Jake by: Stan Bressler

Jim “Jake” (Jacobs) was always considered a pretty tough guy to work for. I was able to avoid any run-ins with him because I worked specialty assignments while he was climbing up the ranks. However in the late 80’s I went back to Patrol and got assigned to Jake’s watch. By then he was a Lt. I was working the PM shift and had more time on then all the other officers combined so when I put in for the Christmas Party date I expected to get the night off. Jake had other plans. He assigned me to work. I explained to him that I had seniority and that Judy had already bought her dress for the party but he would not relent. He said I always got the days of I wanted and he was going to make me work.

I checked with several of the guys working the PM shift and most of them were not attending the party but had been given the night off. I pointed that out to Jake but he basically said that it was tough but I was going to have to work.

Well, it was either make Judy or Jake mad at me so you can guess who I chose. I went to Captain Blitch, Jake’s best friend and confidant, and told him my problem. I am happy to say that Blitch agreed with my request to go to the party and he advised Jake to give me the night off.  

Over the next several years whether we were playing golf or traveling to China or going on a Caribbean cruise with Trish and Jake or visiting them at their home in Missouri, Jake never failed to remind me of the time I got the night off for the Christmas Party.

Stan Bressler