Fortunately, we rarely see local law officials do anything to be accused of being a “disgrace to their badges.”
The exception occurred on June 14 when Adams County Sheriff James Muller posted on Facebook a photo of a white pickup labeled “The All New Dodge Ram Protester Edition.” The front of the truck was drenched with graphic blood stains, indicating it had been used to run down innocent protesters. June 14 was, among other things, the day of the nationwide “No Kings” rallies that brought 5 million people into the streets to exercise their right to free speech and push back on Trump’s disregard for the Constitution and the rule of law.
When I saw a copy of the post, I was outraged, scared, and disappointed. Outraged because I thought Muller was someone to respect. Scared because I wondered if Muller reflected the opinions of other local law officers. Disappointed when I realized Muller had disgraced the mission of his office and any oath of office he took.
Muller promises first-class professional, dignified, and courteous service to the local court, the citizens, and to all law enforcement agencies with whom it partners. “We have a duty to uphold the trust of the public we serve, a duty towards each other, to the Office of the Sheriff of Adams County, and to ourselves,” the sheriff’s website states.
So far, Muller has not apologized, and no repercussions are coming his way. He did not violate the law, but he did display a severe lack of professional decorum.
Muller may ask, “Can’t anyone take a joke?” Well, Sheriff, if your actions were so innocent, why did the post disappear from Facebook later that day? Also, Sheriff, as far as I know, you didn’t have a wife or child in Lincoln Square expressing their right to freely express grievances with the government. In doing so, they opened themselves up to crackpots behind the wheel inspired by low-life rhetoric from someone like you.
Sheriff Muller, you carry a badge, a gun, and wear a uniform, but you have dishonored your profession and have disgraced your badge. A good law officer has a strong sense of duty and an understanding of the awesome responsibilities he or she holds. You have neither.
Sheriff, you are free to say and do what you want, but the tragic part is you will never fully regain the honor you have squandered.
