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Highlands Today

Save Money On Gas

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Lindsey Cooper

Published: May 9, 2008

I would like to make a suggestion in order to save some money on gas for publicly funded vehicles.
I think we should charge parents of the public school system children $10 per day to ride the bus to school since they, too, are "wasting gas."

As a matter of fact, I think the fire department should charge citizens and business owners for arriving to the scene of fires and car accidents.

Further more, I believe the sheriff's office should charge citizens a fee for all calls that require or result in a deputy responding to someone's residence, business, etc.

Does that sound absurd? I thought so! Just as ludicrous and simple-minded as the comment that was made about how cops should switch cars at the end of each shift to save on gas and prevent them from using their vehicles for "personal" use.

Police, ambulance, firefighters and school buses all provide a public service to all citizens. They all use gas in these vehicles that are "tax payer funded." I have witnessed fire trucks and ambulances at the grocery stores on numerous occasions. Why is it acceptable from them, but not from deputies (as alleged)?

Having a marked vehicle parked in the driveway undoubtedly deters criminal activity for the majority of the surrounding neighborhood. It also enables the deputies to respond to emergencies and act upon situations that they are subjected to as a part of their job duties.

I think the complaints made against the sheriff's office are narrow-minded and only gathered on assumptions of what is perceived.

It is sad to see that the citizens of this county have such a negative view of the sheriff's office, but they have no hesitation in calling the sheriff's office when they are in need of assistance, even over the most trivial circumstances.

Until you know and love someone who is a law enforcement officer you will never feel as proud and respectful of one. They put their own lives in jeopardy each time they get into that car that you wrinkle your nose up at.

These deputies are mothers, fathers, daughters, sons and most of all human beings just like you. I just wish the animosity toward who and what they represent would end. They are only trying to protect your life.

Lindsey Cooper
Sebring

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