I was saddened this week to hear of the passing of one of the officers of the Kosciusko County Sheriff's Department, Justice, the K-9 officer. I was even more saddened and disgusted by the treatment of Justice's passing by the Kosciusko County sheriff.
Justice and his partner, Officer Craig Bale, were a familiar site around the county. Justice had served the county faithfully, and put his life on the line for his partner and the citizens of this county ever since 2005. Justice was the county's bomb-sniffing dog and was utilized by other counties for his abilities. He even was used when the president of the United States came to the state of Indiana.
Justice was a well-respected officer of the law in other counties and they mourn his passing. Too bad our sheriff can't do the same. He was not even going to make an "official press release" about it until he was questioned by the news media. He plans no memorial service for Justice.
Justice was also a familiar face to many of our children as he was often at the schools and other events to put on training demonstrations. How many can remember Justice "attacking" a criminal at his break neck speed and yet, obeying his partner with a single command? And yet, Justice was also a beloved family member to Officer Bale's family and friends. My thoughts and prayers go out to Officer Bale and his family on the passing of this faithful officer of the law.
Justice has been served with an injustice by the sheriff and officials of this county. Does he not deserve the same treatment as any officer of the law?
Should his life in service to our county not be honored by a memorial service of some kind?
Oh wait, I forgot. This is the same county that allows animals to be abused at the hand of their own animal control officer and where a county commissioner says that animals have no rights, no feelings and no emotions and could go a few days without food.
Shame on the Kosciusko County sheriff for his treatment of this valuable officer. I urge every citizen of this county to contact Sheriff Rocky Goshert and demand that a memorial service be given for Justice so that we can all thank him for a job well done.
