Wednesday, January 15, 2003

This is a letter that's long overdue. I suppose that I'm like most folks and only see the police as a nuisance setting up speed traps and stuff like that. Nothing could be further from the truth!

We recently had a situation in our family where we received the assistance of the Fayetteville City Police. These guys were courteous, professional, and most of all, caring. There is not another segment of our society that is as underpaid, and unappreciated as members of law enforcement.

When I head up through town every morning at 5 on the way to work, our police department is not sitting at Dunkin' Donuts, but out running traffic control and patrolling in our city. When we were enjoying our Christmas dinner they were out protecting us.

When I express my appreciation for law enforcement, I include the Sheriff's Department too. Look at the size of Fayette County and the staff they have to cover it with. The purchase of the helicopter was a real good idea. How much is your life worth? If that helicopter saves just one life a year, then it's paid for as far as I am concerned.

Our county and city fathers seem to spending an awful lot of money lately; why can't our officers and deputies get a decent pay raise? So how about this, everybody? Stop and think about how these men and women serve and protect us every day of the year. As we start 2003, I just want to say, thank you very much for what you do for me and my family.

Charles E. "Chuck" Bryant

Fayetteville