Letter: Isn't sheriff's job to serve and protect?

To the editor: In last Saturday’s paper, there was an article about Bieber’s run for sheriff. In that article Bieber said three things I would like to respond to: 1. “He will bring a change of attitude to the department.” 2. “We’re not there to save peoples lives. … We’re going to try, but that’s not going to happen. … Statistically, 99 percent of the time we’re going to be there to pick up your dead body, unfortunately.” 3: “Bieber said the public has to take steps to protect itself.” … “With freedom comes responsibility. … We’ll be there to help, but it’s your responsibility for that. … Part of that mindset is the public is responsible for its own safety.” Talk about a real shot in the arm for the tourism industry in Shawano County! If Mr. Bieber’s job is not to save lives, then why on earth is he wearing a badge? I have always thought the motto of law enforcement is to serve and protect. Has this now become an outdated idea? Also, I have to ask how long it takes for him to respond to a call if all he’s finding is dead bodies. What kind of reference is that giving his current boss? Not a good one in my book. If all he’s going to do is find dead bodies, then perhaps the fiscally responsible move would be to put the coroner in the sheriff’s job so you eliminate one job and save the County Board a few thousand dollars. You have a win-win situation. Lastly, Bieber said the public has to protect itself, and that with freedom comes responsibility. Does this mean on his watch we’re going back to the gunfight at the O.K. Corral? If I cannot rely on the Sheriff’s Department to protect me, I have no choice but to buy a gun or some other deadly means to protect myself. Perhaps Mr. Bieber’s talent lies better in the realm of a school teacher, where he can have all the positive influence on the youth that he wants. I do sincerely applaud him for wanting to be a positive role model for our youth. For sheriff, he is not a good candidate. I realize this will be printed after the election is over, but Randy Wright can still get write-in votes in the next election. Kathleen Ile, Gresham