Police should protect themselves

I am writing to the Herald, of which I have been a subscriber for 15 years. I am very disappointed in the article titled, "Police silent about fatal shooting."

The very title suggests the police are hiding something about the investigation that is being conducted by the state police and the state's attorney's office, which is standard protocol in officer-involved shootings.

(The article) stated, "Police refused to provide any details on the shooting." Well, information relative to the investigation wasn't available because obviously it wasn't concluded. Is this your first experience regarding police investigations? I thought I was reading the Sun Times.

I was most disturbed that (the article) seemed to question why lethal force was necessary when, "Chybicki had only knives."

Well, I would like to inform you that a knife is every bit as dangerous and deadly as a firearm. Several major arteries in our bodies, namely in the arm, neck and thigh, are only one-quarter inch under our skin, and if severed will cause death by the victim bleeding out quickly.

Furthermore, an assailant armed with a knife can cross 21 feet and stab an officer before an he/she can draw a weapon and defend him/herself.

The police put themselves in danger of death by attempting to use non-lethal options first, and are to be commended for their restraint and bravery. If (the reporter) is such an expert in how knives aren't that dangerous, and knows so much about being a police officer, I suggest she take an oath, put on a badge and sidearm, and go out to protect and serve. If not, maybe try fair and balanced journalism.

(The article) also included all the information included in the offender's obituary. It seems as though (the Daily Herald) wants us to feel sorry for someone who attacked the police, our protectors and guardians.

I would rather hear how the officers are doing. However, I don't want to show the family of the offender any disrespect, as they have lost a loved one and are in no way responsible for his actions.

Bill Annen

Arlington Heights