The News Courier encourages letters to the editor. Submissions should be no more than 400 words and include name, address and telephone number for verification. Submissions that do not meet requirements are subject to editing. Writers are limited to one published letter every 30 days. Send letters to P.O. Box 670, Athens AL 35613 or email to adam@athensnews-courier.com. The deadline for letters is Thursday at noon.

Above the call of duty

Editor’s note: The following letter was originally sent to members of the Athens City Council. The author graciously allowed The News Courier to publish it.

Dear Editor:

In this day and time of tension between police departments and the public, I would like to inform you of an incident I personally witnessed on Feb. 3.

As I was leaving the post office on Market Street, I crossed paths with an older gentleman who was outside. I spoke to him as I returned to my truck, and he went into the post office. I asked myself, “Why would he be going into the building because it was closed?” I thought maybe he was trying to stay warm.

As I left, I reached for my phone to contact the Athens Police Department to send an officer to check on him. I then noticed an officer’s car in the Jiffy parking lot. The officer then pulled into the post office and parked, and the older gentleman came out to speak to him.

I then witnessed the officer hand the bag of food to the gentleman. I thought this was an awesome display of humanitarian service that must be recognized.

I would like the city to recognize Officer Vickers for his exceptional display of service that did not go unnoticed.

Sincerely,

Scott Marshall

Athens