A Code of Honor
Professionalism, discipline, confidence and the willingness to provide a good example are some of the traits Department of Criminal Justice Training Physical Training and Defensive Tactics Instructor Chris Sizemore says are important for a long and successful career in law enforcement.
These puzzle pieces are among those that helped Sizemore rise to the top in both his life paths with the U.S. Marines and in Kentucky law enforcement. They are also the principles he helps instill in the hearts and minds of each DOCJT recruit who passes through the agency basic training academy.
Inspiration for the Journey
A Madison County native, Sizemore grew up the son of a single father. As a young adolescent, through a chance meeting, Sizemore met a Kentucky State Police trooper. The trooper took time for the young boy to answer questions about his career. Amazed that this man in a uniform would give so much time for him, Sizemore still recalls the trooper as compassionate and informative.
“I just really enjoyed the professionalism the trooper had,” he said. “I loved the vehicles, the uniform and the trooper’s demeanor. It kind of inspired me, I just really liked that persona. I liked that ability to help people.”
Despite it being a short interaction, that brief moment showed Sizemore the impact a caring law enforcement officer can make in the life of a child, something he says he still carries with him to this day. It was also the moment when he started considering the career for himself.
Further inspiration came when a high school classmate joined the military after graduation. Feeling like that option would prepare him to be a better law enforcement officer, Sizemore followed suit and joined the U.S. Marines in 1996.
“The unique thing about the Marines is that, yes it is strict and stern, but it makes you appreciate all you have in life,” said Sizemore “They make you become a better citizen. I really loved the discipline and the code of ethics. I loved how everybody carried themselves as Marines, not just in the defense of our country, but also the way we respect one another.”
One of the most memorable moments in Sizemore’s military career was being selected as an honor graduate of his platoon—a ceremony his father was able to attend. Tragically, Sizemore lost his father shortly after.
“It’s something I will always keep in the back of my heart about my father being able to see me graduate as a Marine and also be honored by them,” he said of the man he credits with teaching him accountability and the importance of giving each task 100%.
Sizemore served the military for six years, and gained several tools he carried into both his law enforcement career, as well as his instruction at DOCJT.
“With the Marines, it’s all about attention to detail,” explained Sizemore.” You have to think before you act or do anything. The comradery amongst brother and sister who serve together (is similar to that of law enforcement). These recruits (officers and deputies) have to rely on their abilities but also their fellow colleagues to get through whatever obstacle they might have. Discipline, professionalism, empathy and compassion (are very important).”
Life in Law Enforcement
Following his military career, Sizemore began work at the Madison County Detention Center where he learned the other side of the justice system, both what happens after a subject is booked as well as the order of the courts.
A year later, he felt ready to try a career in law enforcement and joined the Irvine Police Department (IPD) in 2000—graduating from DOCJT with class 301.
Despite being a small city, Sizemore’s first year there was exciting and full of varying experiences including multiple vehicles pursuits and a murder investigation.
“There is no other profession in the U.S. where you can go to work every day, and you will have a completely new experience,” said Sizemore as he recalled that confidence-building first year. “You might deal with the same characters, but every day (is different) … It’s all how you want to accept it. Do you want to grow from these experiences, or do you want to let it eat at you.”
Following his time at IPD, Sizemore was hired by the Berea Police Department, where he had the opportunity to stretch his wings. Sizemore served as one of the agency’s first bicycle patrol units, as a canine handler and engaged in community relations. Afterwards, he spent time at the Madison County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) and the Lancaster Police Department (LPD) before returning to MCSO.
(Photo by Jim Robertson)
“One thing I really enjoyed about working in the county was the (large) jurisdiction,” said Sizemore acknowledging all the personalities one community can hold and the people he got to meet. “With county, you are all over the place.”
At MCSO, Sizemore dabbled in public affairs work and often enjoyed the chance to interact with children at events and at the Sheriff’s Ranch. This enabled him to make the same impact for the children there that a certain trooper did for him so many years ago.
“Children can easily go down one path or another, and you want to do everything within your power to reassure them that (law enforcement) is here to help them,” he said “We are your neighbors too; we just have a uniform on.”
Through discussions between BPD and MCSO, Sizemore was able to reunite with his K-9 partner and began working with him once more on the county’s drug task force.
However, one of the things Sizemore remains proudest of was helping establish an honor guard with the county agency and representing MCSO within Supporting Heroes. Through the organization, the MCSO honor guard was accepted onto a memorial team serving the commonwealth and surrounding states when first responders fell in the line of duty.
Passing the Torch
Sizemore left MCSO in 2016 at the rank of sergeant to join DOCJT as an instructor.
“Ours is a crucial section,” he said of PTDT. “We have recruits on the first and last day. We are an integral entity for those recruits’ development and in how they are going to police in the commonwealth…Ultimately, our goal is to make sure every single man and woman who comes to us has a successful career.”
(Photo by Jim Robertson)
Sizemore noted the significance that he is able to affect so many recruits isn’t lost on him. Recalling the mark left on him by his PTDT instructor L.J. Weber, along with this father and the trooper who inspired his career path, he hopes he is able to pass the torch of professionalism and accountability that was handed down to him.
“I don’t care what situation they are in, I want them to walk away and that person they interacted with to say that this officer was the most professional person they could encounter,” Sizemore said of his advice to recruits. “I want them to be as disciplined as they can, hold themselves accountable and maintain, at all times, professionalism. (I want them to be) humble, be compassionate and have empathy, but maintain the ability to do their job, do it well and walk away with pride knowing they did the best job they possibly could.”
