Critics of city’s police officers may not understand the job
This is in support of Chief Rory Collins and the Salisbury Police Department. In Wednesday’s Post Mr. Scott Teamer, Mr. Bill Godair and Mr. Bradley Taylor all criticized the department, citing numerous incidences of “disrespect” “(NAACP president, pastors call for change at Salisbury Police Department”).
This is Mr. Teamer’s second time in less than two months making unsubstantiated charges against public officials. Last month it was Mac Butner as chairman of the county Housing Authority. While Mr. Butner’s Facebook postings were offensive, there was no evidence that his opinions ever carried over to his performance as chairman of the Housing Authority. Mr. Teamer’s basic position was “He’s a nasty guy and should be fired.” Nothing about performance.
Now Mr. Teamer is demanding Chief Collins be fired and that a citizen’s review board be formed, all without any evidence brought forward.
Godair and Taylor admitted to breaking the law, by speeding and driving a vehicle with an expired registration. Their complaint was that they weren’t kowtowed to, as they apparently expected, as clergy. What they don’t realize is that traffic stops are inherently dangerous for single officers. Officers never know who they’ve stopped, whether it’s a pastor or someone who has just killed an entire family. What they also don’t realize is that police officers are trained to always maintain control of the situation. This includes a strong physical presence, which can be intimidating, but only to the innocent.
If these three men really want to help, they can help the department recruit young men and women as police officers. Candidates must pass written tests, be physically and mentally fit and have a clean police record. Then they can try for a job involving mediocre pay, long hours, some danger and lots of criticism from the people they are sworn to protect and serve.
— Jack Burke
Salisbury

Knox’s dedicated faculty, staff
Had a wonderful time at my son’s eighth-grade open house at Knox Middle School Thursday night. It was an evening full of meeting teachers, learning about the curriculum, signing up for Remind 101, and seeing many familiar faces across our spruced up campus and buildings, as well as hearing an overview from our new co-principals.
There has been much written lately about the journey of transformation that Knox has begun under Drs. Waiknis’ and Dixon’s leadership, and I hope that we will continue to see many more articles in the Salisbury Post!
Words to describe this duo are “dynamic,” “inspiring,” “motivating,” “dedicated and very hard working.”
Those last two descriptions: “dedicated and very hard working” also sum up our faculty and staff. While I am very excited about the future for Knox, I don’t want us to lose sight of the wonderful teachers who have worked tirelessly over the many years of continual transition. Even when morale was low, they gave their all to our students, and as a parent, I want to say, “Thank You.” We are glad that they chose to stay, and are happy to welcome our new teachers on board!
Our two assistant principals, Mrs.German and Dr. Freeman, have also committed themselves over the years, and throughout this summer to make sure that every child Experiences Excellence Everyday at Knox Middle School. The future is bright as the community embraces Knox and all that it has to offer. We all benefit from #KnoxStrong.
— Elaine Holden
Salisbury