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Don't know how good they have it

By LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Published January 24, 2007

Re: Complaints follow Code Red calls, Jan. 18 Times

Having moved here a couple of years ago from Atlanta, I am constantly impressed by the community support provided by our Hernando County Sheriff's Office. The technology and proactive approach it utilizes is quite a refreshing change for us, coming from the "Crime Capital of the World," and truly outstanding for a relatively small community such as ours. The low crime rate is one of the reasons we chose Hernando County to call our home.

But, since we've been here, I have to admit I'm disappointed at the way residents whine about just about anything instead of remembering how lucky we all are to live in an area with low crime, relatively little traffic and gorgeous weather year-round.

Yes, the Code Red calls Jan. 12 came a little late at night. And the followup call the next morning came a little early. But I was blown away that our police force cared enough about the safety of one of our neighbors to utilize the system. And, yes, the phone calls were a touch unsettling. But had the missing man wandered up and rung the doorbell in the middle of the night, how disturbing would that have been if the calls hadn't been previously received with reassurance that he was a harmless victim and not some escaped criminal?

It occurs to me the same residents who have been complaining about the Sheriff's Office's calls coming in too late are the exact people who would be in the cops' faces about them not doing enough if their own loved one was missing or in danger. Had the Sheriff's Office waited until the next morning, when it was more "convenient" to put out the all-call, the story may not have had such a happy ending.

So, give thanks, Hernando County, to your men and women in green and their capable leaders for keeping us and our loved ones safe and making this such a pleasant place to live. To you complainers and grumblers out there, get over it.

Barbara Newlin, Spring Hill

Thanks to all for saving a friend

I wonder how those folks who were irritated and inconvenienced by the Code Red alert would have reacted had it been their spouse, parent or good friend who was lost.

It's sad to think there are people who are so selfish, heartless and inconsiderate they would criticize our Sheriff's Office for responding in a professional manner to help save a man's life.

The law enforcement officers worked with the family and community in a diligent, compassionate manner. Had it not been for their complete effort - Code Red alert, helicopter, dogs and officers - there could have been a fatality.

I know the individual who was saved and I want to thank the Sheriff's Office, neighbors and community volunteers (especially James and Justin Berleth) who worked together to find my friend.

Sonny Browning, Spring Hill

Complaints show selfish attitude

The night of the first Code Red alert found me out like a light long before the call, awakening at the typical hour the next morning to the ranting of a family member claiming someone had forwarded calls from the police as a prank. Disregarding the irrational accusation, a quick look at the Caller ID displayed a line of mostly 9s, but in the center was 911.

I made a quick call to the police and was kindly given the obvious explanation. Some 45 minutes later came the final broadcast message letting everyone know the positive outcome.

As pointed out by Jeff Webb in his Jan. 21 column (Code Red complaints just make you see red) there also was a blatantly negative side to the whole scenario - the unforgiving attitude of many residents. I'm sure this will not be an isolated incident because of the selfish nature of American society. The disrespect and uncaring treatment given the elderly and mentally handicapped will never cease.

This 72-year-old man had little chance of being rescued. Fortunately, James and Justin Berleth came through to demonstrate one family's act of unselfishness. Like father, like son; they're a great team.

Ron Rae, Spring Hill

Code Red call not an emergency

Sorry about Jeff Webb's outrage, but he might be partly correct - if his facts were correct about the time of the calls. I was called twice, 10 p.m. and 11:15 p.m. and once in the a.m.

No thanks, Mr. Sheriff, we will pass. We are certainly not within the 5-mile radius. My neighbor next door is in the phone book and received no calls. We have lived here seven years and have never received a Code Red call.

I can see doing this if it was important to the majority of people in the area, i.e, weather emergency, murder, pillaging, etc., but an older gentleman wandering about? Maybe a "Code Gray"?

And where does the Sheriff's Office get the authority to disturb taxpayers late in the evening? It seems to me this might even be something political. Who pays for all these calls?

Webb is wrong in stating the "vast majority" favors Code Reds. My grandkids might be interested if Code Red signaled Santa (maybe that would be a "Code White and Grey.") Maybe we could have a color for every so-called emergency, then your paper could publish the very long list.

I'm the one disgusted.

Lee Hedge, Weeki Wachee

What it if were your loved one?

Like Jeff Webb, I, too, am outraged at the reaction of the members of our community who complained about their "privacy." As Mr. Webb stated, I sincerely hope these people are not in the position that the gentleman's wife was in.

As far as I am concerned, these complainers can leave the county. I give praise to the sheriff's department and Webb for expressing his indignation.

Cindy Eldredge, Spring Hill

Learn new law on watering rules

Does anybody know about the new one-day-a-week lawn watering rules in Hernando County? Obviously not, as people are watering whenever they feel like it, or don't know the new rules that took effect Jan. 16 and will run through July 31. Possibly your watering day has changed too, as mine has.

Call Hernando County Code Enforcement at 754-4056 for the new rules, or check the newspaper.

H. Louise Pozzi, Spring Hill

Re: Sic our deputies on real criminals, Jan. 18 letter to the editor

Enforcing speed laws saves lives

Law enforcement does not just include burglaries, shoplifting, murders, etc., as some people might think. I worked in law enforcement in Georgia. Law enforcement is broken down into several divisions. One of them is traffic enforcement. In this division you work traffic accidents and speeding violations.

The letter writer who said "What happened to the forgiveness clause?", I ask, where is the forgiveness when your vehicle hits and kills a young child. Is that not murder? Why not? You did the crime of taking a life.

A law enforcement officer is trying to protect the rights of children, old folks and any other person trying to cross the street safely. Don't you want this protection?

Speed limits are there for a reason. This is why the speed limit is not 70 mph in your neighborhood, like it is on I-75. If you left 10 minutes earlier you would not have to speed.

It is my professional opinion that we have a great Sheriff's Office. Richard Nugent and his crew are trying their best to make your neighborhood safe. Let them do their jobs and keep us all safe from all criminals.

James C. Nico, Brooksville

Kids deserved a break as well

On the consent agenda at the Jan. 9 Hernando County Commission meeting there were two groups asking for waivers of fees. One was an adult organization and one was a youth sports organization. The adult group was granted the waiver and the youth group denied.

My objection has nothing to do with the adults getting the waiver; my distress is with the attitude of our commissioners.

To their credit, two commissioners strongly objected to the youth group's denial. Yea for them! As adults we can fend for ourselves; children can't, or shouldn't have to.

The commissioners were aware the youth group was asking for some financial relief because uniforms purchased for the kids recently were stolen. The cost to the league was in the thousands of dollars. They weren't asking for money; they were asking for leniency and for their county to lend a helping hand in their distress. They pay $3,000 each year for the use of the park they practice in, and the concession stand. They were asking for less than $1,500 in relief.

Wouldn't it be a good idea to encourage programs that give our youth positive opportunities? Many merchants and individuals get involved with this and other similar groups. Why would our commission shun them?

I've said it before and I'll say it again, it takes a community to raise a child. God bless the two commissioners who understood that.

Maricriss Dausch, Brooksville

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[Last modified January 24, 2007, 06:43:14]