A cop’s story

An unusual career path, a $100,000 pay cut, and a cop who calls people "neighbors." Also, 7 other things worth your time.

This is the story of a rookie beat patrol officer in a medium-sized city. He came to the job late—49 years old now, and he’s only been on the force a few years.

Here’s his career path: joined the Coast Guard out of high school, then worked as a waiter and a flight attendant while attending college at night. From there, he worked for the U.S. Capitol Pol…