Lake County Deputy Resigns

Not much news, certainly not good news, but to follow up, the Lake County Commission today accepted the resignation of Emily Bruns from her position as a Lake County sheriff's deupty. Bruns received her second DUI citation back in October [see Elisa Sand, "Deputy Resigns," Madison Daily Leader, 2007.11.20].

I hesitated to pull the trigger on judgment when the story of Bruns's arrest broke last month. She's still not guilty in the eyes of the law (at least not from what little MDL says about her first court appearance last week), but by resigning... well, I won't reach for explanations tonight. Unless anyone cares to argue otherwise, in handing over her badge, Bruns has acknowledged violating the public trust.

It's a shame to see a career end so early. But you drink too much, you put lives at risk by driving drunk... society can't just let that slide. Partying is fine. A beer or two is fine. But all of us, especially those sworn to protect and defend, have an obligation to stay in control and be mindful of others.