In the early afternoon of Sunday, Sept. 4, I was pulled over by Cody Hawman, city of Durango Police officer. Yep, the one and the same officer of note in recent days as the focus of perceived “police misconduct.” If there is such a thing as being stopped with class and dignity, it was epitomized and demonstrated in this instance by Officer Hawman.

That I am white, and a senior citizen with no moving violations since 2011, carries no consequence. I was a citizen stopped for due reason, and I firmly believe that I was treated as any other would have been regardless of my race, color, creed, religious beliefs, etc.

I had an opportunity to ask Hawman if he was scared going on shift every day. His paraphrased answer was, “Darn right I am, every time I gear up.”

Hawman is an Iraq veteran, not surprisingly having served in a military police unit. I am a Vietnam veteran. We bonded, even in this circumstance of my own making.

As a Durango Police officer, Hawman and his brothers and sisters in uniform keep serving you and me. We walk the streets freely during the day and, with our families, sleep well at night due in great part to Hawman and his fellow officers.

Hopefully, this letter will be read with an open mind by all to respect and honor Durango’s, and all, law enforcement personnel as being “on our side.”

They are our only real buffer from other members of our community, nation and world, who wish us harm. Sleep well tonight. Your police are awake and watching over you.

John G. Monroe

Durango