Letter: Sympathy for police

EDITOR,
My name is Bruce Craft, and in the mid-2000s, I was unemployed and homeless, living in a motor home on the streets of Santa Cruz. I was routed nightly by the Santa Cruz Police Department and had a very low regard for the department and what I considered their lack of compassion for the homeless.
I am now in a home and employed. Now I have a very different view of the department. The tragedy on Feb. 26 (“Two police officers killed in Santa Cruz,” Page 3, March 1) makes me realize that they were just doing their jobs, trying to ensure the safety of the community as a whole, so I therefore harbor no disrespect. As a matter of fact, I sincerely grieve for the loss of these two fine Americans and offer my condolences to the families of the fallen.
To every law enforcement department in the county that I love, my message to them all is: Keep up the good fight against they who truly threaten our community. Although I was never a threat to my community, I don’t blame them for ensuring that fact.
With respect to Chief Kevin Vogel and the men and women in his charge, I thank you and feel your loss.
Bruce Craft,
Boulder Creek