● DEAR ABBY: I'm writing in response to the letter from "Reader in the East," asking what to give someone who has graduated from the police academy. Abby, the patron saint of police officers and law enforcement is St. Michael, not St. Christopher!
Another thoughtful gift would be a charm of the trooper's shield with his badge number on it. I gave my husband a small replica of his shield with his number on the front and a message of love and safety on the back. He never goes out the door without his "good luck shield." — Trooper's Wife in New York
DEAR TROOPER'S WIFE: Thank you for the excellent gift idea, and for straightening me out about who the patron saint of law enforcement is. (Many folks corrected me on that one.) Others offered alternative suggestions for gifts. Read on:
● DEAR ABBY: Police officers spend many hours in their patrol cars. Thermal coffee mugs and coolers for their lunch make great gifts. Also, if someone really wants to go all-out, an extra pair of handcuffs always comes in "handy." — Police Officer's Wife in Houston
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● DEAR ABBY: If the officer is Hispanic, a St. Sebastian medal would be appropriate. "St. Seb." is patron saint of Hispanic police officers. — Audrey in Pittsburgh
● DEAR ABBY: How about a picture frame to showcase his official officer photo? Or, the reader could contact the police department he will be joining to see where their officers purchase uniform items. Uniform shops sell accessories for police officers that can be purchased by civilians. — Tom in Ewing, N.J.
● DEAR ABBY: A high-powered flashlight is a good gift, or a nice pen with black ink for report writing. Also, check to find out if he has to buy his own body armor. Bulletproof vests can cost about $1,000, and money for that purchase could be well-invested. — Terri in Jennings, Kan.
● DEAR ABBY: I have been a police officer for 15 years. I would suggest getting him something not related to police work — movie tickets, a video rental card, dinner for two. "The job" can destroy marriages, relationships, even people. From a cop's point of view, the best gift is time with loved ones away from work. — Chasing Bad Guys in Oregon