Doing your job

I was employed in law enforcement in one form or another for 41 years. I am proud of my record as a law enforcement official. I never went to bed thinking about how I had mistreated anyone or was derelict in my duty. I arrested people of all races for murder, assault, DUI, etc.)

During my 41 years, I arrested family members and friends.

I would not arrest someone because they were poor and turn my head because someone was important.

Looking at the way some of our congressmen and senators who have sworn to enforce the constitution and the laws of the land are allowing some of our elected officials to run this country is very disturbing.

People who are stealing millions of dollars through tax evasion, lying to the FBI, mistreating people because they look different or concealing the crimes of someone in power are being rewarded with pardons while nonviolent drug offenders or some parent trying to get their child into a better college are being sent to prison.

I am not sure what being in the Bible belt means, although it is referred to quite often, but I’m sure it does not mean condoning the mistreatment of people or those seeking the same life your ancestors came to this land for.

I am proud of the way I enforced the laws of the Commonwealth of Kentucky during my 41 years as a public servant, are you proud of the way the people you helped put in office have performed?

Reed Hampton

Winchester

Sidewalk safety

I want to inform the public it is not always safe to walk on the sidewalks at night. No, it is not the fear of being robbed or attacked. It is taking a step to find nothing there.

On March 20 at 1:15 a.m., I awoke and decided to take the three-minute walk to the store for doughnuts and orange juice.

On my way back home, I crossed the street and stepped on what I thought was the sidewalk only to find nothing under my foot. I had stepped into a hole about 30 inches deep and I was stuck there for about 45 minutes in 37-degree temperatures when someone saw me and stopped to help.

The paramedics said my foot was entangled in a cable, and I was sent to the University of Kentucky emergency department by ambulance, where I was treated for hypothermia and had a CT scan to my back and X-rays to my ankle.

I had a serious sprain to my ankle and pulled muscles in my back. I missed one week of work.

While I was off, I contacted the insurance company for Winchester Municipal Utilities and was treated rudely by a woman who told me if I had not been out at 1:15 a.m. this would not have happened.

I am 57 years old and do not believe I have a curfew.

So, next time you are walking down the sidewalk, watch out for missing water meter covers. If you think you are going to be out after dark, stop by WMU, and they might rent you some night vision goggles for a small fee.

I am certainly glad that my experience did not happen to a child.

Steven G. Jones

Winchester