Today’s post is a gift from The Other Shoe. Thank you for keeping this in the spotlight.
***
As a former resident of Harford County, Maryland for more than two decades, I can say with certainty that the shooting deaths of deputies Patrick Dailey and Mark Logsdon on February 10th came as a complete shock with utter disbelief. The entire county, as well as the State, have been profoundly affected. Such shootings in Harford County simply DO. NOT. OCCUR!
Life in the county is good, peaceful, and rich in history and tradition. That tradition includes respect for the law. We lost two fine outstanding members of the community that day, and we also lost part of the tranquility that comes with country living. My prayers and thoughts go to the families and loved ones of our lost heroes.
It is worth noting that the Harford County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) is the largest sheriff’s office in Maryland. It, too, has a long history. Despite being the largest such office, in the 242 years of its existence, since being created on March 22, 1774, there has only been one other recorded shooting death of a sheriff’s deputy . . . let me repeat that . . . ONLY ONE shooting death of a deputy in the line of duty. And that shooting occurred MORE THAN 100 YEARS AGO on June 10, 1899!!
The unfortunate historic significance of this tragic event can not be overstated.
It is times such as this that it is incumbent upon our elected officials to offer prayers, condolences, condemnation of such events, as well as reassuring words of comfort and support.
Which brings me to the point of this post.
Maryland Governor Larry Hogan issued an immediate statement, and later visited. Granted, Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch issued a statement the next day.
And yet, there has not been one word from Obama on this matter. Not. One.
Given the significance of this event, I’m appalled by his apparent lack of awareness and complete silence. I’m not alone. In an open letter to President Obama, posted on facebook from Carroll County Sheriff Jim DeWees, Jim called to Obama’s attention that eight officers have been killed in the line of duty in as many days, and he expressed his disappointment at Obama’s silence. Many in the State are equally dismayed and appreciate Sheriff Jim’s letter.
Here is DeWees’ open letter in full:
A Letter from me to our president:
Dear President Obama:
In case you haven’t heard, eight American police officers over the past eight days have been killed in the line of duty. Two of these police officers were Harford County Sheriff’s Deputies that were gunned down at a Panera Restaurant just 50 miles from where you live. I’ve watched and listened intently for words of encouragement and sorrow to come from you, but haven’t heard or seen anything. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
Conversely, just two weeks ago my governor, Larry Hogan, spent the better part of a week placing a call each day to one of my deputies that was involved in a severe traffic collision in Carroll County. He wasn’t satisfied with speaking to me in order to send his prayers and regards; he called every day after the collision until he spoke with my deputy’s wife. Governor Hogan also drove to Harford County the day after two deputies were slain to meet Sheriff Gahler and the men & women of his office to grieve with them. The governor is in the middle of the 2016 Legislative Session and is pretty busy, yet found time to call, visit and pay his respects to me & my deputy, and the men & women of the Harford County Sheriff’s Office.
I understand that you are a busy man and are being pulled in multiple directions every day of the week. But, when my president doesn’t take the time to openly recognize the sacrifices that brave men & women of law enforcement make each day to keep domestic peace, I’m disappointed! I suspect that if these same deputies walked in to a restaurant, and without provocation shot and killed an innocent man, you and your staff would quickly whisk their family away to Washington for a future speech to make an example of police officers nationwide.
For me Mr. President, it has nothing to do with Republican or Democrat; black or white, male or female; but, it has everything to do with leading or following. I’m not shocked that you haven’t openly reached out or acknowledged publically the recent rash of deaths in law enforcement, but I’m tremendously disappointed!
Mr. President, your silence about these events SPEAKS VOLUMES!!!!
PS: I’ll be standing outside in the cold next week with my deputies for the funerals of the Harford Co deputies; I’ll save you a spot next to me!
James T. DeWees
Sheriff
Carroll County Maryland
It should have been left at that, while we await a response from Obama, if any — doubtful at best. But, noooo.
In response, Tom Myers, a member of the Harford County Democratic Central Committee, went on an unhinged rant and posted his comment on the Facebook wall of Harford County Sheriff Jeff Gahler.
Here is Tom Myers’ full letter:
Dear Sheriff Gahler,
Your predecessor would never have allowed one of his fellow chiefs to use the tragic death of two of his deputies to make a political statement. Sheriff Bane was an honorable public servant who never let his political party or ideology get in the way of ensuring that his deputies have the resources and the morale needed to protect the citizens of this county.
This letter from Jim DeWees, the Carroll County sheriff, incorrectly states President Obama has never made any statements condemning attacks on police officers. In fact, there are news accounts in the past year alone stating the President has done the opposite.
Sheriff, I may not have voted for you, but you have always been courteous to me during our meetings at political events and around the county. If you don’t take a stand and rebuke the sentiments of Sheriff DeWees, then your silence affirms that politicizing the deaths of two of your dedicated public servants in such a horrific fashion based on erroneous information is the new norm. I expect that from talk radio. I expect a lot more from you, Sheriff.
I hope you will do the right thing and take a page from the book of your predecessor, not only for your county but for your agency.
Yours,
Tom
We have our typical response from a Democrat: ugly, dismissive and speaks to his view and of his agenda.
And yet again, Obama’s silence on this matter remains. It is deafening.
