Saturday, August 25, 2007
Dear Brother and Sister Law Enforcement Officers:
I would normally begin by telling you that I had a great week in spreading the word about us taking back our PBA. This week was not a good week at all. After hearing about Sgt. Ron Harrison’s murder last week and the subsequent death of the offender, who appeared to be doing his best to kill even more police officers before he was sent to Hell by the HCSO Tactical Team, it made me wonder how such a violent person like him could be out on the street, available to commit more violence. Then I discovered that a local judge let him out on bail after he re-offended while being out on bail. Even after hearing that the State Attorney’s Office advised against it, the judge let him out anyway. Apparently this is not the first time this judge has released some thug who went out and murdered some innocent person after being set free on bail.
A good friend suggested that every police officer in Tampa send this judge a Christmas card saying simply that we hope his Christmas is good since the Harrison family’s won’t be. I like that idea.
I thought it would be a good idea to erect a billboard near the residence of the judge, or across the street from the court house saying the judge should shoulder some responsibility for the death of Sgt. Harrison. That judge should feel us!
Sgt. Harrison and I have crossed paths over the years. I have met him and spoken to him several times and always walked away impressed by his genuine warmth. As I sat there at the funeral on Tuesday I thought how close in age we were and how he had as many years in law enforcement as me. I thought about my daughter and two sons as I heard his daughter and son each give their moving eulogy about their father. While I was sad, I was also angry about all of the sorrow that continues to be cast upon us, the law enforcement officers of America, by liberal judges who just don’t get the fact that repeat violent offenders should not be on the street. They belong in jail, away from the lawful people we defend each day.
I decided there and then to find Kevin Durkin at the conclusion of the service and discuss what we, the PBA could do to make this judge hear us. Kevin, where were you? I couldn’t find you.
Till next time,
Greg Stout