Have you ever found yourself in a situation that caused you to pause, look around and wonder, where’s George Quinones, expecting the host of “What Would You Do?” to come walking into the room and tell you that what you just witnessed was a stunt; something meant to test your morals, and, perhaps, your patience, meant to see what you would do if faced with a situation that created discomfort in a public setting?
I had one of those moments a few weeks ago after reading the apology issued by Augusta County Sheriff Donald Smith in response to complaints about one of his deputies.
ICYMI
I actually had to read the statement twice, just to make sure that what I was reading wasn’t a joke.
After looking under the coffee table and over both shoulders, I realized that there would be no George Quinones coming out to greet me.
Perhaps I’m alone when I ask those in charge of the daily ongoings and order in our small community to stop rubbing our noses in the unaddressed messes that have been made by those appointed to keep the messes to a minimum. The statement made all of the apologies that have not been issued stand out.
It’s a shame that the sheriff felt like his deputy’s behavior called for an apology to begin with. She was found to be willingly and wantingly enjoying her job, and, wait for it, showing her love of the community that she serves.
So what, that the song she chose to lip stink to had bad language in it? Is that a reason to make her out to be a problem?
Honestly, I’d rather watch her lip sync to 2 Live Crew than have to listen to the BS that we’ve been forced to listen to over the past several years, and by the one issuing this distasteful apology statement, nonetheless.
She wasn’t accused of inappropriate relations or questionable legal moves or creating a hostile work environment. She literally was having fun at work. So, my question is, how can any of us as citizens stomach this statement being issued? Am I the only one who finds it odd that standards of conduct are being called into play now? And are you also curious about when the real offensive behaviors of the past are addressed?
We live in a time when law enforcement officers are seen all over social media in situations that cast a shadow over the good work they do, creating a sense of disconnect within their communities. We should feel blessed, as a community, that we have a deputy that not only shows up with a smile on her face, but shows up dedicated to doing her job the way it is supposed to be done.
I find it offensive that no one has asked that this apology statement be redacted. I find it offensive that an apology was made to begin with. I also find it offensive that this apology makes it look like the sheriff thought she had done something wrong when, in fact, she hadn’t. I find it offensive that others are not held to the same high standard that she is being held to.
To Donald Smith I say this, please, unless your deputies are found to be lacking moral, professional or legal presence of mind, always have their backs. They will be the ones that have yours, if ever need be. And if you feel as though an apology needed to be issued, apologize that the song was not to everyone’s liking, but never apologize for the behavior of a deputy who’s doing her job with a smile on her face, doing it correctly and doing it with care.
Issuing apologies that don’t need to be issued makes room for people to expect apologies to be made where they should have been.
Thank you to the Augusta County Sheriff’s Office deputies for your service and for putting up with the shenanigans that y’all have to put up with on a daily basis.
My intention is not to insult or to belittle anyone. It isn’t the norm to see anything positive on social media involving law enforcement anymore. And when we do get the rare opportunity to see it, it’s unfortunate how many people don’t appreciate what they are really seeing.
And last but not least, to the deputy that made most of Augusta County, Staunton and Waynesboro smile, I want to say that you are not only a model deputy, but you are a role model. You are someone that anyone should want their daughters to look up to. You’re courageous, confident, positive, self-motivated, brave, patient and appreciative. Everything a law enforcement officer should be.
As a member of this community, I issue you an apology. I’m sorry if anyone has ever made you feel as though you are not appreciated or that you are not doing a good job or that you are less than because that’s just not so. Keep up the good work and don’t forget there are people out here that are looking forward to your next video.
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