With such exotic tasks as “beer with the judge” and “hug from Maxine” out of the way, it was time to add something else to the questionable bucket list. Keeping with the “quirky obsession with public service” theme, I decided that I needed to get a selfie with Shasta County Sheriff, Tom Bosenko.
I suspected this one would be easier. As an elected official, it’s part of his job to placate constituents. I figured snapping a photo would be easier for him than some of the other requests/demands he’d been given over the years. In comparison to demands of “end crime” or “get rid of that nuisance hot dog man in C’wd,” getting a selfie should be cake.
Plus, in an encounter I’d had with the sheriff years before, I’d decided he was cool.
A million years ago, I’d spent some years as the chairman of the Cottonwood Rodeo Parade. It was a big project that I loved. One task as a part of that role is to check off every entrant as they enter the parade. One year, Tom Bosenko and Brad McDannold were both campaigning to become the next sheriff.
There I was in my mesh safety vest with my rented radio and clipboard. When Bosenko arrived, I thought it would be funny to say, “McDannold for sheriff?” as though I thought he was the other guy. He paused for a nanosecond, then laughed. When I tried the same #momjoke on Mc Dannold, he did not laugh. He didn’t smile. It was clear he didn’t think I was funny one bit.
Skip forward a decade and some change, I’m intent on interrupting this busy man for my silly list. It was now just a matter of time before I ran into him.
I was at a community presentation, minding my business while judging the content presented. (I swear to God, if I hear that gangster horse story one more time…), then in walks the big man. THE sheriff himself. He stayed at the back of the auditorium as though prepared to dip out at any second if needed to address public safety. Or perhaps if he just wanted to bail.
I tried to be subtle as I continued to monitor his location. I didn’t want to miss this change. But I also didn’t need to find myself restrained on the ground by a deputy as I try to explain, “No, it’s okay. I was just going to do something funny.”
The talk ended. The auditorium was rather full, and many people had their own hopes to rub elbows with the big dog. I exhibited the patience of raised-hand kindergartener dying to be called upon.
Finally, it was my turn. I led with “I’m a social worker for the County.” Maybe I was trying to align with him since technically we have the same employer. Or maybe I was trying to lead with showing a little street cred (bwah haha!).
Luckily, I’d had 2 previous rounds of practice telling my lame bucket list story to respectable people, so that part went pretty smooth. He was down for it with zero questions. Instead of a selfie though, I handed my phone to some other respected community member. Instead of asking a Deputy DA, I should have found a 17 year old girl. Or Jen Forehand. One of those types who’s good a making sure the picture is quality. One of those folks who maybe would’ve asked “If the look you’re going for is ‘over-eager fangirl’, you’re nailing it. If not, maybe lets dial it back about 20%.”
I’d expected the dorky picture to be the pinnacle. But it got even better. “Hold on a second, I have something for you,” the top Law Dog said as he reached in his pocket.
Now I’m SURE he carries around little SCSO badges for small children, or perhaps war heroes; but on this fine day,…he gave one to me!
It’s a really tremendous souvenir. Like, really! I’ve made sure not to abuse my self-implied power of the miniature brass. There’s a number of reasons l like it; not the least of which is that it affirms what I thought when I made my mom-joke to the poor man all those years ago, he is cool.
And thus completed the Holy Trinity of Quirky Challenges.
Thanks for reading!
Bifocals and Barbells 