Dear Editor,

I am writing this letter in order to close a very traumatic episode in my life. In November 2006, my husband and I were returning from a family wedding in Lakeway, Texas. Our van window had been shattered during the reception by a thief looking for quick cash. When we returned home, we found that same burglar and his accomplice at our home.

I immediately called 911 and was assisted and calmed by the voice on the line. That evening, a Blanco County Sheriff’s deputy arrested the accomplice in the car, cleared our home to be sure there was no one else inside, and reassured us that we were safe inside. The next morning, with help from ordinary citizens reporting a suspicious person, the Blanco City Police arrested the burglar on an unrelated charge.

On Sunday, one day after the break-in, deputies from the Blanco County Sheriff’s Office came to our home, the “crime scene,” and investigated thoroughly. They carefully gathered evidence and followed the required procedures. Special Investigator, W.T. Smith, came after church services to our home to personally gather evidence.

This past week, one year after the crime, the perpetrator was tried and found guilty by a Blanco County jury. He was sentenced to 15 years in prison.

I would like to take this public opportunity to thank the many members of the Blanco County law enforcement community for their efforts in keeping our county safe. After an experience such as this one, you realize what good police work is and what dedication to your job really means.

At the trial, we were surprised to see the many officers that were a part of the investigation that we had met only once a year ago, but who were enthusiastic to testify against the defendant. Their commitment to see justice done was very profound. The confidence of the law enforcement officers inspired me at a time when my faith in the system that keeps us safe was low.

Special thanks to the staff at the Blanco County Courthouse, Sheriff Bill Ellsbury and his deputies, W.T. Smith, the 33rd Judicial District Prosecutor John Couch, and the jury of Blanco County citizens. All are to be commended for their efforts in punishing criminals that find Blanco County easy prey.

While my husband and I are grateful this episode is behind us, we are not the same people we were a year ago. Our doors are always locked now, and I don’t ever enter my house without pausing to be sure that I don’t hear someone inside. It is my sincere prayer that no one else should have to go through a similar event, as naive as that may be.

The thought that comforts and reassures me most following the conviction of the man that burglarized our home, is that I have had the pleasure to meet many dedicated and caring Blanco County law enforcement professionals. I have witnessed their commitment to the safety of our citizens and again I wish to thank them for all their hard work. It is a comfort to me to know that Blanco County is in their safe care.

Sincerely,

Pat and Angie Daniels