Several weeks ago, at the fire station and during one of the regular morning coffee sessions, one of Buckhannon's police officers, Adam Gissy, dropped by for conversation before beginning his shift. As usual, the front page stories of the local newspapers are fodder for much of the conversation as well as any gossip that may be floating on the air. As a candidate for city council I am frequently asked for my opinion on news worthy topics.
After most of the news and local gossip had been dealt with, Adam asked my opinion of the
Buckhannon police department. I thought briefly and then gave Adam my assessment of the police department from my personal experiences and the experiences of others have shared with me. I held nothing back and shared the areas that needed improvement and the areas where our police officers are performing their duties as consummate professionals. Not surprising, the areas needing improvement outnumbered the areas of positive performance. I have found that in situations like this, where you are asked about performance of an individual or department, areas needing improvement almost always out number the positives. It's just the way we respond.
After this discussion, it was time for Adam to begin patrol and I was due at the studio. About two hours after we parted, Adam called me to say he had been thinking about what I had shared and wondered if I was willing to get some residents together to discuss the current state of the Buckhannon police department. Adam had discussed his desire to have such a meeting and police chief Matt Gregory supported the idea. More than willing to help facilitate this meeting, I worked with Adam to hold such a meeting, with the first being held last night.
The first meeting was attended by residents representing the college, retired law enforcement professionals, restaurant and lodging businesses, City of Buckhannon and residents at large. The purpose of the first meeting was to develop a listing of topics and issues needing attention. Such a list was developed and Adam will be meeting with Matt Gregory to discuss the findings.
It is hoped that future meetings will be held regularly and be attended by more residents and police professionals. Hats off to Adam Gissy for taking this initiative.
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Bravo for holding meetings and trying to improve the community. How many police officers knew this meeting was going to take place? Who do you invite to these meetings? I would hope you would invite the ENTIRE police department to your meetings in the future. Kudos to you if you already did.
ReplyDeleteFurther more, why are these meetings be held without the police chief and more officers involved?
I'm not sure where some people get off thinking they are any better than the officers who put their blood, sweat, and sometimes tears into just getting hired to protect Buckhannon from criminals who make the officers job sometimes very dangerious. (I.e. getting shot at)
I would hope people would have a little RESPECT for the men/women who put their lives on the line every day.
Hopefully the citizens of Buckhannon and the entire department will meet and develop ideas/thoughts as to how to make the city a better place.
That way no one individual on the police department will be trashed behind their backs and will have a chance to defend himself or herself.
maybe no one cares how the current officers feel or what they think
ReplyDeleteI hope that's not true Anonymous
ReplyDeleteI CARE A LOT HOW THEY FEEL AND WHAT THEY THINK.
ReplyDeleteShame on you. Who are you Beavis or Butthead?
I will tell you that I care about how the current officers feel and what they think.
I care for the family of these same officers who live in fear if their loved ones will come home when their shift is over.
I also have a heck of a lot of RESPECT for those who serve and protect us. Police, fire fighters and paramedics.
Sometimes it takes something bad to happen, for a person to realize just how much they do provide us on a daily basis. They are there on call 24/7.
Do any of you understand what this controversy is doing to the members of our police department and their families?
Oh, that's right maybe you DON'T CARE.
Well if you DO CARE, get in touch with
Chief of Police-Matt Gregory
City of Buckhannon
70 East Main St
Buckhannon, WV 26201
or you can checkout the new Buckhannon Police Department website.
where you can learn more about the services this Police Department is providing YOU.
If you are still dis-content, why not bring your complaints to the attention of the Chief of Police.
If you do not agree with Beavis and Butthead, and do agree with my thoughts.
SUPPORT OUR LOCAL BUCKHANNON POLICE DEPARTMENT
Let them hear from YOU! They deserve better.
Signed: Supporter#01
I agree
ReplyDelete