Back in the summer of 2002 our pet dog was shot in front of my wife, my daughter, my tenant and her daughter by an Asbury Park police officer. This experience was so painful that my wife Emily passed out. In an attempt to get justice we filed suit against the city. While the city attempted to justify the shooting a judge didn’t buy it and we settled out of court.
Later that summer Public Safety Director Louis Jordan, Mayor Kevin Saunders and officer Marshawn Love came to our house offering their apologies and even gave us a new dog. While it didn’t erase the pain; it was an apology and an attempt at reconciliation. Mind you the officer who fired the shot, never offered an apology. He is still employed and has moved up in the ranks of the APPD.
On June 15, 2016, while driving home on Ridge Avenue, I stopped because of police activity. One officer I immediately saw moving toward the confusion was officer Marshawn Love. Then I heard three shots. Fearing for my life I immediately made a u turn, did a right on red and raced home. I was extremely frightened.
This week I read that officer Love has been demoted. While the decision is under appeal why was this decision even made? A man looks out for the safety, emotional and mental well being of a child and is vilified by the city that employs him. The same man who has worked tirelessly with sports and recreation programs throughout the city. The same man who I still see attending athletic events. He loves the city and it’s children. Can I say the same for those who legally attack him and attempt to crucify him at all costs?
In Asbury Park justice is dealt out in different ways. An officer kills our dog; the city pays, obviously acknowledging some responsibility but nothing happens to him. It was only a black family and their dog in Asbury Park. What if it was a white family in Spring Lake?
A black officer attempts to shield a child from further psychological damage of a horrifying ordeal. Our city officials attack him and our city council appears to have turned their backs on him. They talk about their job being creating policy. What about compassion, empathy and sympathy. Officer Love deserves an award. Instead of offering him the Red Badge of Courage they’re giving him the Scarlet Letter.
Until our City Council and administrators stop vilifying leaders in the black community; the divide will continue. They talk of make a friend with a police officer. Let’s take away the uniform and deal with everyone as people. Instead of telling our community respect the officer; let’s say respect the person.
To the administrators and council; respect the rights of the people. You can start by respecting Marshawn Love.
Daniel Harris
Ridge Avenue
Asbury Park
[This letter represents the opinion of its writer and is not representative of any opinion of the Asbury Park Sun staff. All readers are welcome to submit Letters to the Editor to news@asburyparksun.com for our consideration. For guidelines on letter-writing and submission, click here.]
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