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.
It’s amusing how everyone here is upset about our Sheriff enjoying a comment from Governor DeSantis. He stated that Florida law would protect those threatened by Democrats harassing them on the streets. Meanwhile, the Democratic Party keeps attacking ICE facilities, local police, and government officials, and you Dems seem fine with that. The Sheriff didn’t harm, kill, or incite anyone. It’s time for you all to grow up and calm down.
I completely agree, the Democrats are the problem.
Yes he should be fired, I can’t believe that someone in his title would do that . Unbelievable!!!!
Thank you for sharing what many of us have been feeling this week. It’s clear that we’re living in a time when the awful thoughts of committing violence against another person have come to the surface (they’ve always been there, mind – people just feel emboldened because of our leaders). We’ve gone from the covert, “OK” finger gestures from fringe elements of five years ago to graphic displays of brutality from the heads of our community, and the lack of repercussion almost acts as an endorsement.
Thank you for those wise words; law enforcement officers do not get to express opinions about their own proclivities; their job is to enforce the law with respect, honor and dignity. Mr. Muller has crossed a line, and should be disciplined. What is happening to us……….
Thank you for sharing what many of us have been feeling this week. It’s clear that we’re living in a time when the awful thoughts of committing violence against another person have come to the surface (they’ve always been there, mind – people just feel emboldened because of our leaders). We’ve gone from the covert, “OK” finger gestures from fringe elements of five years ago to graphic displays of brutality from the heads of our community, and the lack of repercussion almost acts as an endorsement.
He should resign or be dismissed.
Yes, Muller has lost my respect and I regret voting for him knowing how he really feels. It’s sad. I wonder if he’d have laughed if someone who was anti law enforcement posted such a photo as a joke during the George Floyd (or similar) days, implying it was good to use a truck to plow through law enforcement lines. Or, with it being “Protestor Edition,” maybe he meant protestors should use the truck to drive through ICE lines, or Pro Trump rallies, or ??? To me, all of it is wrong and nothing to laugh about. Anyone who feels… Read more »
Political shenanigans performed by those in law enforcement have no place in keeping the peace and protecting all peoples. It sets a poor precedent.
Absolutely agree! Law enforcement officers should not enter into partisan politics ever! The sheriff disgraced his badge and his entire department.
Not really I guess he can’t have a opinion just to damn many crybabies that need to grow up and get a life period
Well said!