confused on 1* meaning

[postal]

Awhile back I heard about 1*.

It was explained to me back then, that it was literally 1 $$$ to risk.... and "I aint risking mine for your $$$"- I go home safe to *my* family regardless of what happens on the job.

That was the explanation I heard. That was NOT something I wanted to hear...



Double checking this subject earlier today, I get the impression that it's based on the "regret that I only have 1 life to give". Meaning that these officers are willing to put their $$$ on the line to protect the public.


Which is right? I've had a VERY negative opinion of officers I've seen (only a handfull) with 1* grips on their side arm. Was I lied to? I hope so...

Straighten me out please.

Thank you all for your service.
Postal!

[Librarian]

Can't confirm the accuracy, but most web links eventually converge on a version of this story - http://www.realpolice.net/forums/off...es-1-mean.html - and Gary Paul Johnston / Shaker Heights Police Department.

[FLIGHT762]

My take on this was always a positive message of risking one's self for the Public. Nothing negative about it. I remember it originated in the 80's.

I did find this: http://www.gijewelry.com/HISTORYOFTHEONEASSTORISK.asp

Don't know if this is the originator, but it confirms my long time take on it. I was part of a Tactical team when this originated.

[Barbarossa]

I have a knife from C.R.K.T. With the 1* on it.

I can't recall the exact wording but they attribute it to an individual on their website. I'd check there for the source, then research.

(phone post or I'd do it myself.)

[9mmepiphany]

Can't confirm the accuracy, but most web links eventually converge on a version of this story - http://www.realpolice.net/forums/off...es-1-mean.html - and Gary Paul Johnston / Shaker Heights Police Department.

That is my recollection also...I had a chance to speak to Gary Johnson at a training seminar once and he laughed about all the stories of the origin of the term. He was the designer and held the copywrite to the design.

It isn't meant to connote selfishness (as in postal's OP) or selflessness (as in FLIGHT762's post)

His intended meaning of the design was to simply be careful when training and when working

[CSACANNONEER]

All first responders should ALWAYS put their personal safety above anyone else's! There is no excuse for a gung-ho first responder becoming an additional victim. It would put all other first responders in additional danger and add unneeded complications to the incident.

[postal]

Arright. It's all coming together from my recent checking into it, and what others posted. It seems to me... that a number of you hit on things I found earlier today.

It isnt anything what I first heard about selfishness, or anything negative. But to be *Carefull*. To be of use in a situation and take care, to be a positive part of a situation, instead of becoming more of a problem in the situation.

Thanks all, That *REALLY* makes me feel a lot better. What I heard originally, and saw someone with 1* grips... made me quite upset that he was allowed to carry a gun, and I dont have a ccw, if his number 1 priorty was to save his own *** first..

Seriously, thanks. Question answered.

And thank you all again for your service.

Regards,
Postal!

[Ron-Solo]

I spent 32 1/2 years full time and a year reserve. Never heard of it.

[IrishJoe3]

Never heard of it either.

[JuliusV]

Nope, never heard of it and I'm 18yrs in and have heard it all...until now

[Notorious]

Heard of it when I got a CKRT M16LE knife as a gift from a buddy of mine and it had the 1* logo on it.

[DannyInSoCal]

Gun show marketing...

[9mmepiphany]

I guess it wasn't as iconic as we thought it would be when it first came out.

It made all the gun magazines and was the rage with SWAT/SERT folks...patches, t-shirts, mugs and glasses

[fourXfour]

I was way off. I always thought it was a military thing for Tier One guys. I wan't aware it was an LE thing.


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[evilbeef54]

Mostly from military SF types... "my only regret it's that i have only 1 *** to risk"