REBUKE: Criticism of cops was wrong

In response to a letter published Dec. 24, 2010, by Mr. Bill Sahlberg of Spokane Practical Pistol League Inc. (SPPL), I would like to point out that Mr. Sahlberg is certainly protected by our First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution in voicing his opinions. However, as most understand, an opinion may be voiced with no evidence of fact to support it.

Mr. Sahlberg's hyperbole bears little resemblance to the facts regarding the circumstances he describes. A misunderstanding occurred and all of the parties involved thought the issue resolved. Members of the Coeur d'Alene Police Department (CDA PD) and Kootenai County Sheriff's Department (KCSD) have been wrongfully maligned by the ramblings of Mr. Sahlberg of SPPL. FRGC has no dissatisfaction with either of these agencies and they are very welcome to continue using our facility.

As the official spokesperson for FRGC I can say that our Board of Directors offers our apologies to the members of these departments for any grief caused by one of our members. He does not speak for our group as a whole or in any official capacity.

ROBERT SMITH

Director, FRGC Inc.