Monday, December 26, 2022
In 1976 I was a rookie member of the Los Angeles Sheriffs Department. I was 24. My father,John McSweeney, was the President of the Los Angeles Press Club. President Ford attended a press club luncheon May 25, 1976 to accept a lifetime membership in the press club. I was in attendance.
As Ford and my father were sitting together at the head table, my father waved me forward to introduce me to President Ford. My Dad said “Mr President, this is my son,Los Angeles Deputy Sheriff Bill McSweeney. The President of the United States stood up and said “It’s an honor to meet you SIR”. I was stunned nearly speechless. I was 24 and the President of the United States called me “SiR”… really ??
That respect from the President taught me an invaluable life lesson that I use almost daily, and will for the rest of my life. I address EVERY man or boy I am introduced to as “SIR”.
I cannot know if those I address appreciate this gesture of respect, BUT I enjoy saying it. Each time I do I remember how I felt when President Ford addressed me as SIR. It was a lifetime lesson in respect.
May President Gerald Ford rest in peace.
Bill McSweeney, Chief of Detectives (ret.)
