Wednesday, November 6, 2002

I just can't understand the logic of our County Commissioners and their misgivings about the purchase made by our sheriff's department of a helicopter that is to be used "to protect and serve" the citizens of Fayette County. We needed it and deserved it years ago. How many of our citizens must be endangered by criminals on the run?

Serving on the QuiNhon, Vietnam Airfield Security Detachment, I proudly had the privilege of flying ground observer many years ago, and when we went up it was for the sole purpose of pinpointing those that would do us harm and the helicopter was the best way of finding the enemy.

The troops on the ground could and often did run into the enemy but were also immediately endangered by him. Whereas, in the air we were able to spot the enemy and direct our troops to them while we remained evasive and yet still able to watch where the enemy was until our troops could neutralize them.

Isn't that the same thing that just a week and a half ago happened here in Fayette County during a carjacking? The criminal was captured and now justice will occur. Nobody was hurt or endangered. The ground observer did his job and it was a job well done.

Keep the copter! The law-abiding citizens of this county deserve it and can rest easier because it's at the disposal of all law enforcement in Fayette County. Thanks, Sheriff! Now, commissioners, do what you were elected to do, which is to make this county as safe, livable, and lovable as it can possibly be.

John M. Romph

Fayetteville