By Sgt. Bret Empey
Submitted Mar. 5, 2008
For those of you who may have missed Rachel Brandes’ article introducing me to the Valley, my name is Bret Empey. I’m the new Sergeant for the Overton Resident Section arriving here in this wonderful area, back on November 17.
During my interview with Ms. Brandes, I learned of a practice started by my predecessor, Sgt. Mike Dailey. Dailey would write an occasional article in the Progress to address crime prevention and/or trends. I think this is a good idea and so I’d like to continue with it.
I’ve given myself some time to acclimate to the area, my officers, and the residents. Since my arrival, many of you have taken an opportunity to voice your concerns on different issues. I thank you for taking the initiative. Others have just introduced themselves and said hello. All of you have made me and my family feel welcome here. For that, I thank you.
I’ll be the first to admit I don’t have a handle on every issue before me, but I’m working hard to grasp as much of them as quickly and thoroughly as I can. When I first met the officers who work here, I promised them I would not make drastic changes right away, and I haven’t. I don’t feel it does much good to make changes because you can. I do feel changes should be made when appropriate, and based upon the best information. I’m still getting the flavor of rural policing. So, don’t look for huge changes coming from my office anytime too soon. But, our community is changing and so will our law enforcement efforts and strategies.
For my first article I don’t want to rock the boat too much, too soon, and make myself seasick in the process. I’ll leave some of the more controversial issues for a later article when I’ve had a bit more time to absorb the information, opinions and points of view.
That being said, I have noticed one area which could use some attention. I don’t feel it is too controversial of a topic for my first article. I’m hoping you’ll agree. I’m talking about the wearing of seatbelts.
I’ve been watching local drivers and their passengers and doing my own very informal, completely un-scientific, survey. I’m disappointed to say we’re not doing as well in this area as we should. I’m even more disappointed to see that so many are experienced adult drivers.
It’s tough enough to teach our young people good driving habits. It’s nearly impossible, if we don’t lead by example. My dad has said to me many times, “What you do speaks so loudly, that what you say, I cannot hear.” Parents, help us keep your young drivers alive and healthy. Teach by example and put on your seat belt (with the shoulder restraint in front) before you put your vehicle in motion.
I know we live in a rural area. (I’m so grateful to not have been in one traffic jam since I left Vegas.) But, I have responded on a few accidents since I’ve been out here. Unfortunately, a couple of those accidents proved fatal. I can tell you from my experience as an officer, at least one of those would have turned out differently had the occupants been wearing a seatbelt. It takes so little time and so little effort, but it can and will save your life.
I’ve given my (your) officers the assignment to pay special attention to this violation. So please, slow down (an issue for another article) and buckle up.
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