Letter to editor: If system hadn’t failed, deputy would still be with us

If system hadn’t failed, deputy would still be with us
We buried 4346 on Tuesday. I am referring to Deputy James W. Anderson of the Lee County Sheriff’s Office. The number 4346 was his radio call sign. James was struck and killed in the line of duty on a not so routine traffic stop. He leaves behind a wife of more than 20 years, Corinna, a proud Marine son and a college student daughter.
I had the honor of working with and learning from James on dozens of occasions.

He took his job seriously, and expected the same from any reserve deputy, such as myself, that rode in a patrol car with him. He was always polite and professional when dealing with the public.

He was mature and rational in all situations. I know it’s considered a cliché, but James sincerely enjoyed helping people. James was an example of what is right in law enforcement.

Unfortunately, the circumstances of how his life crossed paths with that of Gregory Henderson illustrate what is wrong in our justice system. How a violent repeat offender could receive a 15-year sentence with only three of those years to serve in prison is beyond my understanding.

How this same repeat offender could then be released early after serving less than 16 months of a three year sentence should be beyond any reasonable person’s understanding. Henderson was paroled early in December of 2008.

When you do the math, it is painful to realize that had he served all three years, Deputy Anderson might still be with us.

I am not trying to place blame or point fingers.

I just feel that as a society, we failed Deputy Anderson, and our failures contributed to his death. This is especially sad because I can assure you, Deputy Anderson would not have failed society.

Jeff Sauerwine
Salem