(This letter was resubmitted by a resident in support of Mark Nicastle’s run for Adams County Sheriff.)
Because I work in Adams County and have had a brief yet eventful chance to work with the man running for sheriff – let’s call him Mark – I think people should get a look from all perspectives. And, because I work in the county, we’ll just call me Officer X.

So one uneventful night, or so I thought, I was driving around the city and received one of the ear piercing tones that would make you jump out of your chair. I’d heard them before so it didn’t get me going too much until the time that it was confirmed that people were shot. So I get there and low and behold everything is chaotic, and I have to find a way to get everything under control. First reaction, call the closest agency for help, and from miles around all I could hear were sirens lighting up the calm, stale night. Being short-handed that night, as every agency is, it was relief to have other cops come to help me when I needed it.

    So I hear this voice from behind me saying, “Where do you need us?” I turn and see an Adams County sergeant, Mark, there with about five other deputies. I told Mark what was going on and he told me “you’re doing fine. Just let me know what you need.” Well, in my experience, the highest-ranking officer on scene takes over command. Not in this instance, I was in charge, and Mark let me make the calls. Granted, many times I found myself turning around and saying, “Hey Sarge, what do you think about this”?        Let’s see, AR15 in hand, house surrounded, SWAT on the way and a man standing behind me that could have taken over command but instead let an officer acquire more skills and knowledge by doing it in the field. Damn, I was set that night.
    So now I pose a question to anyone that may want to answer. Does this constitute a person who is looking to lead one of the largest agencies in the metro area? Yes, and, if you answer different, think on this. What is the best way to learn? By doing it of course. And when is the right time to do it? In this instance, hopefully, while you’re doing your job. And if you had a leader that would let you make small mistakes to show you how it should be done but would not let you make that fatal mistake would you stand by him? In a heartbeat. Having a leader that lets you learn, but is still there to keep you from danger is one I’m looking for.

    So do I support Mark Nicastle in his endeavor? If you reached the answer of no, please return to the beginning of this letter and reread it, twice if necessary. If you answered yes, then you need not go any further and may return to what you had planned before having your attention caught by my thoughts about Mark Nicastle.
LuAnne Torres
Henderson