02-12-2007, 10:36 PM
An Open Letter to the ladies and gentleman of the Pasco County Sheriff's Office who post on this website:
I should first start by saying that I am a deputy for the Sheriff's Office and have been here for several years. I work road patrol and have my entire career, to date. I was hired under the last Sheriff, so I can speak with a certain degree of authority when it comes to issues at this office. But, this isn't the real reason which has caused me to type into my computer today. I have been reading the posts of this website now for a few weeks. I first heard of it back when the Sheriff and his staff came into a training and told us not to participate in the messages. I didn't, but not because he told me not to. I didn't because I couldn't see what difference it would make in my life. Brothers and Sisters, let me tell ya, I was right. I truly wish I had continued being oblivious to the childish behavior taking place on this site.
What maybe concerns me the most, is that our agency has its share of problems. Nobody would dispute that, I doubt. But, have any of the people who post these ignorant, Jerry Springer-ish comments on these boards ever thought what would happen if the rank and file united? I know, that's crazy. I mean, why would that ever happen? It absolutely makes no sense, right? Jail personnel aren't "real cops" and road deputies, well, their crap doesn't stink, right? WRONG! Corrections does a different job, yes. But, I'd bet most of the guys/girls on the road wouldn't last a pay period in the jail. And Corrections, don't get me wrong. I've seen a few of you guys come out and fall flat on your faces when you've been transferred to the road. I say we all should come down off our high horses and realize it's us versus them. Let that sink in for a while and those of you who are sensible enough to think without typing hateful messages will realize I'm right.
Ever heard the phrase, "there's strength in numbers"? Ever wonder why it appears the brass doesn't want a strong union? Ever wonder why it's taking SO long to get a contract worked out? Well, it's because right now, the brass are smarter than us. As long as we keep fighting in-house, be it on this stupid website or out on the road or in the jail, the brass can resist the union. Sure, we formed a union. But how many joined it by having the deductions come out of your checks? The numbers drop if you look into it. Come together people and realize the deputy standing next to you should be your best friend. Only the ignorance we have in us makes this a fantasy.
Lastly, before I end my short and likely one time post, let me say this. I'm sure you're all smart enough to realize the internet is open to pretty much anyone in the world. Knowing this, have you ever given any thought to WHO may be reading these posts? I'm not talking about the Sheriff, of course he is. I'm talking about attorneys, judges, politicians, County Commissioners, your family, your friends, people you don't know. Thanks to all of you who have made those of us who care about our jobs look like bumbling, arguing asses. Good Job.
I should first start by saying that I am a deputy for the Sheriff's Office and have been here for several years. I work road patrol and have my entire career, to date. I was hired under the last Sheriff, so I can speak with a certain degree of authority when it comes to issues at this office. But, this isn't the real reason which has caused me to type into my computer today. I have been reading the posts of this website now for a few weeks. I first heard of it back when the Sheriff and his staff came into a training and told us not to participate in the messages. I didn't, but not because he told me not to. I didn't because I couldn't see what difference it would make in my life. Brothers and Sisters, let me tell ya, I was right. I truly wish I had continued being oblivious to the childish behavior taking place on this site.
What maybe concerns me the most, is that our agency has its share of problems. Nobody would dispute that, I doubt. But, have any of the people who post these ignorant, Jerry Springer-ish comments on these boards ever thought what would happen if the rank and file united? I know, that's crazy. I mean, why would that ever happen? It absolutely makes no sense, right? Jail personnel aren't "real cops" and road deputies, well, their crap doesn't stink, right? WRONG! Corrections does a different job, yes. But, I'd bet most of the guys/girls on the road wouldn't last a pay period in the jail. And Corrections, don't get me wrong. I've seen a few of you guys come out and fall flat on your faces when you've been transferred to the road. I say we all should come down off our high horses and realize it's us versus them. Let that sink in for a while and those of you who are sensible enough to think without typing hateful messages will realize I'm right.
Ever heard the phrase, "there's strength in numbers"? Ever wonder why it appears the brass doesn't want a strong union? Ever wonder why it's taking SO long to get a contract worked out? Well, it's because right now, the brass are smarter than us. As long as we keep fighting in-house, be it on this stupid website or out on the road or in the jail, the brass can resist the union. Sure, we formed a union. But how many joined it by having the deductions come out of your checks? The numbers drop if you look into it. Come together people and realize the deputy standing next to you should be your best friend. Only the ignorance we have in us makes this a fantasy.
Lastly, before I end my short and likely one time post, let me say this. I'm sure you're all smart enough to realize the internet is open to pretty much anyone in the world. Knowing this, have you ever given any thought to WHO may be reading these posts? I'm not talking about the Sheriff, of course he is. I'm talking about attorneys, judges, politicians, County Commissioners, your family, your friends, people you don't know. Thanks to all of you who have made those of us who care about our jobs look like bumbling, arguing asses. Good Job.