Called on the carpet. Taken to the woodshed. That was me last Friday afternoon, and with good reason.
I had written a story about issues with law enforcement information clarity at a recent event at Geary High School. I used what was said in an open meeting where the chief of police told the city council – well, see the front page for where the wheels fell off the bus.
Why was I in the hot seat? Because without intending to do so, I maligned the dispatchers at Weatherford Police Department. Actually, I repeated what was said in the meeting and during a follow-up interview. I used a poor source.
I was raised that the police were to be respected and trusted. Now, even at this late date in my life, I tend to believe what I am told, especially by people in a position of authority.
I got too comfortable with that and paired it with a small town mentality, thinking and acting on the idea going through the steps required in a bigger town could be skipped because, well, Blaine County.
But what has been made abundantly clear to me is that those steps are just as important, and probably more so, in small town America.
Back up paperwork, ducks in a row are vital when you are the whole editorial staff. It’s that old adage – fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me.
The chief of police at Weatherford, Angelo Orefice, had regained his composure by the time I stood on his carpet, but he backed his people 110%. No question he has their backs.
And he was right. I was wrong and I sincerely apologize to the entire dispatch staff, the chief, the assistant chief, the officers and the janitorial staff.
But Chief Orefice also did me a favor by that trip to the woodshed. It was a harsh reminder not to slow down, take shortcuts, not to get sloppy in my work even after all these years.
Thanks, chief. Now to tackle the facts of the matter for the front page.