom to other RLSH or new RLSH?
Raven
Fairbanks, AK
When and why did you retire from RLSH work?
I retired around the start of 2013. It coincided with a move and just being displaced. I just focused on work and hitting the gym.
What brought you out of RLSH retirement?
Honestly, it was the bullshit with the Trump administration. There has been an increase of protests, threats of violence against those protesting, the removal of DEI policies and violence against people who would be covered by DEI, and now there’s the threat of ICE. We have this stuff going on up here in Fairbanks, Alaska and someone has to be around to stand up for the citizens.
Do you have any new goals this time around?
Patrol more. I am only out doing crime and safety patrol. I have some new tech that I’m utilizing and I feel like I have a more solid foundation now.
Do you find it easier to step back into RLSH work since you’ve done it before? Feel free to elaborate.
The second time around, you know what to expect. You realize that it takes effort to get back into a regular patrol routine and you know that you’re going to feel a little weird, at first, going out in a hero uniform. I did it before and I know that most people really just don’t care how you’re dressed; in fact, most don’t even realize you’re out there, especially when it starts getting colder outside.
Do you have any words of wisdom to other RLSH or new RLSH?
It’s easy to get inside your head before you even step outside the door. Uniforms generally change over time as you add things, test out new gear, etc. If you know your color scheme, start simple and add to it. You’ll probably want to be prepared for the worst of the worst to come at you, but are you prepared for a patrol of nothing happening? I would highly suggest that any new RLSH get a bodycam and to record all of their patrols. You can get them for pretty cheap on Amazon; I picked one up for $35.99 and it works just fine. Get out there and do it. Make time for patrol, put it in your schedule like you would an appointment.
The Warrior
Houston, TX
When and why did you retire from RLSH work?
I don't like thinking I retired as I never choose to quit I moved to Houston from Minnesota January of 2024 and so I needed to settle in before I could get back out there and I needed some new equipment. Being in Texas I decided I can't get by without a ballistic vest in particular.
What brought you out of RLSH retirement?
It was one thing after another holding me back from doing it. I expected to take a month or 2 off but then my car broke down. Then my job underpaid me. Then I quit for a new job. And it just went on and on. But I finally got the vest and decided to just (hopefully not literally) bite the bullet and get out there again for my 8 year anniversary (this Saturday).
Do you have any new goals this time around?
New goals not really. I have what I do down to a science and if it ain't broke don't fix it right?
Do you find it easier to step back into RLSH work since you’ve done it before? Feel free to elaborate.
A bit harder actually. When I started I was 14 and stupid so I ignored a lot of things I shouldn't have for ease of entry. Now I know better and won't ignore those things thus making it more of a barrier of entry. There's still things I feel like I need to get done like get CPR certified. That's the thing I need the most. However as for right now I've got the equipment to handle a basic patrol and I'll work towards the certification.
Do you have any words of wisdom to other RLSH or new RLSH?
I have a ton of tips actually. My entire YouTube channel is largely dedicated to this subject however I have an ultimate RLSH guide that I think is really good (if you don't like the self promotion feel free to leave that out it's just easier to post the link than to type it all out.
Pacis Quaesitor
Texas
When and why did you retire from RLSH work?
I stepped away for a season. Life became overwhelming, and in the noise, I drifted from the community, and from the conversations that once felt so vital. Truthfully, I don’t even remember the divisions anymore. But I do remember the people, and I remember what we once stood for.
What brought you out of RLSH retirement?
Darkness seems louder now. The world is hurting, and too many hearts have grown cold or weary. I don’t want to add to the noise, I want to be a light. If I can bring even a flicker of hope, then I want to stand in that gap.
Do you have any new goals this time around?
This time, I return not with bitterness, but with love. Not love born of pride or anger, but love rooted in Christ, a love that compels me to serve, to speak, and to stand, not for myself, but for the glory of God and the good of His people.
Do you find it easier to step back into RLSH work since you’ve done it before? Feel free to elaborate.
It is not easier now. Many of the voices that once stood beside me have gone quiet. Some lost, some weary, some simply moved on. I miss the fellowship we had. But I believe God is still raising up those willing to build community, even from ashes.
Do you have any words of wisdom to other RLSH or new RLSH?
The days are evil, and wisdom is required. We must walk carefully, not out of fear, but out of discernment. Not every battle is ours to fight, and not every hill is worth dying on. But wherever good can still be done, do it. Even if the world calls it small, in the eyes of the Lord, no act of love is ever wasted.
If you enjoyed this “Notes From The Rooftops”, please leave a comment. If there is a question you have for the community at large, that you would like to see in this “Notes From The Rooftops” format, let me know.
On an entire other note, if you are an RLSH, please take a moment to fill out this RLSH 2025 Demographics Survey. It's anonymous. Just looking to gather some general information to study (data analysis is just something I like to do). It will probably end up becoming an article in the future.
The next "Notes From The Rooftops" will be on the topic of: RLSH & Relationships. If you are an RLSH (active or retired) and you would like to contribute, please send an email to Raven (raven@herocore.online).