CCSO release – OpEd by: Captain Sean Sanborn, It happens every year, on one day in November. It is predictable and we celebrate it as a nation. The official name for it is Thanksgiving, however many folks call it turkey day due to the boat loads of turkey which are eaten across the nation. I got curious one time and looked up what a grouping of turkey are called. The technical term of a grouping of turkeys is a “Rafter”. Of course, there is flock, an interesting name is a Posse which refers to a group of male wild turkeys, a brood refers to a group that includes young turkeys and a Gobble. I think we can all figure out what a gobble refers to. Lastly, there is a Gang which refers to a group of domesticated turkey, or a group of wild turkeys with multiple broods. I know, right, a cheesy play on words. But if one cannot laugh at their own jokes, one is lonely indeed! Often however, your Coos County Sheriff’s Office responds to acts of violence on Thanksgiving and Christmas. The holidays are often busy for us with domestic assaults and other family related incidents and problems. I stopped trying to figure out the “why” a long time ago. However, common sense dictates that perhaps it is that time of year when relatives who rightfully spend time apart come together to celebrate. Often times there is alcohol or drugs involved and sometimes it is bloody. Statistically, domestic violence calls are some of the more dangerous calls we respond to. With limited staffing, it is even more so. You see, with family, strong emotions become involved. Often times, these are problems which have been brewing over a period of years and then something happens. A Deputy rolls up and must figure out how to solve the problem in less than an hour. Sometimes it takes some time to get past the details which have been brewing over time and get to the root of the problem which occurred that day. What makes it so dangerous you ask? It is the heavy feelings involved. In many families a good holiday fight is a regular part of the holidays. It is sad to say, but true none the less. When law enforcement gets called and we have to make the decision to remove a person in order to maintain the peace, that often makes the other party unhappy. Perhaps we are taking away the bread winner of the household and the implications suddenly hit home for the significant other. Sometimes people just want to fight. Domestic violence investigations are unpredictable which makes them dangerous. Another prevalent and tragic event during this time of year is suicide. In this time of giving, remember your neighbors. The holidays are often lonely and sad times for many who have lost loved ones or experienced traumatic events in their lives which lead to depression and various other mental health crises. If you, or someone you love is feeling depressed, and have feelings of harming yourself or others, call 988, text Oregon at 741741 or call Coos Health and Wellness at 541-266-6800. There is help in nearly every situation, you just have to ask for it. As we move into Thanksgiving, I encourage folks to enjoy the holidays. Let’s not get the police or the Sheriff’s Office involved in our holiday gatherings due to some violent or tragic act which occurred. Take a breather, go to another part of the house, or simply leave the situation should it become volatile. If it is a situation that you simply cannot handle, call us before the fight starts and we will try to work it out before something bad happens, but please do not indulge in violent activities. If you need help, or in crisis, reach out, help is available. We want everyone to have a happy and safe holiday season, and more than all, we want to go home at the end of our shift and enjoy that time with our families also. Have a safe holiday and please do not fall victim to Gang Violence!