Roy Eckerdt

Like most of you probably feel, I struggle these days to find the energy to turn on the news.

I have watched over the last three months as the world has battled this pandemic — and I realize making that statement alone brings many perspectives to the table, and it is not my intent to debate all of the dynamics involved in that conversation. It is to recognize that the struggle is real, my primary concern from day one has been the potential fear, panic and anxiety that could envelope our community. Yes, we have a new strain of illness that is affecting our world population, but we are also suffering the ramifications of attempts to slow or stop it. Again, this could open the door to a huge political debate which is not my intent to enter.

Now, as our communities struggle to get back to some sense of “normalcy,” we turn on the news to see rioting, looting and senseless violence. And yes, I include the circumstances of the death of George Floyd as senseless violence.

Are there issues that need to be addressed? Yes, but destroying another’s life and livelihood does not bring justice to anyone. These are community problems that must be solved as a community, by a community coming together rather than tearing itself apart.

Some of you have probably heard me recite before, and I find it a guiding principle, a quote from Sir Robert Peele, that I believe is key in these trying times: “The police are the public and the public are the police; the police being only members of the public who are paid to give full-time attention to duties which are incumbent on every citizen in the interests of community welfare and existence.”

As the Powell Police Department, as YOUR Police Department, we recognize that we are part of this community. Not only do we work here, but we live here, our kids go to school here, we sit next to your family with ours when we go out to dinner.

If you read our badge, you will see that it says Powell Police. There is not a name on it, because it is not about the individual, but rather the community it represents and the duties we have agreed to perform to “give full time attention to duties which are incumbent on every citizen in the interests of community welfare and existence.”

As a community, we are stronger together than apart. We must stand as one to navigate these trying times. Do not let the actions of a few divide us; do not judge all based on the actions of one. This perspective applies to those in front of the badge and those behind it.

(Roy Eckerdt is the chief of the Powell Police Department.)