When people say I do not like the police department? It is a big statement to make about a subset of the population that I consider corrupt! It is many officers, all across America, that will not violate your civil rights to perfect an arrest. It is so many that would be spending a weekend in jail if this officer didn’t give them a second chance to go home and cool off, instead of a arrest and a jail cell. There are many that I pray to there families for healing in a time of grief and tragedy. Officer Decker was a friend that I seen all over Norfolk. This beloved officer help so many avoid arrest by simply deescalating confrontations that he has faced before probable cause existed. He had also went to me while having a good time in Norfolk to help settle disputes that could have easily turned violent. It is so many men and women that have not had to spend a night behind bars because of his preemptive actions. He has always treated me with respect and has always been professional and courteous. He is the officer that I hope will have justice and bring closure to his family for his death. He was natural police. He wore the badge with honor and acted colorblind towards his enforcement of the law. I would see him in downtown norfolk, va talking to citizens and friends about ordinary life. He was clearly the life of the party. I am bothered, each and everyday, that the family has yet to have someone convicted of this senseless killing. However, I want everyone to know I lost a friend in the Norfolk, Va Police Department a few years ago. I will never forget this trusted police servant. I believe he and just like Omar Johnson deserve justice. I hope they are hanging out in heaven and having a ball. A tragedy is a tragedy, so to local government officials in the City of Norfolk, Va, show some damn respect. One way or the other, there will be justice!
merletrutledge 