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Highlands Today

Sheriff Benton

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Randy Parker

Published: August 6, 2008

I had to laugh at one part of Darrel Johnston's letter to the editor in Saturday's paper (Aug 2.) He said that the deputies he knows applaud Sheriff Benton's performance during her term in office. I know quite a number of deputies myself and that surely is not what I hear. While they are glad to have some upgraded equipment, they are aware that most of these upgrades have been given to deputies who are on the road. As parents of school children, they wish some of the money would be spent on those deputies and services which most closely affect the lives, safety and welfare of their children. They would like to see more neighborhood patrols, especially since many of them work at night and have to leave sleeping families to do so. It only takes a few trips down U.S. 27 to see where the law enforcement effort is concentrated. Speed is not the only problem we have in Highlands County.

The other concern I hear from deputies is about deeply lowered morale in those who serve in areas other than road patrol. This is something a deputy is only willing to discuss with those he-she trusts completely. When you serve "at the pleasure of the Sheriff," you have to be very, very careful about what you say, even if it is the truth. They speak of favoritism, bullying and discrimination by Sheriff Benton's second in command, the relentless quest for publicity and the price which is being paid for this continuous public recognition, and of the pressure to give lip service to the job Sheriff Benton is doing.

I know and trust these people; they have never lied to me. I remember what hopes they had when Sheriff Benton went into office and see so clearly the disappointment they have experienced during her term. They and we deserve better, much better.

Randy Parker Sebring

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