I am appalled by the comments made during the Maryland Association of Counties conference earlier this week by Commissioner Diana Purnell about law enforcement officers and military veterans. To state, as she did, that combat military veterans who join law enforcement agencies are “here to kill,” articulates a hate that has no place in public discourse, especially from an elected official.

To suggest, as Mrs. Purnell does, that modern day policing is the equivalent of “slave patrols” is as inflammatory as it is reckless and untrue. Such comments besmirch the character, efforts, commitment and sacrifices of thousands of men and women, as well as their families, who made the decision to serve their communities with their talent and dedication and unfortunately, sometimes with their lives. Such commentary weakens the bonds of trust that should exist between peace officers and the communities they serve.

Worcester County is home to many Veterans who have served their country honorably and courageously. When these Veterans decide to continue their service by joining law enforcement agencies they should be applauded, not denigrated by mean spirited, uninformed utterances, especially from elected officials who have a responsibility to work in the best interests of those they serve. Those interests are not served when an elected official uses her position to convey invective toward honorable and dedicated men and women who wear the uniform of service. How do such comments improve the quality of life in our community?

As the father of a military officer who is also a law enforcement officer and the father-in-law of a career military officer who served in combat overseas, I take Mrs. Purnell’s comments personally. My kids are not killers. My family, like thousands of others, are very proud of our children who answered a call to service.

It is the right of every American to freely express his or her opinion. Mrs. Purnell has exercised her right. But it should be remembered that it is because of the sacrifices made by those in uniform that the fundamental right of free speech has been protected through the years.