Dear Editor:

I don’t ordinarily write letters to the editor, but after reading Ms. Eiden’s column in Tuesday’s paper, I felt compelled to respond.

I am sorry she appears to have such a negative attitude toward the Wyoming Highway Patrol. I have known personally and worked with many troopers over the years and considered many of them to be good friends.

I don’t know what trooper contacted her when she was caught exceeding the posted speed limit, but from her own account, he sounded professional. He listened to her and offered the information about tire size that could contribute to her incorrect speedometer reading. His radar is calibrated often and is highly unlikely to be in error. He would have been more than justified to issue her a citation. Instead he gave her an opportunity to correct her own speedometer by giving her a warning.

Troopers like other law enforcement officers often are subjected to verbal abuse and worse from folks who obviously do not understand the requirements of their jobs. They are not tax collectors! They do a very difficult and often thankless job as they try to keep our highways safe for all. They work in all kinds of weather ... whether it is 95 degrees on the hot pavement while working a wreck or at minus 20 on a cold winter night when you are home in your warm

bed. They miss their kids’ events and holidays and do so willingly to fulfill the requirements of their jobs.

So maybe the next time an officer, deputy or trooper contacts you because you are violating the law, try showing him some respect. Show a little gratitude to the officers for doing their jobs. For when you or another motorist is in trouble, who are the first ones you call for help?

Bruce Olson

Powell