Wounded police officer thanks community for support

To the people of our community,

My family and I were overwhelmed by your letters of support, your shared concern, the funds raised on our behalf, and especially by your many prayers over these last few months. We have been touched, humbled and blessed by each of you. Your actions are not simply kind, but healing as we witness the goodness in many, which far outweighs the evil in a few. You will always be in our hearts, as we have been in yours, and we hope you know how much you are appreciated.

This is a hard time for us and we don't know yet if I will ever fully recover and return to duty. But each day is a gift, and all our problems pale when compared to the knowledge that I miraculously survived this terrible attack. Your police officers take to the street every day knowing it could be their last, and it is unfortunately a necessary risk they take in order to accomplish the task of keeping the city safe.

Violent crime in our neighborhoods can only be contained by a strong police force working for and with the community in a combined effort. I only hope that what happened to me will help us all to remain focused on the need to work together, and that we continue to dedicate our energy and our resources to bring back the sense of peace and safety that once was my experience as a child growing up in this city.

I know that we share these goals, and I want you to know that it is a distinct honor to have served and sacrificed as an Anchorage police officer.

-- Officer Jason Allen and family

Anchorage

Wildlife post gains with manager

Recent articles and opinions in the ADN (March 13, 23, 25) are negative about Corey Rossi's appointment as director of the Alaska Department of Fish and Game Division of Wildlife Conservation. Most of Rossi's detractors are former ADFG biologists and want him removed from the position, claiming he does not have adequate credentials.

I disagree. Rossi has years of experience establishing and managing a U.S. Department of Agriculture wildlife management program and office. The director of the Wildlife Division is a manager, not a researcher. I believe that Rossi, like all good managers, knows how to get expertise when he needs it, and has a proven record in wildlife management and administration.

I think Rossi will bring beneficial change, and his practical experience will contribute to multiple-use management of wildlife and other natural resources (e.g. oil, minerals, timber) in Alaska.

-- Matthew A. Cronin, Ph.D.

Anchorage