We salute an icon, St. Clair County Sheriff Mearl Justus, on his retirement. This great man gave us 30 years as the top law enforcement cop in St. Clair County. Hero's Way Angels and Flag Stands in the Village of Washington Park and State Park Place in Collinsville will dedicate a new super cop Mearl Justus icon, flag to salute Sheriff Mearl Justus.

The sheriff is in our prayers on his recovery as we prayed when he had his heart attack. God was not through with our hero. A true man for law and order. Justice for all of God's people.

As a Republican I always voted for Mearl and other great Democrats such as Bobby Delaney. I always vote for the man or woman that stands tall and will do the very best they can for everyone in the general elections, village elections and township elections.

I am a proud, white, poor Republican and all American. Thank you. God bless Mearl Justus.

Tom Qualls Sr.

Washington Park