Dedicated troopers

It was with great pride and joy that my family and I watched my son graduate from the Massachusetts State Police Academy. This outstanding accomplishment represented dedication and hard work on his part as well as many sacrifices endured by he and his young family.

My son brings compassion, intelligence, and a commitment to justice with him every day to this job he loves and does so well.

He also brings a gun, a bullet-proof vest and a radio that works - sometimes.

It is inconceivable to me that my son's, and his fellow troopers', safety is compromised because they serve in the western part of the state.

Surely, the technology exists to insure a consistently functioning radio so that every brave state trooper who put his or her life on the line each and every work day can return safely to their families.

I charge Governor Patrick and all Massachusetts legislators to do the right thing by summoning the will and funds needed to rectify this shameful lack of respect and concern for the safety of these courageous men and women.

Build the communication towers, invest in the appropriate technology, do whatever you must to insure the safety of the citizens of Western Massachusetts and to enable our dedicated state troopers to perform their duties without having to compromise their personal safety.

I am trusting you all to help bring my son and his fellow troopers home to their loved ones at day's end.

Christine Williams

East Longmeadow