WES sends open letter to sheriff

Dear Sheriff Smith:

Words cannot begin to express the heartfelt thanks and deep appreciation I feel toward you and your generous, caring staff.

Our 2009 safety patrol trip to Washington went off without a hitch! It was perfect! Yes, we had fabulous parental and staff support, but their job was to chaperone our patrols, who, I am proud to say, were most enthusiastic and well-behaved throughout the entire trip.

Under the solid leadership of Lt. Sean Mullins, Deputy Grant Sandlin and Cpl. Kerry Runnels worked as a team to provide our students with an experience they’ll remember for a lifetime. (I am speaking for those on Buses #1-2; no doubt, the Levy County safety patrols and adults in the other two buses had a similar experience with those from your office.)

We felt safe and supported; no request was too small or question too unimportant. Each gentleman ran a “tight ship” on his respective bus with much aplomb and finesse so that the bus driver could do his job in a pleasant environment and the tour guide could be heard and understood. We were also very pleased to have our own Rhesa Lane Collop from Educational Tours travel with us; she quickly and efficiently solved any issues which may have arisen.

So on behalf of our patrols, staff, and parents, Ana and I thank you for once more hosting this trip. (Your kindness in the form of coolers full of water and cold drinks did not go unnoticed either! Thanks for that as well.) But especially, we want to commend your officers and other related personnel (nurses!) for giving those five days (as well as the many previous hours of communication, etc. getting ready for the trip) to provide a chance for our young people to be amazed by the many monuments, memorials, buildings, and world-changing documents which dwell in our nation’s capital. Your staff’s good citizenship will, no doubt, impact our own young people to remain good citizens whose love and respect will only grow for this great land of democracy we call the United States of America…and maybe someday when they’re grown, they’ll “return the favor” by helping send a patrol to Washington, D.C. I know it’s money well-spent!

Again, thank you, Sheriff Smith. Please convey our sincere gratitude to ALL those from your office and elsewhere who were involved in making this trip a reality for 49 very lucky safety patrols here at WES.

Lisa Statham Posteraro, adviser