Dear Editor:

We have known Rick Massie for many years and are truly heartbroken for him and his family to receive such horrible news. Oh, but how nice of them to hear from County Manager Mike Dobbs that “he’s a super nice guy and we all like him.” How nice it would have been for Mr. Dobbs to mention to Rick that this policy existed so they could have worked something out to benefit both parties.

This man was injured in the line of duty, serving and protecting the citizens of Troup County. We could understand if Rick were out fishing and slipped and fell or if injured himself in an accident on his own time and in his own vehicle. But to know that all this happened on county time and in a county vehicle is absurd.

We all know that this isn’t a career that little boys and girls dream of to make a fortune, they do it because they love it, this is a calling. This takes a very special person, all they want to do is go out there and do what they are good at, and Rick is good at his job. His record of 24 years without a complaint states it all.

These people put their lives on the line daily for us. How hard is it to be humane and do the right thing, reinstate Rick Massie at his current rank and pay. And keep his retirement, sick pay and certifications as they were. It is the right thing to do. I am sure if it were a “higher official,” this clause would have never been found.

Richie and Karen Barber

Briley Road, Troup County