To the Editor:

Far too much of what we hear about the Selma PD is negative. I respectfully disagree with that assessment.

Congratulations to SPD Chief Jimmy Martin for employing the following officers: Det. Sgt. Tory Neely, Officer Janet Cole, Forensics Specialist Clarissa Cole, Lt. David Evans, Capt. Michael Perry, Det. Sandra Washburn, Det. Alvin Blackmon and Sgt. Joe Bills.

My wife and I were the victims of a “home invasion” shortly after 8 a.m. on April 5, 2006.

Following an astonishingly rapid response by the above named officers and others, the SPD arrested the apparent perpetrator only four hours later (I use the term “apparent,” because in our nation anyone is presumed innocent until proven guilty. But I am still greatly impressed by the brevity of the time between commission of the crime and the arrest.)

It is often asked, “Where’s a cop when you need one?”

Well, I’m here to tell you that that “cop” is alive and well, and he or she works for the Selma PD.

Good folks of the department, I thank you for your professional skills and your hard work. May God bless you all.

George R. Woolson