Editor:

I recently had the opportunity to participate in a ride along with the Farmville Police Department. I assure you, it was voluntary. It was also one of the most remarkable and eye-opening experiences I’ve had since moving here four years ago.

I spent some time with Officer Chris Hudson and his fellow law enforcement officers as they patrolled Farmville and the surrounding area. While on patrol, I saw traffic infractions, petty vandalism, some nuisance items, such as a tipped over garbage can.

By far, young adults add so much to the Farmville community, the least of which is mischief and noise. Lastly, I also saw some pretty serious poverty. It was a quiet night, which is not a bad night to Officer Hudson and his colleagues.

To a person with a more traditional job, the ability to work safely, avoid conflict and get his/her job done and then go home is part of the everyday routine. However, the difference in law enforcement is that at any minute a call could come in and these officers’ jobs can become dangerous very quickly. That was never far from my mind.

I’d like to offer my sincere thanks and appreciation to Chief Andy Ellington and the officers of the Farmville Police Department.

Adam Yoelin

Farmville