HomeMy WebLinkAbout02025 emai l - In support of Andy Persteiner's appointment to SheriffALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them.
Dear members of the Board of County Commissioners:
I met Andy Pernsteiner while volunteering to serve holiday meals at the Tri-Area Community Center. He has been a leader in this effort that provides hot food and a warm welcome to hundreds
of our neighbors each Thanksgiving and Christmas. I learned that he often uses his vacation time in preparation and execution of these gatherings, sometimes working without sleep following
a shift as a law enforcement officer.
I observed how he loves and respects the people coming to these events. He often recognizes the vehicles as they pull in to place their order. He has encountered the occupants when they
were drunk, high, committing crimes or being victimized. He knows by name most of the hundreds of people who seek good food they cannot afford to prepare for themselves and who seek
a brief escape from loneliness. Though he may have arrested them, often multiple times, I noticed that none showed anything but respect and affection for Andy, and he showed them in
his words and tone of voice that he really cares for them.
I want to relate one incident that sealed my unshakable favorable opinion of Andy Pernsteiner as a person and law enforcement officer. We were outside (in the cold rain, I believe) greeting
vehicles as they entered the parking lot and taking their orders. A pickup pulled in then abruptly stopped several yards away from us, not pulling up slowly as the others did. The driver's
door flew open and a very large, powerful man came out fast. He came straight at Andy. I'm thinking, "Uh, oh," as this man easily lifted Andy off his feet (imagine that!) What followed
was a huge bear hug and laughter.
I later learned that this man and Andy had a not so friendly past. This man had been a terrible meth addict and criminal. An incident occured when Andy, on solo patrol, was forced to
fight this man. They battled hard, hand-to-hand. This guy is much bigger than Andy, but Andy eventually prevailed without using lethal force and took him into custody. That man credits
Andy with saving his life--one of those angels in uniform former addicts talk about. He has been clean for years since that incident and has rebuilt not only a personal and family life,
but has also built a successful business.
This is the Andy Pernsteiner I know. Jefferson County would be blessed to have him as our Sheriff.
Sincerely,
Jim Scarantino
Discovery Bay