From: Haley Kittle Williams
Hope
“Remember who you are and what you represent.” As a teenager, these were the words my dad told me every day before I left the house. Growing up, I heard what he was telling me, but I didn’t truly understand the meaning until later in life.
I was born and raised the daughter of two police officers: Rob Kittle, who worked for both the Columbus Police Department and Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Office, and Jo Anna Shafer Kittle, who was the first female deputy within the Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Office and went on to be a 911 dispatcher for the Columbus Police Department. Along with my sisters, Mallory and Caroline, I know the feeling of being raised in a police household.
Spring forward two years, and I married a Columbus police officer, Jeff Williams. I am also employed as a Bartholomew County 911 dispatcher. Needless to say, our dinner table conversations were, and are, unique. My family bleeds blue.
In today’s world, where the media is riddled with violence and anti-police rhetoric, my heart hurts. I have seen the sacrifice that law enforcement officers all over this country face daily. I could relay hundreds of events, birthdays, holidays and celebrations that I missed with one — or both — of my parents and husband because they were working to make our community a better place for all of us. They are not alone. That is, in the very least, the sacrifice every law enforcement family makes. Some sacrifice so much more.
After 30 years of law enforcement, two terms on the Columbus City Council, one term on the Bartholomew County Council and too many boars, committees and coaching opportunities to list, retirement wasn’t an option. My dad still wants to give more to this community. He truly has a servant’s heart.
Along with that servant’s heart, my dad possesses an unwavering sense of integrity. As we all know, actions say so much more than words. With many political cycles, negative campaigning and mud-slinging occurs. This sheriff’s election is not unique. Throughout this process, my dad was never willing to compromise his integrity to gain anything — whether that be a vote in his favor or an elected position. He does not make promises that he cannot keep. Long after this election is over, that is what I will remember most.
My dad has impressed me countless times in my life, but I have never been more proud of him than I am today. His commitment to the safety of this community is unmatched.
If the residents of Bartholomew County are willing to have him, he will proudly serve this community again in the capacity of sheriff. I can promise that he will have the same approach to being sheriff as he had to being our dad. At the end of the day, integrity matters, how you treat people matters and, most importantly, remember who you represent!
As sheriff, he is the best candidate to represent us, the residents of Bartholomew County.
