To the Barrington Police Department:

If you’re a cop, you must feel a little beat up these days. Even in Barrington. And this is why I write to you.

First, on a personal level, my wife and I are so very grateful to former Chief John Lazzaro for his compassionate response when we needed it with one of our sons. And to retired patrol officer Rick McGuiness, I’d like you to know that lo these many years later, I deeply appreciate your kind and positive interaction with a group of friends and me when in our teens, you gave us a break when we most needed it.

To those of you who now who wear the badge, I salute you. You too are husbands and wives. You have children. Some of you are neighbors. You bleed, emote, care and hurt just like the rest of us. You are underappreciated as never before. And this deeply troubles me.

If I see you pass by on my daily walk, rest assured I’ll wave hello. If I’m stopped for any reason at all, you will hear a yes sir/maam from me with complete cooperation. That’s what I was taught; that’s how it used to be. That’s the way it should be. If perhaps, some of the “sainted” few that are now darlings of the media practiced this, things may have turned out differently in America (and for them).

If you’re on my street, feel free to stop by for a bottle of water or just a short chat. I know you’ll be there for my family and me.

Know this too. I will never support defunding the police. Ever.

My wife and I have lived in town for more than fifty years. We love the town for many reasons. But today I celebrate this town not only for its fine schools, but because Barrington is a safe town in large measure because of the outstanding men and women of the Barrington Police Department.

I could only hope that our elected officials would give a similar shout out. They might start by raising the “Back the Blue” flag on town property and making a proclamation in support of our police.

To my friends and neighbors, if you can say Amen to these sentiments, please write a letter of thanks to them. God bless the blue!

Scott Fuller

Barrington