Dear editor,
As we near the date to elect those to represent us, I feel the need to write this letter in support of Jerry Daniels for Allen County Sheriff. He will bring to the table years of experience and knowledge that we need in this office. He has a work ethic that is strong and will operate with an unbiased and open mind to make sure justice is served in Allen County. We need someone who not only knows how but will keep our county safe.
For those of you who live within city limits of towns in Allen County, you are basically served by the city police department. Your knowledge of the sheriff’s department is limited to the multiple public relations posts and articles we all see often. For those of us outside city limits, and covered by the sheriff’s office, we need for you to help us by voting for a competent and willing sheriff who will actually do the job to keep Allen County safe.
My experience with the current administration has not been favorable. When our home was compromised several years ago by two men who chose to rob us, the sheriff’s department did nothing except file reports on the incident. Whenever I called the office and asked for the sheriff to call me, I was told I would have to call him — at a specific time. Sheriff Murphy never called me or my husband, ever.
The same day as our home invasion, we figured out who the man who came into our home was, and gave his name, where he was employed, etc., to the sheriff’s office.
On a phone call where I was able to reach the sheriff, he told me the suspect managed to elude the officers every time they approached him. However, he told Charles Kerr, whose property was also compromised by the suspects, that the men had been caught. Which is it? We still don’t know.
I reviewed the incident report and, despite the fact it was a home invasion in Allen County, the detective used personal information of a man with the same name as my husband who lived in an adjoining county to complete his report. Now, common sense would tell you that if Allen County Sheriff’s department is investigating a home invasion, it would have to be in the confines of Allen County. All data, including date of birth, address, and physical description was from the man from Woodson County, instead of my husband. I was definitely not impressed with the quality of detective work that came from the sheriff’s office.
In addition, there was absolutely no information regarding the name, employer, etc., we had provided on the suspect. I can only assume it was not recorded on this report because it was considered to be irrelevant by their office.
My main concern in arresting these criminals was the fear they would decide to be armed the next time they invaded a home and someone could be injured or killed.
Jerry Daniels will make sure that his staff is adequately trained to investigate crimes as well as actually follow through with an arrest. His experience in law enforcement will provide what we so desperately need in Allen County.
Vicki Curry,
Iola, Kan.
