Police deserve respect

EDITOR,
Regarding Steve Bailey’s column in the Aug. 21 Press-Banner, I would like to know why he found it necessary to make a disparaging remark about cops in his praise for firefighters. It is remarks like this that put a policeman’s life in peril. 
I also praise the firefighters and respect them for the wonderful job they do. In my 47 years of living here, I have had to call on the firefighters five times, and believe me, they were here in minutes and took care of each situation.
I also praise and respect law enforcement agencies. Their officers have the same dedication to their jobs as firefighters, putting their lives in danger every day and spending long times away from their families in order for us to live in a safe society.
Unlike firefighters, they have to wear guns and bulletproof vests in order to do their jobs.
A Cal Fire spokesman in front of the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors praised the sheriff and his deputies for their excellent assistance during the Lockheed Fire.
My husband was a deputy sheriff in this county from 1962 to ’83, and I am proud of his service.
I suggest Mr. Bailey go on a ride-along with a local police officer or deputy sheriff, and maybe he will get a new perspective of what a cop’s duties entail. They do not view the public as enemies.
Jean Asbury, Scotts Valley