EDIT: Give Eddy a chance

There’s been plenty of rhetoric surrounding the recent appointment of William Eddy as the new Shoshone County Sheriff. While much of it has been positive, there’s a noticeable contingent of people who seem eager to see him fail. 

I ask you this: why? 

Why would anyone want the largest and most active law enforcement office in the county to struggle, especially considering how much good it has done in recent years? Despite being among the top five counties for crime rates, we’re also in the top five for arrests. That’s proof the department is working hard to address the problem. 

If idle hands are the devil’s work, then our sheriff’s department has been closer to godliness than many others across the state. 

It’s no secret the previous administration had flaws, and the way things ended under the former sheriff was less than ideal. But we can’t assume one person’s mistakes define every deputy and employee in that office. 

There’s a reason we live here. It’s beautiful, it’s a great place to raise families, we know our neighbors, and most importantly, it’s safe. 

We can’t have that last one without our sheriff’s department. With a major highway running through our communities, it would be easy for this place to descend into chaos. That hasn’t happened, and it won’t happen, as long as we continue to support the brave men and women of the SCSO. 

If politics have you concerned, consider this: When was the last time you cared about a law enforcement officer’s political affiliation when you needed help? 

If Sheriff Eddy delivers on even half of the promises and ideas he’s shared, the sheriff’s office will continue to serve Shoshone County well. We should be thankful someone is willing to step into such a thankless role. 

If you’re still concerned, stay involved. Attend meetings, ask questions, hold leadership accountable, but start by giving Sheriff Eddy a fair chance.