Dear Editor,

James Monroe recently retired from the Danville Police Department with 20 years of distinguished service to our community. He is now an outstanding candidate to serve on Danville City Commission.

James’ academic leadership training and successful leadership experience uniquely gives him all of the qualifications for the position of commissioner.

Academic training includes a bachelor’s of arts in psychology at Carson Newman College; F.B.I. National Academy graduate from Quantico, Virginia; Criminal Justice Executive Development graduate at Richmond, Kentucky; and many other public service workshops.

His leadership experience in Danville is exemplified with the following positions held and promotions given in the Danville Police Department: housing officer, patrol officer, detective, patrol sergeant, detective sergeant, captain, head of patrol and captain-training coordinator.

Meritorious awards given in these positions were employee of year, supervisor of the year, most improved officer, conduct medal, lifesaving medal and two letters of commendation for coordinating safety for the local vice-presidential debate and a proposal for a bike patrol unit.

During these years with the Danville Police Department, James has also been involved in several community service activities outside of work. They are: volunteer instructor for the “RISE” program for disadvantaged children; helped repair a church in Slidell, Louisiana after Hurricane Katrina; coached youth basketball teams; coached multiple T-ball teams; taught after school programs for children from public housing; often spoke to community groups about safety (Crime Prevention Through Environment Design or CPTED); served as a cook at fund raisers for the domestic violence shelter; and is a member of Lexington Avenue Baptist Church.

James is a humble person who demonstrates humility with a positive personality. He deeply cares for Danville and all of its residents.

As an employee in a local public school, I have worked with James many times and have firsthand experience of his kindness and work ethic. Every month for two years, James Monroe came to our school and led a 15-person committee to develop our safe school plan. James worked extremely well with the faculty, staff and students on this very important project for the school, which is still in effect today.

He has always demonstrated dignity and respect for our students and staff.

Vote for James Monroe for Danville City Commissioner.

Paul Smiley

Danville