My name is Matthew Cole and I am a Panama City Police Officer. I have been with the department for a year now, and I previously served as a Panama City Beach Police Officer for three years. I recently got married to the love of my life and we were able to purchase our first home together. Recently, I received a Life Saving Award from the Panama City Police Department for saving an elderly man's life by performing CPR on him before paramedics could arrive. His family was kind enough to call the department and tell them what I had done. I am just happy he was able to live and spend more time with his family and loved ones. I was just doing my job, nothing more. I did not tell anyone I received the award until my wife found it lying on the table and bought me a cake, which I thought was pretty cool (that she bought me a cake, I love cake). I enjoy helping others, even if it is as simple as encouraging a teenager to stay away from a life of crime. Each day I look forward to the new challenges I face each day and pray that I can help change a life for the better. Because I am newly married, money is tight and I am in desperate need of Lasik surgery. I have worn glasses or contacts for most of my life, and would love to be able to see without wearing them. I think I could do so much more and be more aware at work if I had Lasik surgery. I think my wife would enjoy me being able to see clearly without having to point out every single thing she needs me to do at home. I am a dedicated Police Officer and dedicated to the citizens of Bay County. I am humble about my work, because it's not about me, it's about the people I protect and serve. My father and grandfather were both in the military, so I learned how to serve people from them. I have the utmost respect for the military and everything they do as well. I thank you all for allowing me to participate in this great contest. I think it means a lot for the community to gather around first responders and all we do. I am currently attending Gulf Coast State College to finish my degree, so being able to see to read and do my assignments would be really great. I want to continue to serve my community through work and through volunteer service. I am attending classes to become a Field Training Officer where I will train other officers within the department. I am about to turn 24, so I am far from knowing everything, but I look forward to helping other young officers like myself. I think this surgery would change my life forever and I cannot thank you enough for sponsoring this contest. I know there are a lot of amazing people that have applied and I thank them for serving alongside me in Bay County. It's not just one person that makes this community so great, it's everyone, including Fire, EMS, Law Enforcement and the Military.