My dad felt the same way. Long ago as a copper he got a call to a home where some 18yo thug was chasing him mom trying to hit her with a pipe. As told by my dad's partner to me at his funeral, he jumped from the squad car, ran into the home, saw the guy with the pipe and gave him 3 to drop it or he would drop him and began a quick count. The thug dropped the pipe. On the way back to the PD, the thug decided to kick my old man. Next stop, hospital emergency ward. Its a wonder what a black jack can do. Needed some dental work too. My dad was not a violent type, but there were some lines one did not cross, this clown went over two: trying to maim his mom and assaulting my copper dad.
Good for your Dad. Back in his day, cops could do the public a favor and not get fired for it.