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Opinion
The following is presented as part of The Columbian’s Opinion content, which offers a point of view in order to provoke thought and debate of civic issues. Opinions represent the viewpoint of the author. Unsigned editorials represent the consensus opinion of The Columbian’s editorial board, which operates independently of the news department.
News / Opinion / Letters to the Editor

Letter: Thanks to officers

By John A. Scukanec, VANCOUVER
Published: January 17, 2025, 6:00am

I read with great interest, and a measure of sadness, the recent article on police accountability and officer-involved shootings (“Police shootings in Clark County hit a 30-year high,” The Columbian, Jan. 11). I spent a good part of a 30-year career in the Alaska Department of Law working with the Alaska State Troopers and law enforcement agencies across the state. I was also an instructor at the AST and Anchorage Police training academies, teaching among other topics the use of force by troopers/officers.

Over the years, I spent many hours on officer ride-alongs, seeing firsthand what law enforcement officers deal with every day. I also attended more than a few memorials for officers killed in the line of duty … many were my friends.

These men and women were and are doing jobs that the rest of us could never imagine doing. Thank you officers — then and now — for all you do to keep our communities safe. There are more of us who appreciate your service than demand increased and unreasonable restrictions on how you do a very dangerous and often thankless job. Be careful out there, and come home safely.

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