Ive worked in Law Enforcement for almost 11 years now. 4 of that inside a Max Prison. Getting compliments from bosses being there are so many of them are few and far between. My old man (retired 29 year LEO) told me that if you need a pat on the back, go work at McDonalds. Your paycheck each month etc is your reward. Not changing the door codes on you at work is your reward. That badge on your heart means that you have the integrity and what it takes to do the job over someone else.
The saying goes not everyone can be a cop. Not everyone can be a Dr, lawyer, sales, own their own business etc etc etc. The fact that you have been doing something at the same job for a length of time without getting fired, wrote up etc and get paid is your pat on the back.
I will take 1 thank you from a civilian over 1000 pats on the back from a supervisor.
Twice in my career I was chewed out for being out of uniform followed up by two different sets of stripes pinned on my collar. No pat on the back or attaboys at work compares to that.
Yesterday I got 4 brand new tires on my truck. Went to Bass Pro and bought me the rod I have been researching for months. I did this because I have money from the job I bust my butt at 40 plus a week that I don't get pats on the back for where I d**n sure am not appreciated like I should be. But with that said the tires and rod..........that's my pat on the back