Everett police officer scoffed at mask order, duty to protect

I was at the Lowe’s on Pacific Avenue recently, and a man was walking through the aisles without a mask. I suggested that he should wear one, and he said “Yeah, I guess,” and walked away. As he did, I pointed him out to two Everett Police Department officers who were there, joking with the salespeople. The officer replied, rudely in a loud voice, “So what?” I responded that there was an order out from the governor requiring that masks be worn in public places. The officer snapped back “We aren’t enforcing that. This is still America.”

Daily, all across America, we are witnessing police violate and show their contempt for the law. I do not think it is proper for any officer, anywhere, to choose not to enforce a public safety law, but expressing a personal political statement while on the job is completely wrong and dangerous. We have seen the effects, in Franklin County, when law enforcement officials decide to pick and choose which laws to enforce based on their personal political preferences. Unsurprisingly, three months later, those counties are suffering out-of-control infections.

I hope Everett Police will get back to its task of protect and serve and leave the politics to the politicians.

Terry Thomas

Everett