A $17,000 ring was snatched from our store on Monday morning. I helplessly watched as the car sped away and disappeared into traffic.
Within minutes, Officer McDonald arrived at our store in response to our 911 call. While we were giving him the details we were informed that officers had the suspects in their sight. They followed the car with the assistance of the Sheriff’s Office helicopter through the streets of Sanford until the suspects crashed and fled on foot. Sanford police returned our ring a short time after the theft. I was in awe of our law enforcement agencies that day.
It began with a vigilant, off-duty Seminole County deputy sheriff, Valencia LaRue, who noticed something that did not look right. While I was congratulating the officers, Sergeant Jankowski stated, “This is the direct result of the recent changes made by the Sanford Police Department.”
When I inquired about the changes, I was told that the partnership between Sheriff Eslinger and the Sanford City Commission allowed Chief Deputy Steve Harriett to serve as interim police chief of Sanford. He realigned the Sanford Police Department and the changes continue with Police Chief Bill Lee.
For 26 years the Sanford police force has protected William Howard’s Jewelers. From attempted robbery to false alarms in the middle of the night, I have always been treated with respect and honor. Today, I am pleased for the recovery of my merchandise, but more than that, I am thrilled watching a new page turn for the Sanford Police Department. Every citizen will benefit from that.
Linda D. Fairfield
President, William
Howard’s Jewelers, Inc.