04/04/2023
We received this letter from Pike County citizen and Pike County Deputy William Harrison.
I would like to take a quick moment to share my thoughts with you all on the upcoming tax proposals. First, a little about myself. I have served this community since 2012 and have worked for both the Pike County Sheriff’s Office and the Louisiana Police Department. Prior to that, I served my country in the Missouri Army National Guard as a Military Police Soldier with two overseas deployments. I am a tax payer and member of the community, albeit in most cases a silent one. I don’t typically engage in the noise commonly associated with politics and am reserved to serve in silence. When I started serving this community, I ultimately decided to settle down here and raise a family. There was a certain charm to the place and something special about the people. During my time, I have had the opportunity to serve with some of the finest people in the profession who have placed the needs of others over the needs of themselves. With limited budgets, a looming depression and a national distaste of law enforcement still ever present on our minds, our officers, from every municipality and the Sheriff’s Office still go out everyday and wear the badge proudly in service to others at great personal risk and sacrifice.
Quality rural law enforcement is critical for ensuring public safety, protecting property and maintaining order in rural communities. Rural law enforcement officers often face unique challenges, such as covering large geographical areas, limited resources, and a lack of backup, which require them to be highly skilled and versatile in their duties. Effective rural law enforcement can also help to build trust between law enforcement and community members, promote economic development and enhance overall quality of life in rural areas. In short, quality rural law enforcement is essential for maintaining the safety and well-being, and supporting the growth and prosperity of rural communities.
As we bring this election and ballot cycle to a close, I would like to personally thank all of our officers in all levels of our local government who continue to serve with pride. Additionally, I would like to personally thank the members of Prop P who have advocated on our behalf and have been exceptional torch bearers in our cause. And finally and probably most importantly, I would like to thank the members of this community who have expressed their overwhelming support of this initiative. Without you, none of what we accomplish could be possible and you are the reason that we wear the uniform everyday in spite of any adversity or obstacle. Please go out and vote this April 4th, even if you do not vote in support of one of the many tax initiatives please exercise the rights that we are so lucky to have been afforded in this country.
Respectfully submitted,
William Harrison
