A Salute and Thanks to Caring Residents

I have been a Los Angeles County deputy sheriff for more than 17 years. On Dec. 7, I attended the funeral of Oxnard Police Detective James O’Brien. It was a sad day--one I have experienced far too often while bidding farewell to other slain police officers. The tributes paid to him by his fellow officers showed what a great policeman he was, and the compassionate and caring father he lived to be.

But I would also like to salute and say thanks to the caring citizens of Ventura County. All along the procession route, from the church to the cemetery, something happened that truly touched me. I had never seen anything like it before in Los Angeles County.

Several hundred citizens had taken time out of their day to stand at intersections and freeway overpasses to salute Detective O’Brien. Some waved the American flag and others held homemade signs acknowledging his contribution to his community. Caltrans employees and various utility company workers stood by with their hands on their hearts as we went by. Parents came with their children to wave in support.

Whoever you folks were, please know that you were appreciated by all of us. Police officers from all over California witnessed your support and surely must realize how truly lucky all of Ventura County law enforcement is to have you. I salute you.

PHIL STRENKOWSKI

Agoura