I would like to bring attention to the readers of this newspaper about our Douglas County Sheriff’s department, more specifically one of their deputies. My three children and I were at the Drury University Extension office late last week when my car decided it did not want to start. It was a stormy day, one in that made you wish you had stayed home. Without my cell phone, and my husband gone to Springfield, I was left wondering what in the world we were going to do.
Knowing that the police department and the sheriff’s department are to serve the community, my 16-year-old son ran across the street to the convenience store when we saw that a Douglas County Sheriff’s vehicle was parked there. The deputy barely gave my son the time of day and simply told him he did not have jumper cables, and proceeded to go into the store to purchase his all-important items that I am sure he thought he could not live without. We then saw him drive away, not in a speedy flash as to help someone else, but rather in a mosey-on-down-the-road fashion.
I truly feel sorry for anyone in the community if in fact they are in need of assistance that is not life threatening, as they will be unable to get the assistance they seek or need from our fine Douglas County Sheriff’s department officers.
I have a few words for this particular deputy, you barely gave my son the time of day let alone lend your services, rather it be coming and checking on us, or calling someone for us, Shame on YOU! I bet that if one of my children did something wrong you would have given him the time of day, wouldn’t you? You are the face of the entire department as are other officers.
The fairy tale ending is that the GREAT people at Davis Auto Repair came to our rescue and never charged me nor asked me for anything. The technician who came to our rescue let us know that we did not need a jump, all we needed was the negative battery cable tightened on my battery.
My children and I send a big thank you to the nice woman at the Drury office and to the Davis auto tech.
We moved to this area about a year ago, and I truly enjoy being here, as the people we have met have all been amazing and quite welcoming. I appreciate Ava and it’s citizens for being human and helping those in need.
To the Douglas County Sheriff’s department… you need to know that not everyone needing your help is a criminal or a victim of a criminal, sometimes a little kindness goes along way. I am so glad that I have taught my children that kindness and good manners are important, as what they witnessed that afternoon from an individual they should look up to did nothing but show them that “cops” are only there to bust the bad guys and not help you in a time of need.
Misty Johnson
Mother of 3
