Letter to the Editor - "Protect and Serve"

Dear Editor:

The Fort Madison High School family had a tough week recently. We lost one of our own. It wasn’t the first time this has happened in my tenure at the High School, unfortunately.
But it is always difficult to navigate the myriad of emotions that completely take over the culture of the building when a student dies. Great Prairie AEA, Central Office and High School staff and the Fort Madison Community all supported our students as we grieved our loss. We can’t thank all of them enough.
But I was overwhelmed by the actions of one individual in our community most of all.
Sheriff Stacy Weber’s actions during this time were supportive and compassionate; over and above the “call of duty”. I spoke with him first on Sunday trying desperately to get the facts, so that I could prepare for the days ahead.
Once Sheriff Weber verified who I was and what I knew, he was able to share just enough to help me ready our support system on Monday morning. He was always professional, but it was obvious that he was truly concerned about our students and their grief.
We spoke several times over the next couple of days as more information became public. Sheriff Weber offered his personal support on several occasions and provided me with his cell phone number so that I could reach him when I needed to do so. Every conversation began or ended with “how are you doing?”
My phone rang on Monday afternoon. I had just arrived home, beat up, rung out and empty. Not a Principal’s best day. It was Sheriff Weber. “Hi Mr. Smith. I just wanted to call and see how you were and how the day went.” It was just what I needed. A kind, caring friend who just wanted to remind me that he was there.
We talked a while, I unloaded and immediately felt better. Our conversation ended with, “I don’t know how you do what you do. I could never do it.” I was a Military Police Officer and a Reserve Deputy with the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office many years ago.
So I knew, for him to make this statement with all that we expect of his position, was particularly poignant.
I will never forget our conversations. And I will always remember his compassion and care for me and everyone at the High School during a very difficult time. I have never been more proud of an elected official. It reminded me of a time when on the side of every law enforcement vehicle were the words, “To Protect and Serve.”
Thanks Sheriff Weber for exemplifying this, sometimes forgotten creed.

Greg Smith