Derrick Foxworth is Chief of Police, Portland Police Bureau .

What Was I Doing at Age 15?
Though it was a long time ago, once in a while I think back to when I was a teenager. It may be when I get my car washed, fill my car with gas or eat fast food. That's because when I was a teenager, I always had a job. I worked at a car wash, gas station and at a fast food restaurant while going to high school.

I was fortunate enough to have parents who worked hard and were always there for their family. They were my role models, and instilled in me a strong work ethic. They were the foundation of our family, and demonstrated the good values that they preached. My parents' actions showed me that the ideals they set forth for me were not just empty words.

Looking back, I realize how my parents' love and trust in me made me not want to turn toward drugs and alcohol. I knew that was not the path I wanted to choose. I didn't necessarily aspire to be a police officer, yet it is probably more than just a coincidence that my twin brother, Darrel, and I became involved in law enforcement and have made a career of it. The idea of helping someone every day appealed to both of us probably because my parents showed us the values of compassion and caring for others.

Not every young person is fortunate enough to have the family life that I did. That's why I have supported organizations such as the Boys and Girls Clubs, Big Brothers Big Sisters and the Police Activities League (PAL) for so many years. These organizations know that by being involved in a young person's life, they can help them make better choices. Life takes many twists and turns, but when you're a teenager, just knowing that there are adults who care for you makes life's choices a whole lot easier.