Jefferson County Sheriff's Office—Haven't We Learned Anything from Columbine?

Dear Robbie,

I liked you. I liked you a lot. Everybody liked you. You were one of Steve's closest friends. Steve even bought his house in this neighborhood to be closer to you and John.

You were good looking, only 34, and talented. I am grateful for the glass shower door you custom made for me. You barely charged me enough to cover your cost. You were a good neighbor.

Steve went over to your house yesterday afternoon and heard you shooting something that he thought might be a paint gun. He saw windows and mirrors broken out. Steve asked, "What are you doing, man?" You yelled, "Get out." Steve had never seen that look on your face before, and he was afraid of you. He told your friend to call the police.

A little while later, your wife called Steve. She said you had just called to tell your kids you loved them.

You and your wife had split up two months ago. You were not handling it well. Your dad took your gun away. But yesterday, for some reason, he decided to give it back. By 11:30 p.m. you used it to shoot yourself in the head.

Robbie, I know divorce can be hard. Really hard. I've been there. So have millions of people. You're not so unique. You did a really messed up thing to your kids. I am mad at you for that selfish act. Steve's young daughter was telling her friends today that you were her "best friend" and she saw you "playing a game" yesterday. What do you want us to tell her?

And I am mad at the Jefferson County Sheriff's Department. You had FOUR HOURS to help Robbie. I know it was dangerous. But what good are all our armored vehicles and bullhorns and guns and teargas and snipers if we can't help a person who is just hurting? If we can trap and tranquilize a bear or a mountain lion, CAN'T WE DO THAT AND MORE FOR A HUMAN BEING?

You are the same Sheriff's Department that couldn't think of a thing to do while Dave Sanders bled to death at Columbine High School, even after students posted a sign in the window begging for help. Didn't you learn ANYTHING from that? It was probably your presence that pushed Robbie into the ultimate confrontation.

I appreciate your reverse 911 call that locked down the neighborhood. You may have prevented anyone else from getting hurt. But Robbie needed your help. There were no other people in the house. Put on your bullet-proof vests and shields and go in to get Robbie out of there. Shoot him with a tranquilizer. In other words, DO YOUR JOB. It's too late for Robbie, but WHAT WILL YOU DO DIFFERENTLY FOR THE NEXT PERSON?