Why not my father?

The City of Chiefland lost a pioneer of the Chiefland Police Department on December 21, 2009.  I am speaking of my father, Etheridge “Crackshot” Bryant.  He gave the City of Chiefland several years of his life as their first African-American police officer.  Moreover, since he started his career as a police officer in this city, he deserved some recognition from his home department.  The Chiefland Police Department should have joined forces with the West Palm Beach Sheriff’s Office, who traveled five hours, to honor him. I have personally witnessed the city acknowledge former employees and/or their families when they lose a loved one.  Why not my father? Any acknowledgment during his funeral would have been welcomed by his family and friends.

Some may say they did not know and use it as a convenient excuse for not doing what is right.  I will say to them, my father, this pioneer was displayed on the front page of the Chiefland Citizen.  Additionally, I went to City Hall myself and advised the City Clerk about my father and his demise. I even called the police department and advised them.  Unfortunately, it fell on deaf ears.

It is my prayer that one day your hearts will be softened with enough empathy to care about what concerns all citizens of this community.

Alice Monyei