I never really gave much thought to the law and the law enforcement until I was in 6th grade. In 2008 my mom started working for Mr. Argentinis in his manufacturing business and became involved in something called The 200 Club. I was quite curious about this new club my mom became involved in and began asking questions. My mom said the best way to learn about The 200 Club is to meet the founder, Mr. Argentinis, and hear his story. Little did I know that the day I met a man by the name of Tak Argentinis, my view on the law would change forever.
I remember walking into Mr. Argentinis’s office that day and listening to his story about why he had started the 200 Club. His passion for the cause and his willingness to share with a mere teenager touched my soul. Mr. Argentinis, who had a son that was a law enforcement officer, spoke of how his son loved his job but was always concerned with the safety of others. One day he pursued on foot a man who had numerous warrants; and on this tragic day he was hit by a car during the pursuit and died from his injuries. Mr. Argentinis had tears in his eyes as he shared his story that he has told many times. Each time is just as heartfelt and meaningful as the previous time. After this day I began to look at the law in a different light. The law became something that made me feel protected. I realized that without the law and the officers that enforce this law, my life could be in jeopardy on a daily basis.
Mr. Argentinis continued to explain that through this tragedy he learned the financial burden placed on the family of the fallen. This is the reason that he created The 200 Club. He told me that the organization has members who pay dues, and charitable events are organized to provide immediate financial assistance to the families who are affected, including college scholarships for their children. As I sat and listened, I expressed to Mr. Argentinis that he is a “hero” for doing this. He quickly shook his head and said his definition of a hero is a person who puts their life in danger to save a stranger. He said the police, firemen and other rescue workers are the “heroes,” while he is just a facilitator of providing support for those families that lose a loved one when something goes wrong as he is laying his life on the line.
Meeting Mr. Argentinis and getting involved with The 200 Club help to understand the true definition of a hero and how those heroes protect me by enforcing the law. That day the law became meaningful to me.
