Tasers and Force Unnecessary in Securing Unwilling Young Buck
by John Donnelly…
Please allow me to acknowledge and describe the magnificent manner in which Monroe County Sheriff’s Deputies Dave Campbell and Frank Delgado addressed a delicate and threatening situation on Barracuda Boulevard in the Anglers Park Subdivision of Key Largo.
At approximately 4 PM, I observed a muscular young man behaving erratically along US 1. Bare-chested and shoeless, it appeared that his menacing and unusual conduct might cost him his life; or be the cause of a fatal vehicular accident, as vehicles were abruptly diverting their steering patterns in order to avoid striking him.
The quick, alert and rapid response by Deputies Campbell and Delgado to this crisis spared this man from being seriously injured. In fact, it may have saved his life.
The poised, calm and respectful intervention by Deputies Campbell and Delgado defused a potentially volatile situation. Their patient and dignified; yet firm demeanor, stabilized and secured this individual. Wisdom, self- restraint, sound judgment and decisive action by these deputies characterized the incident that unfolded before me.
In keeping with the high calling, standards and training set forth by Sheriff Rick Ramsay and Captain Don Fanelli; the conduct of Deputies Campbell and Delgado reflect great credit upon themselves and the Monroe County Sheriff’s Department.
Respect given where respect deserved. You can have great regard for law enforcement and still want them held to high standard. Thank you, John.
Thanks to the officers for their professional restraint, and thanks to you, John, for brightening my day with your report.
Your article demonstrates the keys do have professional, respectful and compassionate police officers. I know for a fact decades ago the Monroe County Sheriff’s department respected human life and it appears this is the case based on this story. Kudos to these officers.
John, Thanks for this message. Nobody upset with some of the more high profile cases of police abuse that have surfaced in our recent history is saying the majority of our police do a bad job. But that does not exonerate the bad apples from scrutiny and punishment. One other thing: what if the young man in this incident had been black? I’m not saying there’d have been a different response in this case, but I’m suggesting that it might have changed the environment … maybe. Good stuff.
Alex, Rick, Jerome and Bozewell; thank you for taking the time to respond. I find encouragement and knowledge in your insights and wisdom. Your collective and creative genius provides awareness and guidance, during those times when it can get dark.
Do not be moved from your mark. Press on towards the light. Your self-actualized minds and hearts will spark a new age of enlightenment.
I have more to say, however, a St. Patrick’s Day party looms on the horizon.
Blessings & Respect To All…
Jerome,
As Always, An Excellent Comment…
‘Skin color paradox’ and the ‘psychology of color’ most assuredly alters the environment from which we operate. Cognition of, along with the admission of its influence, increases our understanding, awareness and effectiveness as functioning human beings.
An indoctrinated and conditioned upbringing is a reality that all children face. The plethora of influences shaping our perceptions and thinking are never ending.
Attending diversified schools, participating in plenty of athletic events with kids from all over NYC, along with spiritual training that gave me glimpses of the bigger picture; provided experiences that kept me busy, so as not to allow the talons of bigotry to sink too deeply into me.
Mind you, territory and turf were important components of my upbringing, and they usually ran along racial and ethnic lines. However, here again, when your living an adventurous and exciting life; your less apt to be judging and condemning those who live or look differently than you.
My experiences in the United States Marine Corps extinguished any remaining prejudices and biases that clouded my thinking. When and if I meet you, I’ll share the intimate details.
There is one rule of thumb that has served me well. When by whatever means (intuitively, instinctively or irrational fear) I’m rocked by something and I decide not to love someone; or that I don’t like someone, for any reason whatsoever; I don’t lie to myself about my state of mind and feelings. I’m clear and real quick, with what is going on.
This awareness immediately frees me up to employ the wisdom and knowledge accrued through my life’s experiences, to appropriately address and interact with whomever or whatever is before me. I may not behave as a star, however, I will get through it and learn what is needed from that experience.
There have been times when I’ve stumbled and made a mess of things. It didn’t go as well as I would have liked it to.
I often give myself a pep talk ‘Welcome to the human race’. I can usually get talked up and encouraged by a friend. If that is not successful, I can speak with my God or meditate on the unmerited blessings and gifts I’ve received during this life.
Color, race and all the variances that accompany this existence are always there to hate or fight with. The reprieve I’ve been granted with this life, shall not be wasted nor thrown away battling with my Brothers and Sisters; as I’m responsive to the joy and love cascading from the God of my understanding…
Thank you.
Blessings & Respect
Jerome,
As Always, An Excellent Comment…
‘Skin color paradox’ and the ‘psychology of color’ most assuredly alters the environment from which we operate. Cognition of, along with the admission of its influence, increases our understanding, awareness and effectiveness as functioning human beings.
An indoctrinated and conditioned upbringing is a reality that all children face. The plethora of influences shaping our perceptions and thinking are never ending.
Attending diversified schools, participating in plenty of athletic events with kids from all over NYC, along with spiritual training that gave me glimpses of the bigger picture; provided experiences that kept me busy, so as not to allow the talons of bigotry to sink too deeply into me.
Mind you, territory and turf were important components of my upbringing, and they usually ran along racial and ethnic lines. However, here again, when your living an adventurous and exciting life; your less apt to be judging and condemning those who live or look differently than you.
My experiences in the United States Marine Corps extinguished any remaining prejudices and biases that clouded my thinking. When and if I meet you, I’ll share the intimate details.
There is one rule of thumb that has served me well. When by whatever means (intuitively, instinctively or irrational fear) I’m rocked by something and I decide not to love someone; or that I don’t like someone, for any reason whatsoever; I don’t lie to myself about my state of mind and feelings. I’m clear and real quick, with what is going on.
This awareness immediately frees me up to employ the wisdom and knowledge accrued through my life’s experiences, to appropriately address and interact with whomever or whatever is before me. I may not behave as a star, however, I will get through it and learn what is needed from that experience.
There have been times when I’ve stumbled and made a mess of things. It didn’t go as well as I would have liked it to.
I often give myself a pep talk ‘Welcome to the human race’. I can usually get talked up and encouraged by a friend. If that is not successful, I can speak with my God or meditate on the unmerited blessings and gifts I’ve received during this life.
Color, race and all the variances that accompany this existence are always there to hate or fight with. The reprieve I’ve been granted with this life, shall not be wasted nor thrown away battling with my Brothers and Sisters; as I’m responsive to the joy and love cascading from the God of my understanding…
Thank you.
Blessings & Respect
John, Bravo, bravo! Such words of wisdom spoken from an honest heart. The black paradox we talk about is really, from my point of view, not an issue of color, but more of cultural isolation. The black experience and how it manifests itself in the real world is somewhat removed from mainstream America’s. This causes misunderstanding, suspicion, etc., which eventually becomes a stereotype that many people carry around with them. This may have made the policemen in your story react differently to the man in question. It’s icky, cloudy stuff, things that are hard for the average person to unravel. We’ve made progress, but Jeez, will we ever get to the promised land? I don’t know.
Upon suffering the intrusion of pernicious libel and unjustifiable asperity from one of your own, who slithered beneath the nadir of civility and comportment to engage in the odious prosecution of race baiting, the deafening silence of your condemnation has now become the frame that defines each of your character.
Not a single one of you “intellectually enlightened, progressive, spiritual, worldly” men of “conscience” could countenance supporting an adversary, and repudiating a colleague of sorts, despite the egregious use of vitriol and acrimonious pejorative labeling.
Shame to all of you.
This week I purposely did not comment on any of the regular contributors articles. As I write this, there are 41 total comments on said articles. Of those 41 comments, only 5 are from people not named Shaquille, Symington, Adler, Donnelly, or Grapel. Upon suffering the intrusion of pernicious libel and unjustifiable asperity from one of
As I prognosticated several times now, if it weren’t for my participation, and driving the conversation, you guys would be devoid of commentary and reduced to commenting on each others articles to garner any involvement in your work. The self-congratulation and mutual back slapping for your self-proclaimed literary genius is hilarious.
Or are my “facts” wrong?
Upon suffering the intrusion of pernicious libel and unjustifiable asperity from one of your own, who slithered beneath the nadir of civility and comportment to engage in the odious prosecution of race baiting, the deafening silence of your condemnation has now become the frame that defines each of your character.
Not a single one of you “intellectually enlightened, progressive, spiritual, worldly” men of “conscience” could countenance supporting an adversary, and repudiating a colleague of sorts, despite the egregious use of vitriol and acrimonious pejorative labeling.
Shame to all of you.
This week I purposely did not comment on any of the regular contributors articles. As I write this, there are 41 total comments on said articles. Of those 41 comments, only 5 are from people not named Shaquille, Symington, Adler, Donnelly, or Grapel.
As I prognosticated several times now, if it weren’t for my participation, and driving the conversation, you guys would be devoid of commentary and reduced to commenting on each others articles to garner any involvement in your work. The self-congratulation and mutual back slapping for your self-proclaimed literary genius is hilarious.
Or are my “facts” wrong?
Keysbum, Personally, I’m honored to have the people you mention above making comments on my work. I’m sure I speak for all of them when I say we’d love to see more and more participation from all fountains of thought. As for myself, I’ve listened to you, I’ve responded, and have profited from it. As an old baseball player, I say bring it on, you can’t learn to hit without facing tough pitching.
Keysbum,
I will be in town for several days. If possible, I’d like to speak with you regarding a couple of projects that I’m working on.
Blessings & Respect…
Mr. Donnelly:
at present i am at my home in vero beach. i am planning a return to big pine during the first or second week in april. whether or not i will have sufficient time to make a side trip to key west is still uncertain. at present i am planning on a quick 2 day trip that requires my presence. it sounds ostentatious i know, but we winter up here, and summer down there.
Keysbum,
Thank you for getting back to me. I will have left Key West by the time you return to Big Pine Key.
Perhaps some other type of arrangement may be compatible with your schedule. I will stay in touch with you. Thanks again.
Blessings & Respect…