Trained police successfully resolve hostage situation

The recent hostage incident at the Tumwater Jack in the Box clearly shows how important and valuable a professional and well trained police force is for the safety of any community.

It is indeed most fortunate that the people in the restaurant had a police force to call and that the officers who responded had the skills to resolve the situation effective. A hostage and the employees were saved from death or serious injury by a mentally unstable individual. Any one in this area could be confronted by such an individual at any time and need police assistance immediately.

The suspect was given the opportunity to obey the lawful commands of the responding police. He chose not to. The officers had to make a decision quickly in order to protect the public. I commend them highly for doing so most effectively. This incident demonstrates that both the police and fire protection services are the communities most valuable asset.

This story was originally published August 28, 2015 at 8:53 AM with the headline "Trained police successfully resolve hostage situation."