LETTERS: TIME FOR JUSTICE IN TROOPER'S MURDER

To the editor:

I was very relieved to hear the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in St. Louis affirmed the death sentence of Jerome Mallett, who has been convicted for the 1985 murder of Trooper James Froemsdorf of the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

Law enforcement is a tough and often dangerous job. While serving as deputy sheriff of Perry County in the late 1970s, I and Trooper Froemsdorf faced many difficult circumstances side by side. Given the opportunity and without hesitation, I would take Jim at my side today in the face of hostility so often encountered by law officers.

Trooper Froemsdorf was a respected comrade while on duty, and he proudly served his state, community and fellow citizens. Because he always used a commonsense approach, Trooper Froemsdorf earned the respect of everyone who knew him. Jim was a friend and a devout family man, dedicated to his wife and three daughters. He had character, and he is dearly missed in a society that exceedingly needs men of strong character.

Fortunately, justice is prevailing, although not always as fast as we might like. It has been almost 14 years since Jim lost his life in the line of duty, and Jerome Mallett still faces the death penalty thanks to the recent ruling of the appellate court. Jerome Mallett will be executed for taking the life of one of the finest people I have ever known. Only the Supreme Court appeal remains, and the governor will certainly not provide clemency to this malicious killer. Indeed, the time for justice is near. The system that Trooper Froemsdorf proudly served does indeed work.

JERRY D. WOLSEY

Chaffee