The Folsom Police Officers’ Association (FPOA) consists of over 100 sworn and professional staff.  These officers and professional staff give their heart and soul to the community of Folsom.  I, as the President of the FPOA, feel compelled to have their voices heard.  I have been an employee and resident of the City of Folsom for over 20 years. Now, maybe more than ever, we are faced with decisions at the ballot box which will have a profound impact for the future of public safety, local business success, fiscal accountability and leadership.

It is no question that the FPOA stands behind Dustin Silva for Folsom City Council in District 2. Dustin has worked in public safety for 25 years. He moved to Folsom in 2011 to raise his family. At the time, Dustin knew Folsom was one of the best, and safest places to raise a family in the greater Sacramento area. Since moving to Folsom, Dustin has been actively involved in youth programs as a coach and sits on the board for the Folsom Junior Bulldog Football Program.

I spoke with Dustin about what the driving force was for him in his pursuit of the council seat he seeks. Without hesitation, Dustin described an incident at Livermore Park in October of last year. That exact incident sits heavily in my mind as well. Members of this association responded to a stabbing at the park where many of our children play and also happens to be home to the Jr. Bulldogs. The incident turned out to be a fight amongst individuals who made their home for the night inside one of the restrooms at the park.

As I spoke with Dustin about this incident, we remembered a time when something like this would have never taken place in our city. We spoke about his current and past roles in law enforcement where he has managed a budget of more than 35 million dollars, directly oversees more than 100 officers and is one of 12 Captains for more than 1,500 sworn members of the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office. During his tenure, Dustin played a direct role in the expansion and implementation of the Homeless Outreach Team (HOT) for the County under Sheriff Jim Cooper. Dustin successfully worked with the County Board of Supervisors and regional leaders to garner support and secure funding for their efforts regarding homelessness throughout the county.

Dustin is committed to bringing that same tenacity to the Folsom City Council. His impressive list of endorsements speaks for itself when it comes to public safety in the city we call home. Please join former Sheriff John McGinnis, current Sheriff Jim Cooper, The Folsom Police Officers’ Association and the many other men and women who have committed their lives to public safety in ensuring Dustin Silva is elected for Folsom City Council in District 2.  His stance on public safety is clearly outlined on his campaign website:silvaforfolsom.com or please visit the FPOA’s Facebook at facebook.com/FolsomPOA

John Triplett is the President of the Folsom Police Officers’ Association.

The above commentary was authored by local resident John Triplett and submitted to Folsom Times. The views and opinions expressed in community commentary submissions are that of the authors and do not reflect the views and opinions of Folsom Times, its management, staff, stakeholders or advertisers.

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