Law Enforcement

Implementing a primary seat belt law in Kentucky created heated debate regarding the balance between personal freedom and governmental oversight. There is one overwhelming fact when it comes to the importance of using seat belts: Seat belts save lives. They save the lives of mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters, aunts and uncles and friends, near and far. I was proud to sign House Bill 117 - Kentucky's primary seat belt legislation - on April 24, 2006. Wearing a seat belt has been the law in Kentucky since 1994.

Mathew Komara of the Wilmore Police Department was one of 25 officers to graduate from basic training at the Kentucky Department of Criminal Justice Training. The 25 officers of Class 430 completed 18 weeks of training, which consisted of more than 750 hours of recruit-level-officer academy instruction. Major training areas included homeland security, law offenses and procedures, vehicle operations, firearms, investigations, first aid/CPR, patrol procedures, orientation for new law-enforcement families, and mechanics of arrest, restraint and control.

Nicholasville police officer Colby Warren was among law-enforcement officers from 20 agencies across the state graduated Friday from basic training at the Kentucky Department of Criminal Justice Training. The 25 officers of Class 439 completed 18 weeks of training, which consisted of nearly 770 hours of recruit-level-officer academy instruction. Major training areas included homeland security, law offenses and procedures, vehicle operations, firearms, investigations, first aid/CPR, patrol procedures, orientation for new law enforcement families and mechanics of arrest, restraint and control.

Dear Editor: It is time for our law enforcement officials (KSP, Junction City police and Danville police) to recognize the danger of traffic conditions on U.S. 127 between Danville and Liberty. The tragedy Tuesday just serves to highlight what a dangerous stretch of road this has become. Speeding and seeing how many cars you can pass has become commonplace. I have even been passed by vehicles on the shoulder several times. I believe, along with many other people, that a major reason for this is lack of enforcement by the aforementioned law enforcement establishments.

Dear Editor, I hope all the people who have told me they agree with my letter in the past and the lady who wrote in Friday will remember Curt Folger this fall. I have personally talked with Curt, and though he has no law enforcement, he has two people who will be running with him who have plenty of law enforcement. One is a city police officer and the other is a state trooper detective. If you care about the community you live in, vote for Curt Folger this fall. Darrell Kendall Hustonville

Dear Editor, On May 16, my dad is running for Boyle County constable, 3rd District. He was in the 6th District the last four years. He is a dedicated Dad, spent alot of time working with Junction police, Boyle County sheriff deputies, Perryville police. He really loves working in law enforcement. Together we can see another productive four years in the constable office. Vote Walter "Wally" Bottoms on May 16. Nathan Bottoms Danville

Dear Editor, While I was working in law enforcement in Danville it was always a pleasure to go to the courthouse to get help, and Marti Pittman was the biggest help. She was always helpful and courteous in my dealings with the clerk's office. I hope you will vote for Marti Pittman. Bob Lipscomb Retired Norfolk Southern Police Officer Danville

Dozens of local and state law enforcement officials were investigating a reported shooting tonight on Second Street in Danville. Officials were not immediately releasing details about the victims or any suspects for fear of jeopardizing their investigation. Read more in Tuesday's edition of The Advocate-Messenger and online.

Dear Editor: This is in response to the letter, "Why don't police help pregnant women?" Let's stop and think how naive that letter really sounds. First of all, as the wife of a law enforcement officer, this letter just sickens me. Our law enforcement officers work a lot of hours and miss a great deal of holidays, birthdays and special events with their families. They go above and beyond the call, and for what? So somebody with no better way to spend their time can take the time out to complain over something this pitiful.

A Clark County constable is requesting permission from the Fiscal Court to use emergency lights on his personal vehicle, raising new concerns over potential liabilities for county government. District 2 Constable Danny Hunt appeared before the court Wednesday in full uniform, complete with firearm, badge and handcuffs, making a case that blue lights were necessary to uphold his official duties and mitigate safety risks. “I have no intentions of being a police officer,” he said.