An open response to Mr. Royce Pollard’s “friend” request to me (Lee Kershaw) on facebook today 1/12/10

An open response to Mr. Royce Pollard’s “friend” request to me (Lee Kershaw) on facebook today 1/12/10 (he stated he is a “friend to anyone who is a friend to the City of Vancouver)~

With all due respect Mr. Pollard; I am a “friend” of Vancouver. So much so in fact that I moved here with my family so that my husband could continue his career in service as a Police Officer with the City of Vancouver. I’m surprised you don’t recognize my name.
While I’m sure it is difficult as Mayor to keep your finger on EVERYTHING that happens in your city…I would think that the Kershaw family name might stand out in your mind.
My husband, Chris Kershaw, a decorated Army Veteran and recipient of the “Medal of Valor” from the City of Vancouver Police Department, was unjustly fired from the Vancouver Police Department while you were still in office. He testified in favor of Navin Sharma and was crucified for doing so. He was called a liar, a bad cop, and “Brady’d” ending his long career as a police officer despite the fact that a local District Court Judge informed VPD that Chris had done nothing wrong or dishonest. This judge’s opinion was disregarded and Chris was fired and the city sent out “Brady” letters anyway.
Due to his unjust termination, and the circumstances around it, my husband was virtually unemployable. A fact that forced him to re-enter the United States Army in order to support our family and provide health insurance for me and our son. Luckily for our family, he is currently working as a recruiter locally, but when his orders here are up chances are very good his unit will go to Afghanistan (Where he will serve proudly protecting our Country).
You, my “friend” sat idle while the City’s Attorneys office and the upper echelon’s at VPD turned the local police department in to an environment where a corrupt few run the show…and the rest are left to duck and cover in hopes that they will not be next in the long line of unjust treatment, unnecessary internal investigations, and payback for doing the RIGHT thing and standing up for fellow officers who are being mistreated and discriminated against.
If indeed you are a “friend” to anyone who is a friend of the City of Vancouver Mr. Pollard, I would encourage you to step up and do the right thing. Assist us in resolving this dispute so that my husband can get back to work where he belongs; protecting and serving the City of Vancouver’s citizens.
Respectfully,
Lee Kershaw