FALSE INFORMATION IN SHERIFF'S RACE HITS NEW LOW...

FEATURE BY: Tami. A recent post on social media by supporters of incumbent Ben Flint caused an uproar. Detective Yancy Denning conveyed that candidate for Sheriff Mike Sims was lying about why he missed a recent Republican Event. The post falsely indicated Officer Sims had lied about why he had to miss the event which included a brief question and answer session for Jefferson County Sheriff candidates. Comments alluded to various conspiracy theories that basically stated Officer Sims could not have known about an emergency ahead of time and that Sims was intentionally avoiding an appearance because he was uncomfortable answering questions from the small crowd who gathered to welcome Indiana's (disgraced) Secretary of State and to celebrate John Schneider. Schnieder, a long-ago Hollywood feature in the "Dukes of Hazzard" has made Madison home base for he and his wife. He often speaks fondly of Madison and certainly deserved the "General Lee" cake and certificate of appreciation. However, Sims did not deserve the accusations and over the top false narrative.

Background: I and others met with Flint yesterday (Thursday April the 9th at 1:30 pm) about the animal control issues surrounding County Animal Control Paul Geyman. Although the meeting had its ups and downs (I will report more on that later)- afterwards I asked to meet with Ben privately. I did so because Ben and I have talked on numerous occasions and he has helped provide information on any number of issues and in fairness to Ben, it was not his post. In fairness to Sims, it was obvious the information came from Flints campaign supporters. Consequently, I asked Ben to tell Yancy the information was entirely incorrect and that I had documents to prove they were false. I told Ben the transport was a combat veteran in crisis. I let him know if the post came down, I wouldn't need to post a correction, however, if not, I would inform the public, so they had accurate information. We briefly discussed Ben's Coast Guard service and his support for veterans. We then shock hands and I had assumed he would mention the issue to Yancy. I have no idea what happened and have not since spoken with Ben. What I did not tell Ben, nor did he ask, was that I had obtained the information because I too was upset that Officer Sims had canceled and didn't think it fair to voters. So, I confronted Sims and he politely referred me to the appropriate places and information.

BUT- The Flint campaign post has not been removed. HERE IS THE TRUTH:

Officer Mike Sims notified the republican party that he had an emergency situation at the airport where he serves not just as a police officer but as an Advanced Crisis Intervention Police Officer. According to the Crisis Intervention Program description- These are the police officers most experienced and highly trained in dealing with unstable and or dangerous persons experiencing a mental health crisis. Some are criminals, others are veterans, witnesses or simply very ill persons. The program that Sims has been certified in is essential for any law enforcement agency but especially for those dealing with persons in immediate crisis. Examples of what Sims is qualified to deal with include persons who are raging out of control, those who are a threat to self or others, those who are experiencing hallucinations, veterans with active PTSD responses, those heavily under the influence of drugs or alcohol, persons armed and threatening others, combative and abusive persons etc. While I would agree that most of us can't predict an emergency or dangerous situation that is NOT TRUE in certain circumstances. In fact, it essential that some of our most prestigious law enforcement agencies and persons are charged with "knowing there is a possibility of a problem" and acting to prevent risks and dangerous outcomes for the public. Airports are particularly high security areas and as we all know, police and TSA are everywhere.

Sims is one of a select few officers at the Louisville International Airport who is routinely called upon to deal with all sorts of EMERGENCY ARRIVALS. Federal marshal flights arrive along with DEA and FBI transports on a regular basis. Mike and his team must be available - especially if the transport is scheduled to bring in someone in crisis. That was the reality the day of the republican dinner party - so Mike notified the Republican Party he couldn't attend because of such an emergency. What he didn't say and shouldn't have to explain is that as an Advanced Crisis Intervention Officer he was going to be dealing with an arrival in crisis. Had Flint had to cancel because he was asked by ICE to personally assure a dangerous transport arriving to our local jail- I can't help but think certain people would have understood Ben's obligation to public safety and collaboration with other agencies came before celebrating John Schnieder and taking a photo next to a cut out of Donald Trump. They would have been proud and approving of Bens professionalism. I don't believe the majority of sane citizens would object at all. I would be relieved Ben chose public safety first. Just as I am grateful Officer Sims chose public safety before his own campaign.

Regardless, Flint was informed that I had documents which detailed the nature of the transport and arrival of an Afghanistan Combat Veteran. The Veteran suffered from severe PTSD and schizophrenia. I have a copy of a correspondence between Officer Sim's commanding officer regarding the urgent assignment and thanking Mike. I reviewed appropriately redacted information that protected certain identifying information but that detailed the veteran was struggling with active hallucinations. He believed he needed to protect himself from persons who were attempting to kill him. Abandoning a veteran in active crisis to deboard a plane, into a noisy crowd, in an unfamiliar area is dangerous and cruel. Hallucinations and believing one is being attacked, stalked or someone actively attempting to kill him is a volatile situation. Scheduling an Advanced Crisis Intervention Officer was essential for public safety. IT WAS AN EMERGENCY SITUATION. The fact everyone knew the flight number, arrival time and gate is a credit to Louisville Airport Police. The fact they sent Officer Sims, one of their highest trained officers is reassuring. The fact is Officer Sims should be credited for his dedication to serving law enforcement and our nations veterans and he did so over his own election prospects.

In my opinion it is a disgrace that a combat veteran's active crisis was used as a campaign ploy to discredit a police officer who was fulfilling one of our nation's deepest obligations. We should not abandon our veterans especially those who served in combat and carry open wounds as a result. I feel safer knowing Louisville International Airport Police Force plan for and prepare for such arrivals. You can speak with Louisville Airport Police public relations, and they will be delighted to explain their program to reduce risk and assure public safety in relation to arriving flights and persons in crisis.

Finally, I am saddened by those in the community who use one's dedication to law enforcement, public safety and especially our veterans as a negative campaign tool. This campaign became ugly when it seemed as if Officer Sims was leading in informal polls. I understand some may feel their job is in jeopardy or maybe they just like things "the way they are." But this - this use of a veteran in crisis to pretend as if Officer Sims to too afraid to stand before a small group of republicans who were passing out Dukes of Hazzard cake and snapping photos with officials who "drop by" is absolutely not only one of the worst campaign strategies I have ever witnessed but also one of the most dishonest.