Dear Editor:
With heavy heart I attended the community memorial for Bandit, the Chandler Police Department K-9 officer neglected and killed by his handler, Sgt. Tom Lovejoy. He left his partner and "family member" in his patrol car for 12-plus hours on a 114-degree day. Bandit was found dead from the lethal heat. Chandler PD stated no action would be taken - the incident would be considered an "accident."

After much public outcry, Bandit's memorial was organized and well-attended by the community. Surprisingly, Chandler Police Chief Sherry Kiyler and Officer Glenn Hammond appeared. Apparently Chandler PD public relations advised sending a spokesperson to do some spin. Kiyler stated to the crowd, "It's not about the circumstances, it's about the loss."

As an infuriated resident, I guarantee you this couldn't be further from the truth! What instigated the community outrage was the horrible circumstances causing Bandit's death. Daily upon awakening we are reminded not to leave our human and non-human family members in unattended vehicles! Police officers must have their wits about them at all times to ensure the safety of the community and their partners. It is reckless disregard for the public to entrust our safety to an individual who apparently is so oblivious to his environment.

We recently granted the hugest bond ever to Chandler for various issues, $15,745,000 of which is for public safety/police. Those bond dollars would best be used to hire humans seeking a police career - not dogs bearing outrageous purchase, shipping and training price tags. Dollars wasted by such senseless heat-asphyxiation deaths like Bandit's.