In the United States, law enforcement officials and fire fighters are often perceived admirably and positively by the communities they serve. While in recent years many citizens and politicians on the left of the political spectrum have called for the defunding of law enforcement and the erosion of immunities and lenient tendencies towards officers engaged in actions deemed “controversial” in the line of duty, many others across the nation have maintained staunch respect and support for the people who serve to keep their communities safe. A recent poll showed that only 16% of Americans are still on board with defunding law enforcement after the movement reached its zenith during the COVID-19 pandemic and the murder of George Floyd. While tensions between the general public and those in blue remain high in places across the union, it is safe to say that the majority of Americans still possess a sentiment of respect for those who decide to enter the unquestionably difficult public profession.
Despite these acclaims, it is important to note that while not all those who fight fires or keep the peace are evil people, not all who wear the uniforms of service and duty to their communities are good. In late October, a fireman was arrested in Putnam County, Florida for allegedly molesting a small child. The 36 year old named Sean Evert Carpenter was charged with four counts of lewd and lascivious molestation of a child. The victim was less than 12 years of age. According to a statement from the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, on the 16th of October the child informed their parents of the abuse they had endured. Supposedly, Carpenter was familiar to the child, but had no relationship with the family of the victim.
Paired with this, before the confession a school teacher of the child had notified parents of “potty regression” tendencies with the youngster; this is often a clear indicator of abuse.
