I can't dispute the basic complaint

in "Name Withheld's" letter. The simple truth is, that absent

the hyperbole and exaggerations present in his description, the encounter

on the roadway probably did happen. Even if it did, I doubt it happened

the way he describes.

I have found myself in the

same position as the deputy mentioned by "Name Withheld" more

than once in my career. Not every emergency call dictates an emergency

(lights and siren) response. From time to time it is appropriate to drive

as quickly as possible to a particular call absent lights and siren. I

don't know who the deputy was or what the call was so I can't judge whether

their actions were appropriate or not.

I can judge the contents of

"Name Withheld's" letter, however. He was obviously spoiling

for a fight; after all he did say, "It's not the first time I have

had words with the Fayetteville officers." He should keep in mind

that it is illegal to follow an emergency vehicle in a manner such as

he describes.

Depending on the nature and

circumstances of the call the deputy was on, "Name Withheld"

could very well have committed the offense of misdemeanor obstruction.

I am certain of this much: "Name Withheld" would not have had

that conversation with me. He would have been given my business card and

instructed to contact the Sheriff's Department to file a complaint and

then sent on his way.

Our uniformed patrol vehicles

are clearly marked with tag numbers and identification numbers on the

roof, front bumper, and rear bumper. They are very easy to identify. I

know this because in the course of the year I receive complaints based

on this type of identification.

In the final analysis, perhaps

what irritates me most is the absolute nonsense expressed by "Name

Withheld's" characterization of the Sheriff's Department's response

to his concerns. In my career of nearly 18 years, I know of not one single

instance where anyone was told not to come to the Sheriff's Department

again about a complaint.

Sheriff Johnson has an aggressive

complaint reception and resolution program. No complaint is ever

"not accepted." Everyone is offered an opportunity to

make a complaint, even those that are patently false and occasionally

ridiculous. Those complaints are thoroughly investigated each and every

time.

"Name Withheld" was

right about one thing: it was sad that he had his son with him the whole

time. Just as he alleges the deputy was a bad example, perhaps so was

he.

Oh, yes, we are hiring! "Name

Withheld" can get an application at the Sheriff's Department 24/7

or the Fayette County Human Resources Office. One thing though: he'll

have to put his name on it.

Bryan L. Woodie

Fayetteville

[Woodie is an officer with

the Fayette County Sheriff's Department.]