I feel compelled to voice my opinion about certain comments that have been made, and letters submitted to the Sounder regarding our Sheriff’s Department deputies and/or officers in the performance of their duties.

Like officer Menjivar stated in his letter to the editor,  “Family unfairly targeted by critics,” Journal, Jan. 8, pg. 6), the Sheriff’s Department and its deputies do not make the laws. It is, however, their job to enforce these laws to any degree they feel is necessary depending on the circumstances.

And they should not have to tolerate verbal abuse from those who do not exercise the responsibility to stand accountable for their actions or behavior when they choose to break the law, whether it be a minor infraction, or more serious offenses.

But apparently some individuals feel they deserve preferential treatment for some reason, or are above the law altogether. And quite frankly, anyone who would approach an officer during a traffic stop and make insulting comments to that officer knowing full and well that the officer has a side arm and the authority to use it, if it becomes necessary, is pretty stupid.

Unfortunately, when diplomacy fails harsher measures become necessary. Like it or not, that is just a plain, simple fact of life.

So consider this: if everyone would show these officers the same respect that one would give to our veterans of military service, then perhaps incidents like the one that took place on last Christmas Eve in Friday Harbor, need not escalate to the degree that it did.

Some of these officers are veterans, and not only did they put their lives on the line to preserve our freedom to pursue the ideals we hold so dear in this great nation of ours, but they continue to do so right here in our communities.

I personally know some of these officers through my involvement in the American Legion pancake breakfast, and I have great admiration and respect for these individuals and their constituents, as everyone should.

And if you don’t, you should be ashamed of yourself. Give it some thought, and do what you know is right.

Mick Stevens, Orcas Island

Editor’s note: Mick Stevens is Sons Commander of American Legion Post 93, Orcas Island