Open Letter to MCSD Merit Commission

The following is an open letter to the five members of the McHenry County Sheriff's Department Merit Commission. These civilian members, appointed by Sheriff Keith Nygren and confirmed by the County Board, should represent fairness to all employees of the Department. Although they are hand-picked by the sheriff and, at least in some cases, are significant financial contributors to the sheriff's election campaigns, they serve the Public.

The letter has been sent to the secretary of the Merit Commission at McHenry County government headquarters. The letter reads:

Chairman Janelle Crowley and Members Patrick J. McAndrews, William (Bill) Mack, Brian Goode and Gloria Urch:

The Merit Commission is scheduled to meet on Wednesday, March 12, 2012, at 10:30AM for the monthly Regular Meeting. A matter of significance needs to be addressed by you, and that is the status of employment of Sgt. Gregory Pyle.

For whatever reason, Sheriff Nygren and Undersheriff Zinke did not bring that matter before you at the February meeting, which was canceled. While Sgt. Pyle is entitled to a presumption of innocence in court, he has brought great discredit to the McHenry County Sheriff's Department. I believe that, by doing so, he has most likely engaged in a serious violation of General Orders.

Should the Sheriff or Undersheriff attempt to cancel the March meeting, I ask you to refuse to cancel it and to hold the meeting at its regular time.