It’s interesting how two people can look at the same event and come away with entirely different conclusions. I am referring to Amber Hoar’s recent letter to the editor in Lookout Eugene-Springfield condemning the behavior and racist language of former Eugene Police Department officer Martin Siller.

I couldn’t agree more. But beyond that, other than recognizing the good work that CAHOOTS has done in this community, I totally disagree with her letter.

There is absolutely no place in the Eugene Police Department or any organization serving this community for an individual of Siller’s mentality and character. And once Siller’s disgusting behavior was exposed, he resigned. He knew he would be fired, no doubt about it. Why? Because Siller knew police Chief Chris Skinner would not tolerate or employ an individual espousing racist and disparaging views. And Siller knew the rest of the police officers of EPD would not want their reputations sullied by working or associating with him. To me, that’s indicative of a police chief who has been doing his job and an organization of men and women whose values are in alignment with and are faithfully serving this community.

Even though Siller was expressing his racist views to an individual not even in the state of Oregon, the letter writer somehow draws the conclusion that this one individual’s behavior is indicative of the “moral depravity and dehumanization” pervasive in the department.

That’s utterly ridiculous and an insult to the men and women of EPD who serve this community, going to work every day and night of the year often dealing with stressful and dangerous situations that many of us would not or could not handle.

Of course, any situation in which the police have overstepped their bounds needs to be reported. But it seems to me that some people in this town look for and relish any opportunity to slam the chief of police and the entire police department. This negativity just fosters distrust and can create real harm in our community by potentially inflaming any situation to which EPD needs to respond.

Any substantive complaints not already dealt with by EPD itself (like that of Siller’s) are reviewed by the independent police auditor and the Civilian Review Board — and if need be, corrective action is taken.

Like me, I think the vast majority of people in this town are appreciative of Skinner and the officers of the Eugene Police Department for their tireless efforts to keep our community safe.

A tip of the hat to you all.

Ben Bonner
Eugene