PRESS: Bull's-eye hit on news story

I wanted to thank your reporter and the Coeur d'Alene Press for the fine job they did conducting an interview with me and the resulting story that was written. I was quite nervous about granting an interview in the first place, as a result of past meetings with the media leaving me wondering if the article was written after talking to me or someone else!

Your reporter was genuinely concerned that the original tale, based on the police department's release, was not quite accurate. I feel this was probably an effort to protect my wife and me from possible retaliations. Your photographer and reporter were very professional, they asked pertinent questions and allowed me to answer them, and then actually published what I said!

I was pretty embarrassed by the front page picture and caption, but I do understand that you need to sell a few papers to buy ink. The resulting story was well done. Just to clarify, however, I did not call a "magazine" a clip, and we didn't specify clearly that a compact officer's size 1911 with a six-round magazine and one in the chamber results in seven potential rounds ready to be fired. I am amazed at how many people seem to think those two things are important.

My wife and I have been pleasantly surprised at the incredible number of wonderful neighbors, friends and future friends who have visited our food trailer in the last few days. Most have wanted to shake hands and thank me for "stepping up" when needed. I feel like a campaigning politician I have shaken hands with so many folks. Seriously though, the message I wanted to convey was printed and that is that a well-trained and prepared citizen can be the best friend of his neighbors and the businesses he frequents - the worst nightmare of a would-be criminal. But that only works with the proper training and staying prepared at all times.

TIMOTHY O. PATTERSON

Owner and operator

The Big Yellow mobile kitchen