Police Officer Resigns Amid Shoplifting Charges
Police Officer Resigns Amid Shoplifting Charges Save Email Print
Posted: 10:35 AM Nov 19, 2008
Last Updated: 10:46 AM Nov 19, 2008
Reporter: Randy Yohe
Email Address: randy.yohe@wsaz.com

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RACELAND, Ky. (WSAZ) -- A Raceland police officer has resigned after he was arrested Sunday and charged with stealing $22 worth of merchandise from the Ashland Wal-Mart.

Rick Gullett, 39, has only worked as a Raceland Police Officer for about three months.

Raceland Police chief Don Sammons says Gullett was not in uniform when the alleged shoplifting occurred, but he was legally carrying his own firearm.

Sammonds says it was Gullett's personal handgun and not a department-issued weapon.

The newly-hired officer resigned from the force Monday.

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Posted by: sovc on Nov 27, 2008 at 10:18 AM
i know this person very close. ive seen him alot and he has bought a lot of stuff for me. i think it was just a adrenaline rush. so please stop saying bad things about him.

Posted by: Greenup co. officer on Nov 25, 2008 at 08:59 AM
To: Santa: Don't judge all by one . There are people in every profession that do things that no one knows about. In Fire Depts. , Police Work , Mayors , Attorneys you name it it is there they just havn't been caught. Then you have the stupid ones that comment stupid blogs like Santa & Imposter Gallion & Elder acting like they are that person because they hide and have to get their stupid comments and WSAZ seems to cater to these blogs and won't post the replys to these dumb comments. I hope other people that read these comments are smart enough to see through these ignorant people.

Posted by: Greenup co officer on Nov 23, 2008 at 04:09 PM
WSAZ How about posting my last blog , why are you not posting these comments just the stupid ones like imposter Gallion??

Posted by: Santa on Nov 22, 2008 at 10:02 PM
Go Shoplifting with a Raceland Cop. Spend X-Mas in the CAN

Posted by: Elder on Nov 22, 2008 at 09:16 PM
WILL THE REAL GALLION PLEASE STAND UP ?

Posted by: GALLION on Nov 22, 2008 at 12:01 PM
TO:GREENUPco.officer u r not a greenup co officer,and your the one in deep, deep, DO-DO, AND DONT B SO PROUD OF RACELAND OFFICERS,SO U GO LAY DOWN,HAVE A NICE DAY AND MAY U FIND PEACE IN YOUR HEART!

Posted by: bobby on Nov 21, 2008 at 09:56 PM
Rick if you asked me I would of loned you $22.94 for you.

Posted by: Greenup co. officer on Nov 21, 2008 at 06:48 PM
TO Gallion : I don't think your name is Gallion and certainly not the Gallion I know, and there are very few Gallions around and the ones that are here are related so you are not them , they would never lower themselves to bash some like you have. You say no one would hire any of Raceland officers that's funny half of Greenup co. started and trained at Raceland. So there you go again talking out the other side of your mouth and don't know what you're talking about. Just another dummy and I work with the Raceland officers some as we back each other up at times and I have no problem at all they do an excellent job and handle it well and I happen to know first hand. Go lay down dummy. And quit impersonating a real man this will get you in deep do do.

Posted by: To Gallion on Nov 21, 2008 at 06:02 PM
Sounds to me like you hate the Raceland Police Department. You must be on the other side of the Law. The only corrupt Department around here is Worthington.

Posted by: Gallion on Nov 21, 2008 at 08:28 AM
People this Dept. has been corrupt for many yrs now. Clean it out and move on. No other dept in the State would hire these people. They are getting neverous now. My name is Gallion and i watch the dirty cops in Raceland, Ky

Posted by: wow what a mistake on Nov 21, 2008 at 07:09 AM
these comments are only comments.no one is trying to judge.THESE ARE ONLY COMMENTS!the same way some of you posted yours.GEE.

Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 21, 2008 at 06:16 AM
Does anyone know that Raceland PD only pays $9.59 an hour?? They go to training nonstop during the year. Their families go hungry just to protect the stupid communites that don't appreciate it.

Posted by: KY RESIDENT#2 on Nov 21, 2008 at 01:48 AM
ALL I HAVE TO SAY IS, IF HE APPEARS BEFORE JUDGE DAVIS IN BOYD COUNTY......HE WILL BE MADE AN EXAMPLE OF. THERE IS NO DOUBT IN MY MIND.... ANYONE WHO KNOWS WHAT IM TALKING ABOUT WILL AGREE WITH ME.... THE MAN IS GOING TO TAKE IT PERSONAL THAT THIS HAPPENED...ESPECIALLY BEING A POLICE OFFICER.. WATCH AND SEE IF IM RIGHT!!! THATS WHO WILL JUDGE HIM IN THE COURT ROOM ANYWAY... HE BETTER HOPE ITS JUDGE REAMS... JUDGE DAVIS IS KNOWN GIVING MAXIMUM SENTENCE'S FOR MISDEMEANORS... MANY CASES AS A MATTER OF FACT.. HE RECENTLY GAVE 365 DAYS ON A MAN WHO FAILED TO PAY AN APPROXIMATELY $150.00 DOLLAR FINE.. IT MAY GET UGLY BEFORE IT GETS BETTER...WE SHALL SEE I GUESS...

Posted by: In the know on Nov 20, 2008 at 06:51 PM
To Gallion: Why are you using the name Gallion, what a phony you are and talking about something you know nothing about, it amazes me that phony's like you act like you know it all when you in fact are dumb about everything and anything. Raceland Police Dept. is no libility to the city in any way, I know the officers at Raceland and they are good officers. It is people like you that hide and sneak around with your opinions that mean nothing just so much hot air. This is not the first officer that messed up in this area. APD had their scandel, KSP had their mess to deal with, look around , as far as Russell, Flatwoods taking over don't hold your breath it's not going to happen the citizens of Raceland like their PD so suck it up and keep your opinions to yourself they are as dumb as you are. And if you are implying you are the former Gallion from Flatwoods PD you are really a coward by using his name I would watch this if I were you . Proud to be a Raceland resident citizen

Posted by: ME on Nov 20, 2008 at 06:18 PM
Everything in our lives falls under God's judgement. Do not judge, for you to one day will be judged for you actions. I feel this man is gonna come out of this with a new heart. With a new life. He will probably be better off !!! I have a good feeling about this. I think God has Claimed another soul.

Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 20, 2008 at 03:50 PM
Sounds to me like this guy has some serious issues not just petty theft. Something must be going on in his life. I feel sorry for him but I think he should definitely be dealt with like anyone else who steals. Do the dirty deed then pay the price it's simple.

Posted by: Amy on Nov 20, 2008 at 03:17 PM
Ahhhhhhhhahahahaha. I wonder if he'll get just a slap on the wrist? More than likely

Posted by: Melinda on Nov 20, 2008 at 01:20 PM
QUIT ACTING LIKE YOUR GOD ON HERE, GOD DOESN'T GET ON COMPUTERS. THOU SHALL HAVE NO OTHER GODS BEFORE ME ALSO COUNTS FOR ACTING LIKE YOU ARE GOD.....

Posted by: Criminal Thinking on Nov 20, 2008 at 11:38 AM
That was short but the time he serves will be much longer. Pitiful.

Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 20, 2008 at 09:47 AM
TO POLICE OFFICER: What agency was he done wrong by? He resigned from his last law job before Raceland took him in.

Posted by: Jim on Nov 20, 2008 at 09:34 AM
$22 or a million it's stealing and a man in his position can and should be able to be entrusted more so than others.I hope it is a misunderstanding for all involved.

Posted by: From Ky on Nov 20, 2008 at 09:23 AM
He may have some issues going on, but it still does not make it right . He has probably arrested people for stealing less than that. He needed a sling for his gun, he wasnt stealing food, which will be the next thing people are going to be arrested for just trying to feed their familys. He should be punished just like every other thief that gets caught.

Posted by: Gallion on Nov 20, 2008 at 08:34 AM
I have known for sometime this Dept. has no accountabilty. They need to contract the Police service out with either Flatwoods / Russell. It was suggested a few yrs back but failed. This dept. is a liability for the city . The real problem is with the Department heads not making wise choices. They need total change to fix the problems they have. Donot see it happening anytime soon. But they do sell alot of newspapers.

Posted by: A.K.H. on Nov 20, 2008 at 07:07 AM
i guess you guys know everything. why cant you just leave him alone? i mean really...you obviously dont know what is going on with him, so why dont you just stop. way to go wsaz, always gotta put the petty stuff on here. is there really nothing else goin on that is more interesting than 22 dollars worth of shoplifting?

Posted by: wow what a mistake on Nov 20, 2008 at 05:20 AM
I wonder how many he took to jail for the same thing he was doing.If it was just a mistake wouldnt he have said you just made a mistake and take them home?

Posted by: annoymous on Nov 20, 2008 at 02:52 AM
To: Posted by: taxpayer on Nov.19,2008 at 03:31 PM What a GOOD POINT! He has a problem alright, he is a THIEF! A THIEF can be anyone, have a job or not! Maybe he can get on WELFARE NOW like other families thieves are! You got to support your family some way RIGHT! Maybe he needed FOOD,was Drunk or someone let a FART on him! Who knows? Kids and Teens today has such GREAT ROLE MODELS like this TEACHING them,you can HEAR or READ it in the NEWS EVERY other day and you wonder why KIDS/TEENS are like they are? Still, their are some GREAT POLICE in West Virginia! PABLO,post your comment so we can hear your excuse on this one!

Posted by: dont believe it on Nov 20, 2008 at 02:08 AM
I went to school with Richard and have known him all my life, he comes from a good family and is a good guy. He does business with us often and i cannot belive that this was something intentional, it had to be a misunderstanding and i believe it will be resolved. i just hope that it gets as much coverage when it does.

Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 20, 2008 at 12:17 AM
dude, you ain't god..

Posted by: Friend of PD on Nov 20, 2008 at 12:12 AM
To police officer , I know RG and about the other dept. that did him wrong but, he got a second chance to regain his reputation and work at the profession he said he loved. Now he has lost his job and no other dept. will hire him he's done, plus embarrass his family and the dept. that gave him a second chance , he meant to do this or it woud not have happened. Makes you wonder was this the first time , did he have a problem, if he did have a problem he should have gotten help, that's no excuse. He is not the first police officer to mess up and I doubt that he will be the last, afterall they are only human but, we expect more of them because we have to trust officers to help and serve the people.

Posted by: Raceland citizen on Nov 19, 2008 at 11:34 PM
WSAZ how about posting all the blogs instead of just the negative ones !!

Posted by: Missy on Nov 19, 2008 at 11:15 PM
I have to defend our town and police dept. They do a good job and this idiot illerate sad again is probably a low life that is on the other side of the law, how would he know what type people the city hires , you never know what people think yes, this person they hired turned out to be a poor choice, you can't be 100% on every body, he lost his job reputation and will probably never be hired by a police dept. again he is the one that lost . Raceland has some good officers and the people like them . This peice of work calling theirself sad again is a sad person calling people names he will probably be in trouble again if not already. What a jerk and dummy he/she is can't spell (papper lol) I hope he/she is not a resident of our nice town if he/she is he/she needs to move with his/her kind in the land fill somewhere with the rest of the garbage.

Posted by: concerned citizen on Nov 19, 2008 at 10:26 PM
what is this world coming to. Police officers should be held to a higher standard what was he thinking. It is a shame that he didn't make enough money putting his life on the line.

Posted by: Ben on Nov 19, 2008 at 10:11 PM
on or off duty 24/7 this man was a police officer and was swore to protect and serve.And this is the profession he has chosed and its obiviously that we need to make an example and not a slap on the wrist and not issue a get out of Jail card just because he is one of the fellow officers...

Posted by: anon on Nov 19, 2008 at 10:01 PM
lets send him to some rehab ,maybe he just has a problem no body is perfect,we all have skeltons in our closets, and u r a ,big lier if u say u dont give him a break,every body jumps to fast and is to judgemental!

Posted by: Andrea on Nov 19, 2008 at 09:28 PM
Hey, maybe he was undercover...ya know a sting operation(wink,wink). What a waste.

Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 19, 2008 at 08:24 PM
why he did what he did we will never know..people in glass houses should not throw stones..He suffering and he made a wrong choice..just leave him be..Ironton friend..

Posted by: to police officers on Nov 19, 2008 at 07:18 PM
and that is a reason to steal a lot of people have problems but they dont go out and steal to solve them or make them go away and unlike him i can look at myself and know that i have never stole anything in my life and i have a job and i love it too and it is as stressful as being a cop but i dont get an urge to steal.And i hope you dont get to where he was because no one needs a cop who's mind is not where it needs to be so if you get there please take a leave of absence and do the community a favor an unstable cop is worse than a theiving cop

Posted by: Person on Nov 19, 2008 at 07:05 PM
I know there is a story behind every action,and I don't mean to sound judgemental, but my suggestion to the Raceland police force is to do better background checks on the people they hire to serve and protect. This man isn't the only thief they have/have had on the force.

Posted by: RUSSELL on Nov 19, 2008 at 06:32 PM
Chief Sammons is an honorable man. He has a good police department. Chief, you and your force can hold their heads up high. I can not believe the Ch3news lets garbage mix in with their news stories.....So Sad Bring back the old newspeople for training. Bos, Bob, Kathy, Nick, even Steve Mcgee .............

Posted by: now hiring on Nov 19, 2008 at 06:22 PM
At least he wasnt selling pills out of his police car like the one in Worthington.I wonder if the other two that resigned/fired in thew last month will make the news.

Posted by: Police Officer on Nov 19, 2008 at 05:41 PM
I know this man was done wrong by another local department in our area. If I were him my mind would not be where it should be either. A man dont spend as many years trying to get into this line of work and just throw it away for no reason. His mind and heart was not clear !!!

Posted by: Police Officer on Nov 19, 2008 at 05:38 PM
I know this man personaly and there must have been something goin on in his mind for him to have let this happen. All this man has ever spoke of his his love for his job. Grant you, he made a mistake! A big one. But how many of you are sittin on your fat hind ends getting welfare checks, selling pills and working at the same time. Reality check....THAT IS A FELONY NOT A MISDEMEANOR ! So before you go judging this man for his mistake...take a look at your self!!!

Posted by: tax payer on Nov 19, 2008 at 05:11 PM
Maybe they will hire him in Worthington if he is on drugs. Maybe he is not a canidate if he only shoplifts.

Posted by: Sad Again on Nov 19, 2008 at 05:07 PM
The judge and jury will be in Boyd co> sooner or later. God has nothing to do with this stuff.

Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 19, 2008 at 04:42 PM
I knew him on a personal level..the guy has issues and didn't need to be a cop in the first place..and the shop lifting shows it!!!!!!!! somewhere in ky...

Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 19, 2008 at 04:40 PM
I'm just glad it wasn't WV for a change...

Posted by: John on Nov 19, 2008 at 04:37 PM
To Sad Again: I very seldom comment on these blogs but,after reading the comment posted by "Sad Again" He sounds SAD alright and stupid " papper" is this supposed to be paper, this is not a typo or he would not have put two p's in it, I had a good laugh out of this . And the poor folks have to pay the price, NO, no one has to pay for anything except the officer that was caught and lost his job, I live in Raceland and I think our POLICE DEPT . does a damn good job for a small Dept. They sure take care of the citizens. So Sad again go stick your stupid head in a hole and shut up unless you have something worthwhile to say. I bet you've been arrested by Raceland Police and you're just mad.

Posted by: Raceland citizen on Nov 19, 2008 at 04:28 PM
To: Tax payer- You take a chance when you hire anyone unfortunatly this person may have been guilty of this kind of activity for a long time and just now got caught, but, this was stupid for a man his age and profession to pull such a dumb trick, now his family will suffer. I have lived in Raceland most of my years and the Raceland PD has always done a good job patroling and serving the citizens. I have called on them several times for vacation checks , and once a prowler and they were right there. THIS COMMENT BY "SAD AGAIN" REALLY SOUNDS LIKE A SAD PITIFUL PERSON OR A PERSON THAT HAS BEEN ON THE RECEIVING END OF THE LAW AND MADE THIS HIS ONE OPPORTUNITY TO BASH THE POLICE DEPT. SAD AGAIN YOU NEED TO GET A LIFE, AND MAYBE CLEAN UP YOUR LIFE UNLESS YOU CAN PROVE WHAT YOU ARE SAYING , PRETTY DUMB ON YOUR PART BUT, THEN YOU DON'T SOUND VERY SMART TO BEGIN WITH.

Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 19, 2008 at 04:20 PM
Are you kidding me? The loss prevention guy at Walmart makes more than this "officer". They probably only make $7-$9 an hour. Most departments probably need to improve their hiring process. Glad I don't work with him!

Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 19, 2008 at 04:00 PM
OUR TAXES GO UP, WATER GOING UP BUT OUR PROTECTION OUR CITY PAYS FOR IS AWFUL. YOU CAN CATCH ALL LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT AT SUPER QUIK, GIOVANNIS OR ANY PLACE THEY CAN EAT AND HANG OUT AND SEE THEIR WOMEN ON THE SIDE. THEY HIRE ANYONE IN THIS CITY AND HIRE SOMEONE TO DO PAYROLL THAT HAS NO CLUE OR DEGREE. THATS WHY THIS CITY IS HURTING IN SO MANY WAYS AND THE CITIZENS HAVE TO PAY FOR THE CITY'S STUPIDITY.

Posted by: Mail lady on Nov 19, 2008 at 03:59 PM
Raceland is really showing itself! You know this town needs an attitude adjustment. The high school V. Principle showed hisself at last Friday night game. Way to show the kids how to act. between the police and principles showing themselves - how can they scold a child for the same behavior?

Posted by: Me on Nov 19, 2008 at 03:52 PM
I am sure God is dealing with this mans heart as you sit here in your pathetic lives and bash him for a mistake he has made. How do you know what is goin on in this mans life? How do you know what is going on in is heart? Maybe your just bashing him because you have not been caught doing something wrong. Are you all Saints of God? NO, I DONT THINK SO !!!! Takes alot to kick a man while he is down. You all should be a shamed !!!!!!!!!

Posted by: ME on Nov 19, 2008 at 03:44 PM
God will judge you people for your hurtfull words just like he will judge those who deny im in there heart. So be prepared and ask for forgivness for YOUR stupidity and comments.

Posted by: tax payer on Nov 19, 2008 at 03:31 PM
Must have been trained by the chief. What next in this poor town ? We can only pray and hope.

Posted by: Spectator on Nov 19, 2008 at 03:14 PM
OMG - Of course, it had to be in KENTUCKY!! No wonder this area is always made fun of...what an IDIOT! Couldn't he just have stolen what he needed from the police department or city hall or something?? LOL

Posted by: GOD on Nov 19, 2008 at 03:01 PM
ONLY ONE PERSON IS IN PLACE TO JUDGE AND THAT ISN'T YOU!

Posted by: Sad Again on Nov 19, 2008 at 03:00 PM
Hey this is what Raceland wants these type of people. Just look at the Mayor /Chief/ and Sgt he/she. Look they are in the funny papper almost every week. And the poor folks have to pay the price.

Posted by: chuck on Nov 19, 2008 at 02:48 PM
He must have not been writing enough tickets. All they do is hangout at Superquik anyway.

Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 19, 2008 at 02:32 PM
I know this young man and he is a fine young man, there has to be a mistake and you are innocent until proven other wise

Posted by: Tim on Nov 19, 2008 at 02:09 PM
They must have not completed an evaluation on this officers character because only an idiot would throw away a job with benefits and decent pay for 22 dollars worth of merchandise. I mean just how stupid do you have to be in this economy to do something so dumb.

Posted by: police officer on Nov 19, 2008 at 02:02 PM
Hey Gullett do you need $22.00 I will loan it to ya if ya need it. By the way could you pick up a few things from Walmart for me.

Posted by: HAPPY on Nov 19, 2008 at 01:54 PM
THIS IS WAY TO FUNNY A COP STEALING FROM WAL MART? OH I FOR GOT HE DIDNT CASH HIS PAY CHECK?

Posted by: Gallia county on Nov 19, 2008 at 01:49 PM
WOW! Times must really be hard.

Posted by: Debbie on Nov 19, 2008 at 01:48 PM
wow really a what was he thinking moment

Posted by: John Allen on Nov 19, 2008 at 01:18 PM
LOL!! What an Idiot... Send this one to Jay Leno...

Posted by: Joanne on Nov 19, 2008 at 01:03 PM
What an idiot! This guy actually had a decent job in this area where job security is questionable at best and he does something like this. That obviously doesn't even touch upon the fact that he was in the very position of upholding the laws and setting proper examples of behavior and betrayed the badge and all those that really do put themselves on the line for us everyday. What a donkey!

Posted by: Melinda on Nov 19, 2008 at 12:43 PM
This should be on america's most stupidest criminals, how are you going to go into a walmart with 5,000 camaras and steal 22.00 worth of stuff. You have got to be out of your mind. the 22.00 is a misdemeanor and I'm sure he knew that. But he will lose his job and to me that isn't even worth it. You threw away a good job for 22.00 dollars you need an MRI.

Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 19, 2008 at 12:33 PM
what an embarrassment to his force and his family..$22 he could of pawned his personal gun...what a shamless man he is.and he should be charged to the full extent!!!!!!!

Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 19, 2008 at 12:10 PM
WHAT WILL HE STEAL NEXT A DONUT FROM SUPER QUIK IN RACELAND HA HA HA WAY TO GO RACELAND GLAD I DONT LEAVE IN RACELAND HE MIGHT BREAK IN MY HOUSE GO RAMS

Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 19, 2008 at 12:08 PM
JUST LIKE RACELAND TO HIRE SOMEONE U CANT TRUST GO RAMS

Posted by: Pee Wee on Nov 19, 2008 at 11:59 AM
They could have charged him a big fine and let him keep his job. It hurts to pay a big fine and he may have a family who will suffer from this.

Posted by: WOW on Nov 19, 2008 at 11:52 AM
22? maybe you should pay him more. Seriously though, something seems so wrong here. Why would he jeporadize everything including his job?

Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 19, 2008 at 11:25 AM
HOW CAN U TRUST HIM TO WORK FOR U MAYBE HE STOLE THE MONEY FOR THE COURT HOUSE WHAT WILL HE DO NEXT GO RAMS

Posted by: gene on Nov 19, 2008 at 10:47 AM
could'nt he steal enough from the people he pulled over and checked their cars like the hpd does

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The Yell: Comments for the Week of 1/4
  • Posted By: Fixed that for youAny one who is paid by the general public, us, should have no problem taking urine tests. After all they are in the pubic debt for paying them. Its simple NO TEST, NO CHECK. This is not an attempt to violate rights, it is an attempt to enforce the publics right for our money to go to people in government and on welfare who can be TRUSTED.
  • Posted By: Chris to WSAZTo all the workers and employees of WSAZ: Thank you for being there and allowing comments about the news.Our family watch only WSAZ news and enjoy each of you. I know that the recognition that you receive is little to none,but you deserve better.This goes out to the producers,cameramen,to everyone behind the scenes and the ones that are seen too. Thank you for having the best news program available to the public. God Bless Each and Everyone of You. Chris
  • Posted By: redbaronin response to pablo on comment dated 01/06 - EXCUSE ME!! I do believe FIREFIGHTERS also risk their lives for total strangers and no they are NOT law enforcement!
  • Posted By: omgI am so sick and tired of hearing how public school teachers are indebted to the public for their salary. Many of you are so freakin nosey that if your neighbor stopped too fast, you'd have to get a crane to remove your head from their rear. I am so tired of this drug test line. Teachers deserve to pee in peace and so do you. Why should teachers be forced to have their personal lives paraded all over the news? That is exactly what would happen. If a typical joe blow got fired from the coal mines for drugs, it wouldn't make front page news. A teacher being fired for drugs would. You people expect teachers to be the mother, father, grandparent, clergyman, counselor, as well as the teacher. You don't do anything with your kids but expect the teacher to fix all the problem you create. Some of them probably need drugs by the time they are done raising your spoiled kids who think the world owes them something on a silver platter. Take your own drug test before you get pregnant.
  • Posted By: SophieRe: The student (Hinzman?) being expelled for using foul language after being bullied & beaten on school grounds; you should not have been expelled for expressing your hurt, anger & disgust. You were a victim and did nothing. It is unreasonable to punish the victim - so what if he cussed - I'd cuss too if someone beat the beegeebers out of me. The kid who beat you should receive jail time & counciling; the kid who filmed you & released it on U-Tube should too. It has often been said that television is desensitizing our children so badly they have no empathy for others. This is a prime example. I hope the school board will have enough common sense to clear this victims school record of the incident as he should not have been expelled, and get him counciling also as such a trauma will surly have an effect on a young life.
  • Posted By: BoydAny one who is employed and gets paid by the general public, us, should have no problem taking urine tests. After all they are in the pubic debt for paying them for their work. Its simple NO TEST, NO JOB. This is not an attempt to violate rights, it is an attempt to enforce the publics right for federal, state and municipal employees who can be TRUSTED.
  • Posted By: GeorgeAs a parent I have no problem being drug tested. I'll stand in line right behind Katy.
  • Posted By: goodorbadI look at it like this-if you dont have anything to hide, shut up and do the test!
  • Posted By: RickI think all teachers should be drug tested, I drive a transit bus for our county and I want the public to know I am drug free and teachers should want everyone to know the same, that their children are not in the care of people on drugs,if you have nothing to hide why object to random testing I know I don't
  • Posted By: TeaI can't even imagine that our teachers have not been drug tested up until this time. Anyone who refuses should be fired. These are our children!!! People take drug test when they don't even work with people, let alone children. These are government jobs and we should have a say in what they have to do.
  • Posted By: AriCheers to Rob-I feel ya!
  • Posted By: joeI have worked for companies all over this nation and have had to take drug tests. Why should teachers be exempt from this practice? It is now common to be randomly tested(and I have been) so what makes a teacher any different than a steel worker. I can say proudly that I passed but I have seen those who didn't. They chose to use drugs and lost their jobs I didn't.
  • Posted By: KatyAs a teacher, I have no problem being randomly drug tested...as long as you agree to drug test the parents who enter the doors of my school as well. Most teachers deal with students who are exposed to/use more drugs and alcohol than any of the teachers. If these students or parents who are using drugs (and are not drug tested) enter our schools, the safety of the teachers and students are at risk. Since children spend more time with them, let's randomly drug test PARENTS, too!!!
  • Posted By: stephenWhy the heavy emphasis ont he damage to property and life Israel is doing . Where was the media uproar for years that Hamas was rocketing Israel irespective of innocent israelis.. Hamas is actualykilling their own citizens by firing rockets from UN schools and residents. Why does UN allow Hamas to use facilities for attacking Israel, then complain when Israel responds to protect their territory and citizens. Israel targets military targets, respons to from whence rockets or gun fire comes. What would we fire at if Huntington was attacked?Why does the media not put bla,e where balame belongs, and give moral support to the aggreived.What would America do if attacked? to whom would we listen? Russia, Saudi Arabia,Iran?.Media get REAL! Who has given Hamas and the Palestinians millions with which they could buy weapons---American taxpayers money!
  • Posted By: RobertAlthough I feel for the employees that lost their positions at Cabell Huntington Hospital, at least more nurses were hired. I recently had a relative in the cardiac unit at Kings Daughters, in Ashland, and I was told that the nursing staff had been cut back and that no overtime was being given. This seems to be a drastic cut in patient care for a facility that spends thousands advertising that they are in the top 5% of cardiac hospitals in the country. I would be willing to wager that the Cleveland Clinic has not cut hours of those giving patient care.
  • Posted By: BoydIf the state's budget is doing so well, why don't we use some of this money to help towns and cities in the state who are in trouble with their budget, or will this just become another pay raise for politicians?
  • Posted By: RobWhy does everyone have to be so into using the term "racist" and have that kind of attitude. I know what my heritage is and who my ancestors were but you want to know what I consider myself? I AM AN AMERICAN! I was born and raised in this country and that's how I feel it should be. Born here, raised here.....then by God you are an American. Not an African American, not an Asian American etc. etc. You are an AMERICAN!
  • Posted By: ChrisTo Ex-Officer: I agree with you 100% about the pay of police dept and the drug testing. I was formerly involved with the BCPD and had multiple ride alongs with the BCSO. I am probably one of their biggest critics due to having watch some of the bad side of the department for a long time. I wish that I could tell everything that I have seen officers do,which would put most of them behind bars or they'll lose their sheild, But retalliation is bad in our area. To the cops that do their job and do it with the best intentions, I proud of you and don't mean any disrespect. To the ones who I personally watch being more currupt then the "badguys" here,your day will be coming.
  • Posted By: PabloTeachers aren't the only ones underpaid. Law enforcement officers are underpaid also. And I'd like to speak about them. For example, I'm sure any parent would sacrifice their live for thier children. And several may give thier live to save their spouse. A few individuals may even do it for a close friend. But, I only know of 3 types of beings who will sacrifice thier lives for complete strangers; indeed even for people who hate them. The first would be our men and women in our armed forces. The second would be our law enforcement officers. And of course, third would be our Savior, Jesus Christ. Others are killed in the line of their employment, but not in order to save a complete stranger. Everytime a cop puts on his/her uniform, they can be a target for anyone upset about something. Even though it doesn't involve the cop personally, that very cop will give his life to save yours when a problem arises. We need to give our cops not only a wage, but a living wage and a great big THANKS.
  • Posted By: CraigIf what I am hearing is correct that Kanawha County teachers accepted a pay raise in return for submitting to drug testing, and then sued successfully so they do not have to be subject to testing, then why shouldn't we the taxpayers demand they return the raise?
  • Posted By: teresaracist lmao i am one cherokee,german,irish,german,and who knows what else TIRED of hearing of racist comments u are either GOOD OR BAD k no skin color needed just evil or NOT
  • Posted By: Ex-OfficerI agree with Robert 100% I worked in law enforcement and loved the job but try to rise a family on less than 10.00 an hour (out of that pay for your own duty gear and gun). I believe that all public safety workers should be drug tested but i also believe that they should be paid for the job that they do. Not many people understand what a public safty worker goes through. Would you put your life on the line for this kind of pay? Remember the saying that you get what you pay for. I see this in several new officers in my area. Don't get me wrong there are still very good officers in law enforcement. Something really needs to be done about the low pay for these jobs.
  • Posted By: GarlandWhat's the difference between teachers and other workers(coal mineers, bus drivers, state employees,etc.)? Teachers aren't any better are they?
  • Posted By: This is not a comment, but I would like comments on it please. What do you think of Poca High School? Racist or not?
  • Posted By: RobertWe the people, through our own self centeredness and apathy, have allowed our teachers and police officials to be some of the most underpaid people in the United States. We are trusting our childrens education and our public safety to the very people that are some of the most underpaid profesions in the U.S.. If I could change this, I would. However, I do believe that these people should be randomly drug tested. I work in the construction industry and I have no problem being drug tested. I have nothing to hide. I also believe that any person who is intrusted with the safety of others should have nothing to hide. This includes plitical officials up to and including the president.
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