As a combat veteran and spouse of a veteran APD officer, I was offended by William Beebe’s letter characterizing APD officers as unqualified “cowboy wannabes” (“Can Anchorage officers shoot straight?” Nov. 29)  Has Mr. Beebe ever put his life on the line for others?  If he has ever defended himself with a pistol against a partially concealed armed opponent — presumably while ducking and backing — how straight did he shoot?

— Michael Lacey

Anchorage