Police officers face a tough hill to climb these days, but there was a sobering reminder over the weekend that they’re still needed now more than ever.
Per this report from US News, two sheriffs were gunned down in a shootout in Atlanta, Georgia after attempting to serve an arrest warrant for a potential thief. Their fellow officers, along with the SWAT team, worked quickly to arrest his friend, the suspect, and bring him up on charges of murder.
The deputies attempted to call upon the shooter to drop his weapon, and a shootout ensued when he refused. As a result, both 42-year old Jonathan Koleski and 38-year old Marshall Ervin lost their lives.
“They were outstanding men, men of character and integrity, family men loved by their families and their kids,” said Cobb County Sheriff Craig Owens in a news conference.
Here to speak about this matter now – and the rough conditions police officers face in today’s climate – is Michael Letts. With 30 years of law enforcement under his belt, Letts has a clear understanding of the dangers his fellow men and women in blue face. He serves as founder, CEO and president of InVest USA, an organization that provides bulletproof vests to police officers through various charitable groups and sponsorships.
Q&A:
- How heartbreaking is it to hear about two police officers being needlessly gunned down when they were doing something as simple as delivering an arrest warrant?
- Does this situation paint a picture of how tough police officers have it these days? Knowing that their line of duty can end in an instant?
- There were reports that the deputies may have been “ambushed,” with the theft suspect waiting in the driveway and the shooter coming out unexpectedly. What do you think about this?
- What do you think about the quick response time by fellow officers to catch and arrest the suspects before further damage was done?
- What do you have to say to those who believe police are a “threat,” following their “defund the police” rhetoric?
- You’ve spoken in the past about how you think politicians in Washington aren’t doing enough to provide police the funding they deserve for new gear and mental health assistance. Do you believe any resolution will come from them in terms of helping out your fellow officers?
- Is there anything you want to say personally to the families and friends of these two brave officers?
- Tell us more about InVest USA, and what this organization does to protect police officers.
- Where can we learn more about In-Vest USA, and how people can make contributions to the group?
You can visit the official website at http://www.investusa.org.
About Michael Letts:
Michael Letts is the Founder, President, and CEO of InVest USA, a national grassroots non-profit organization that is helping hundreds of communities provide thousands of bulletproof vests for their police forces through educational, public relations, sponsorship, and fundraising programs. He also has over 30 years of law enforcement experience under his belt, hence his pro-police stance for his brothers and sisters in blue. Those interested in learning more about Letts can visit his official website here.
CONTACT: Jerry McGlothlin at: jerry.specialguests@gmail.com or 919-437-0001.
