CNHI
Tuesday, July 20, 2010 —
The recent investigation into and arrest of Floyd Simpson is a credit to Sheriff Rick Burris’ integrity and his dedication to the people of Stanly County.
Sheriff Burris could have turned a deaf ear and allowed a dirty cop to float under the radar for a few months until after the election. Instead, he chose the more difficult path. He launched an internal investigation and he turned it over to the State Bureau of Investigation, and they arrested one of his deputies.
By arresting Simpson, Sheriff Burris is illustrating to the community that he does not take lightly our placing our trust and faith in his department.
Instead of tarnishing the reputation of law enforcement officers, this arrest should be seen as exactly what it is: a manifestation of Sheriff Burris’ commitment to ensure that his department is run with a high regard for the law which they are sworn to uphold.
When faced with difficult decisions, Sheriff Burris relies on the values that have defined his career: integrity, honesty and character.
The people of Stanly County, as well as the Sheriff’s deputies, are the beneficiaries of these standards. We need not wonder what his course of action will be.
Laura A. Moorehead
Albemarle
