PEOPLE CAN love entertainers, athletes, politicians but not a lot gets said about policemen. When St. Clair County Sheriff Mearl Justus retired, I had to collect my thoughts.

I am 56 years old and just retired. I have lived in Cahokia all of my life. At my birth Mearl was probably out on patrol. In 1962 he became our chief for the Village of Cahokia. I was 5 years old. I hit 25, he was sheriff of St. Clair County. Sheriff Justus 30 years later retires with health problems and now I'm 56.

He dedicated 60-plus years of his life serving us. For the old timers who still live in Cahokia, Sheriff Justus will forever be remembered as a beacon of strength and security. I guess I always just took it for granted and never realized that I know one of America's top cops.

I'm proud he is from my hometown. He served longer than I've been alive. Good luck, sir, in your retirement and take the break you proudly deserve.

Michael C. Reidelberger

Cahokia