Gratitude for life-changing arrest

Canton Police Chief Ken Berkowitz received this letter last week from a gentleman who had been arrested by the CPD in 1980. He asked that it be published with the permission of the writer, whose name has been redacted.

Hello,

On March 28, 1980 — wow, almost 34 years ago — I was stopped by one of the Canton Police officers for — an honest way to say it — driving very drunk, with a blood alcohol level of 2.5. I was treated very kindly and with respect by all of the Canton Police involved, both on the road and at the station. I do not remember any of the names of the officers on duty that evening. By now they may have long retired.

I had a big-time drinking problem for 18 years. A quart of gin every night and all kinds of prescription meds to help me straighten out in the morning. All of that along with four packs of cigarettes a day, I really do not know how I survived.

I was placed in a cell for about an hour to wait for a bail bondsman to come in. While in that cell I did a lot of thinking. Believe it or not, at least my head was clear enough to do that. After I paid the bail bondsman, the officer gave me a ride home to Dunbar Street. After returning home, I called a person that I knew that had been trying to get me to go to Alcoholics Anonymous for quite some time. I told her of my arrest and she asked me if I would go to an AA meeting with her the next evening, and I said yes. Again, that was March 28, 1980. That was my last drink. Four years later, I quit the cigarettes also. I have been living in Florida for the past 28 years.

I am forever grateful to the Canton Police Department for the kindness and direction that I needed to get my life back.

A very long overdue thank you!

Short URL: https://www.thecantoncitizen.com/?p=23608

Posted by Canton Citizen on Jan 1 2014. Filed under Featured Content, From One Citizen to Another, Opinion. Both comments and pings are currently closed.