Letter: Bereaved parents thank Salt Lake police

Our daughter, Kelly Simons, was killed Jan. 9 this year in Salt Lake City by U.S. marshals based on "probable cause." She was unarmed with no criminal record, no trial, no jury, just execution. The difficulties of dealing with this are compounded by the lack of information of the event or reasons for the tactics and level of force.

But a light in this dilemma has arisen from what many would consider an unlikely place. The Salt Lake City Police Department has been a source of professional compassion that has been forthcoming with information in a way that has given us comfort and hope.

Our dealings with Chief Chris Burbank and his staff have been extremely surprising in light of the previous opinions we held due to recent officer shootings in Utah. In fact we have found the SLCPD to be an ally to us in finding the truth and direction we should pursue.

Looking around the country and seeing the many problems cities face with their police, (militarization, SWAT, strike forces) we have come to understand just how fortunate we are to have such a group of men and women who reflect a high standard of professionalism without the arrogance and guile. Rather, they show a respectful consideration we all should afford each other as fellow human beings. Let's hope we can hang on to what we have here.

Scott and Julie Simons

Peoa