I am writing this letter in response to, "Request for riot gear doesn't fix anything," (Dec. 31).

I am a lifelong resident of New London and a proud member of the New London Police Department for 25 years.

I have sat back for many years and watched as different residents have vented their frustrations of the police department, but have never felt compelled to respond until now.

I agree that people have a right to their freedom of speech and believe it is an integral part of this country. However, when one holds a position, such as Kris Wraight does on the Police Community Relations Committee, where your biases could interfere with your decisions or show your biases to the public, that right has limits.

To attack these officers and make such statements was unacceptable in her position.

Instead of attacking these officers, how about we praise them for their fortitude for working through some of the worst conditions this department has seen in 25 years.

The newspaper could fill many pages with articles of the good that these men and women do on a constant basis, without expectation of being thanked, but with the expectation of being appreciated.