Former Sheriff’s Office employee spouts off
To the editor:
Last week, I resigned from the Office of the Lee County Sheriff. On Friday, my attorney and spokesman, Stu Pepper, reached out to everyone and informed all of you that I had some opportunities ahead. He also told you that I was considering running for public office in Lee County.
His statement was vague, so allow me to clear it up. I am seriously considering running for Lee County Sheriff.
Of course, I have not made my mind up yet. Until I do, I will not discuss any future plans except those mentioned here. The reasons I resigned are several. Of relevance to this letter is that I was discontent to belong to an Office where the deputies are so unappreciated.
For years now, deputies in general have not received a raise. As with the rest of the nation, deputies are faced with tough economic times. They face foreclosures, bankruptcies, and short-sales. Trying financial times lead to other maladies such as divorce, alimony, and child support. Financial times are tough. Law enforcement has one of the highest suicide rates in the nation, and certainly this does not need to be compounded with further financial stress. I had hoped for better with the possibility of the Union (which did not effect me, personally, as a Sergeant). I noted that under PBA contracts, agencies such as Hendry County Sheriff’s Office, the Fort Myers Police Department, and Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office all enjoy in some manner appropriate pay, step plans, shift differential pay, and holiday pay. I had expected the same for the employees, Corporal and below, of the Lee County Office of the Sheriff.
I want everyone to know that if I were to run for sheriff, you can guarantee that one of my very top priorities regarding the deputies of this Office would be to ensure that they received yearly raises. In fact, it is my oath to them.
Lee Bushong