It was disappointing, sad, and most of all frightening to read the recent letter to the editor from Robert J. Schappert III, president, Fraternal Order of Police, Sussex County Lodge 2. His letter was in response to a previous letter to the editor written by Don Flood. Mr. Flood had the temerity to challenge some things that were said by Rep. Stephen Smyk, a former law enforcement officer. But rather than lay out a reasoned and rational response, Mr. Schappert comes across like a turbo-charged Rush Limbaugh. I’d like to think that his reaction does not reflect the thinking of all law enforcement officers. But instead of responding as a private citizen, Mr. Schappert chose to use his official title as if he is speaking for the entire lodge. I pray that is not the case.
Mr. Schappert’s letter is rife with conspiracy theories and statements that bear little relation to reality. He raises the usual right-wing boogey-men: “Antifa!” “George Soros!” “Back Lives Matter!” He even succumbs to Trumpian name-calling. “Lewes leftist” - really?! We should be able to hold members of law enforcement to a higher standard. Officers who believe these things and react in this way are certainly not the type of people that I would count on to “serve and protect” in a fair and just manner.
Members of law enforcement have very difficult jobs, and I know that there are many, many good officers. As an institution, they demand our trust and respect. But too often some of them seem to have forgotten that trust and respect must be earned and sustained, and are easily lost. Perhaps Mr. Schappert does not understand the damage he has done by speaking out in such a manner; that with his words he helps to undermine the trust that society must have for law enforcement. I hope he comes to see that.
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