Columbia, SC — We have been taught and continue to teach our children at a very young age to honor, respect and depend on our law enforcement officers for protection. Everyone benefits from the presence of these men and women who have been trained and are dedicated to their assigned tasks. There is a great need to provide this presence in our schools.

Teachers, administrators and, most importantly, our children would greatly benefit from the presence of an officer in every school. By utilizing retired police officers, military retirees and unemployed men and women who qualify, we could meet this need and also reduce the unemployment rate. I shudder to think how our society will react in the future to the increased chaos compared to the cost we will pay now to provide a wholesome and safe environment for learning. Let’s pay the price.

Edwin E. Shearin

Columbia