Click here to download the catalog as a PDF file. To view this site you need Adobe Flash Player and your browser must allow javaScripts. Go here to get the latest Flash Player. RETURN FIRE Continued from page 12 politan department, nor am I a small town police chief — nor do I play either role on television. Regardless, I’m not sure what those last two titles have to do with the subject of professional courtesy. I’ve seen officers in bordering jurisdictions have their “ticket wars” and I agree whole-heartedly with Chief Grannis this is indeed the height of unprofessionalism. In his letter, Chief Grannis says, “Your ‘brothers do not deserve more than any other citizen.” Well chief, sometimes they do, and sometimes they don’t. Unfortunately, it’s not as black and white as you want to make it. Sometimes they do deserve more — they’re the guys who, like me, put it on the line, by choice, to make our community safer. They’re the ones who’ll be bailing me out someday when I need help. I’ve spent more time with my brother officers than I have my wife. I’ve shared things with them I would never share with her. The relationship of two officers partnered together is in many ways, closer than a marriage. I’d expect a man with your experience to understand that. On the other hand, no, they don’t deserve more — because I don’t look upon my citizens as average. These are the people who give me the authority — and they’re the same people who can take it away — so how do I balance this? It’s so simple I overlooked it for years, but a wise old veteran lawman shared it with me. The easiest way for me to do my job is to cut my citizens a break from time to time. Over the last three decades, I’ve stopped doctors, lawyers, firemen, insurance salesmen, dairy farmers, and yes — policemen — for speeding. Did anyone of any specific occupation always get a break? No, they did not. Some got tickets, and others got warnings, and my decisions had nothing to do with their occupation. If I can give a written or verbal warning to citizens in my jurisdiction from other walks of life, I can do the same for my brother officers. And yes, it is that simple — at least to me. Sergeant Jonathan Hutson Stephenville, TX I gotta say, Chief Grannis, I’ve yet to receive even one letter in support of your views. Looks like you’re safe to drive through most other jurisdictions — just like anybody else. SH ameriCan CoP tm welcomes letters to the editor. We reserve the right to edit all published letters for clarity and length. Due to the volume of mail, we are unable to individually answer your letters or e-mail. in sending a letter to american CoP, you agree to provide Publishers Development Corp. such copyright as is required for publishing and redistributing the contents of your letter in any format. Send your letters to return Fire, american CoP, 12345 World trade Dr., San Diego, Ca 92128; www.americancopmagazine.com; e-mail: ed@americancopmagazine.com. 52 WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM • JULY/AUGUST 2009