One terrible mistake he will live with for the rest of his life

Friday, Oct. 30, 2009

I don't want to use the forum to argue a point; however, in this case, something needs to be said.

In his letter to the editor, "Someone needs to be held accountable for teen's death" in the Wednesday, Oct. 14, edition of The Calvert Recorder, Michael C. Sondberg clearly expressed his concern over the loss of life and how the deputy received nothing.

We — you, the deputy, me, everyone — is created in the image of one being: God.

An image: a person or thing bearing a close likeness to somebody or something else. It is not an exact copy, rather a similar match, so we are not perfect.

We make mistakes, some having more of an effect on society than others, but we all make them.

Rest assured, Michael Sondberg, the deputy you speak of is not sitting at home with his family quietly. I can attest that he is under great conflict and torment.

Michael Sondberg, on the other side of that badge is a human being, capable of making mistakes just like you.

Because he wears a badge does not mean he shields himself from mistakes — it just means he is willing to sacrifice his life to save another, if needed.

The badge he wears is not a cloak of armor, in all honesty — it is a burden.

Every time he dons his uniform and puts that badge on, he says "good-bye," to his family. That might be the last time he speaks with them.

So, Michael Sondberg, I am not here to argue the point. What happened was clearly a blow to our community and fabric as a society here in Southern Maryland.

I agree that judgment was lacking on making a decision which may have produced far different results.

However, I do disagree with your beating down an officer, a deputy, who every day wears a burden on his chest to our community.

Michael Sondberg, here's a thought to leave you with: the deputy made one mistake, which now he lives with the rest of his life.

He needs no assistance in torture from you or me.

How many times did you make it home from work last week, the week before that and the week before that?

That deputy you are ready to hang stopped how many drivers, speeders, DUIs, persons under the influence of narcotics, who, if he made the wrong decision, would have possibly collided with you on your way home or maybe someone in your family?

So, not only think of this one tragic mistake, but think of all the times nothing has happened to you or your family because that deputy made the right decision.

To close this, all the times the deputy has done the right thing can't ever out do the one wrong thing.

But we must all remember, he, like you, is a human created only in the image of God, and wears something not to shield perfection, but to ensure that one that day he has to make a decision, his life or yours.

He made the decision long ago — he said his good-byes and is ready to go.

Ashley Steele, Port Republic