This is one of the letter to the editor that Bob mentioned in the paper today: As another former employee of The Merrick County Sheriffs Office, and victim of Sheriff Campbells poor leadership and management, I feel it necessary to write this letter to the editor to assist in informing the citizens of Merrick County. First of all, I found Sheriff Campbells statement of likening himself to a gardener and having to pull the weeds to get the garden to grow was very appalling. This statement was made at the Candidate Forum last Thursday evening. I had eight years of law enforcement experience when Sheriff McPhillips hired me in April of 2008. In February of 2010, I was severely injured in a on duty motor vehicle accident. After three surgeries, and 18 months, I returned to full duty. In November of 2011, I was promoted to Sergeant. On March 9th 2013, Sheriff Campbell terminated me, or in his words now, pulled a weed. During the five years that I gave my heart, soul, and nearly my life working for Merrick Country, I saved the life of an inmate who was attempting suicide and was awarded a life saving commendation, was injured by a intoxicated individual with a chain saw who was threatening suicide, was recognized and given an award by Mothers Against Drunk Driving (M.A.D.D.), made countless D.U.I. and drug related arrests, As a Certified Drug Recognition Expert (DRE), I conducted numerous drug influence evaluations for Merrick County as well as for The Nebraska State Patrol, The Central City Police Department, The Nance County Sheriffs Office, and The Howard County Sheriffs Office, and I assisted the younger, inexperienced deputies to become more productive, knowledgeable law enforcement officers. And yet, after all this, Sheriff Campbell has the nerve to refer to former employees as weeds? Well Sheriff Campbell, according to the online definition of weed, it States 1.(a) a plant considered undesirable, unattractive, or troublesome, especially one growing where it is not wanted, as in a garden. It also States that a weed is something useless, detrimental, or worthless. Its atrocious that Sheriff Campbell referred to former employees in this regard. Yet as the Sheriff, his department has had a investigation into several thousands of dollars that he claims were stolen, however more likely went missing because of his mismanagement, he has conducted his personal business (rental properties) while at the sheriffs office and while on duty, allowed his wife / office manager to use county equipment and resources to maintain her degree / license, which is not law enforcement related, allowed himself not to be bothered by citizens who either have called or came into the office wanting to speak to the sheriff, by having the dispatchers say he was in a meeting or unavailable. sheriff Campbells office was also turned in to the Secretary of State and an investigation was conducted by the Attorney Generals Office for a fraudulent Notary Public signature and stamp that was made which benefitted an employee of the sheriffs office and reduced the charges on a citation of that employees husband. (I have emails that prove this investigation was conducted). And, to benefit the Sheriffs personal concern, he violated an individuals Constitutional Rights by transporting that individual with a non extraditable arrest warrant across multiple state lines which resulted in costing the tax payers hundreds, and hundreds of dollars. This was done even after seeking advise from the county attorney and her telling the sheriff not to do it. Sheriff Campbell has spent thousands of dollars on beautification projects such as an awning, and full glass entry door complete with his name, however ignored real repairs that have been lingering since before he took office. The citizens of Merrick County deserve better from their elected sheriff. Although I an unable to vote in Merrick County, I have fully supported and endorsed Kelly Williams for Sheriff. I have known Kelly for 14 years, and have worked with him at Merrick County as well as at The Grand Island Police Department. I know he has the experience and compassion to benefit all of Merrick County. Make your vote count on May 13th 2014. Sincerely, Dave Sullivan Grand Island, Nebraska.
Posted on: Thu, 08 May 2014 02:58:55 +0000