Private citizens care

Dear Editor

I'd like to take a quick break from the water issues facing southwest Nebraska to comment on the editorial Sparse population sparks need for more cooperation.

Years ago I was privileged to attend a training on law enforcement responding to missing or abducted children. Agencies from Chicago, and Dallas down to little one horse towns smaller than McCook were represented.

The larger agencies reported that in the event of missing or abducted child they could field helicopters, tracking dogs and several teams of detectives. I had the opportunity to point out that in Western Nebraska we might not have access to a lot of paid personnel and equipment , what we did have were people who cared and were willing to step up and help out in a time of need.

There were countless times over the years that it was a regular citizen who actually solved the crime or otherwise "saved the day."

I would never downplay the need for members of different law enforcement agencies to work together, or the need to utilize new technology. I still believe it's the people themselves that make the biggest difference.

Note anyone interested in information on responding to missing children, can contact the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. They are one of the finest groups of professionals and dedicated volunteers you could ever hope to meet.

Bill Hoyt,

McCook