"Thank You" from Knox County, Ohio

Being a freelance writer has got to be one of the best jobs in the world. I can write about things I enjoy or I can learn something new because of an assignment. I can also put to use the reporting skills I learned as a sports writer with the Mount Vernon News many, many years ago.

The only thing I hate about my job is the objectivity required when reporting on things that happen close to home. This week has required that I write through tears and anger while trying to convey the facts surrounding the murders of Tina Herrmann, her son Kody Maynard and her friend Stephanie Sprang and the kidnapping and joyous rescue of Tina's daughter. I've watched every media briefing presented by Knox County Sheriff David Barber and because I have the power of a freelance pen, I can also use it to express my opinions.

I've never been a cheerleader for Sheriff Barber. It has nothing to do with ever being on the wrong side of the law, but there were certain situations through the years that I didn't agree with some of his practices. I've always been a fan of law enforcement in general and this past week gave me no reason to change my tune.

While talking with my friend Miriam and with Dad earlier in the week - neither of whom can be considered supporters of Barber - we all had one thing in common to say. Sheriff David Barber, being faced with the most horrendous crime Knox County has ever faced, was brilliant. This man went from a relatively obscure life to facing the national news media almost overnight. I was struck more than once with the thought "He's really handling this well."

Sheriff Barber fielded questions from the media - often the same questions just worded a little differently seeking the same answer. While the job of a reporter is to get information, the job of the sheriff is to protect the investigation. Barber was professional and compassionate while giving information that would assist in possibly finding the missing people yet not harming the justice system.

While no one who has followed this tragic case over the last week would downplay the severity, it is hard to express exactly how much of an impact it had on the entire community. I now live just outside Knox County but I'm in the flight path from Columbus. I was only subjected to watching and hearing the news helicopters for a few moments at a time. I saw many posts on Facebook from friends in Mount Vernon regarding the constant overhead hum of the helicopters. Knowing why those pilots were in the air left an uneasy feeling everywhere.

This investigation was a 24-hour a day process. Our local law enforcement officials worked side by side with a host of outside agencies and it means a lot to hear Sheriff Barber express the gratitude I'm certain many of us share for the assistance from the FBI, BCI&I, other law enforcement agencies and the hundreds of volunteer searchers as well as those who provided food and warm drinks.

The members of the media who came to Mount Vernon are to be thanked for helping to spread the word. I want to give a special thanks to Adam Taylor of KnoxPages.com and WMVO/WQIO radio. He worked tirelessly to try to get the facts and communicate them as quickly as possible while downplaying the sensationalism the media is known for. I know for him, personally, Thursday was a very bittersweet day.

This small community is grateful for the outpouring of support and prayers from around the world. At times, I was moved to tears reading the Facebook pages set up by friends and families of the victims when I saw just how small the world seemed to be.

Apparently, no community is safe from evil. It is reassuring to know that there are good guys everywhere.

"Thank you" will never be enough.