The purpose of this letter is to commend the outstanding and professional response I received from two Oak Harbor Police officers. On March 26, I returned to my car to find the window smashed and my purse stolen. The crime occurred on federal property and I called Navy Security to report the break-in. By the time I returned home and was able to cancel my credit cards, the culprits had already made several charges to my accounts at a local Oak Harbor business. After reporting the same to Navy Security, I called the Oak Harbor Police Department. Officer French and Officer Horn were assigned the case.

While a stolen purse may have been a huge deal for me, on the scale of crimes, that particular one falls pretty low. Regardless, Officer French and Officer Horn immediately responded with a very proactive and hands-on investigation. Their exceptional response resulted in the apprehension of the thief a few hours later. The individual arrested is allegedly responsible for numerous other vehicle thefts in our community.

Officer French and Officer Horn’s professional behavior exemplifies a police officer’s responsibility to protect and serve their community. For over five years, my profession has lent itself to significant interaction with law enforcement. In that time, I have never been more impressed with two individuals as I currently am with Officer French and Officer Horn.

In my experience, an effective police department requires three qualities: Well selected and properly trained officers, adequate equipment and a strong command. My recent experience with Officers French and Horn, and the Oak Harbor Police Department as a whole, leads me to believe that all three of these qualities are present here in Oak Harbor.

I’d like to take this opportunity to personally thank both Officer French and Officer Horn for their excellent assistance and inform the residents of Oak Harbor that they can be confident in their police department’s ability to protect and serve.

Amy Dempsey

Oak Harbor