Home > So, what do you think? > Archives > 2008 > June > 13 > Entry
A strange feeling in a familiar neighborhood
I live a couple of streets and at least as many galaxies from the home of Thomas Willis Smith. It felt more than a little strange to drive back through my neighborhood Wednesday night.
Smith shot and wounded his wife at their home Wednesday morning. Then he drove to Guardian Care on Winstead Avenue, where he shot and killed his mother. Then he turned the gun on himself. He died later that day at Pitt Memorial Hospital.
Whatever demons drove Smith to this tragic series of events aren’t readily apparent in Rocky Mount suburbia. Kids ride bikes around the cul-de-sacs where I live. Folks walk and wave and ask about my wife’s flower garden.
I’m probably not the only person in the neighborhood who has made a detour since Wednesday, just to roll by Smith’s house and wonder at the madness of it all. Not that there are any answers on the quiet street where he lived.
That’s a paradox, I guess, of pretty neighborhoods in the 21st century. People move in and out all the time. As friendly as everyone is, I know by name just a handful of folks who live on my street, and most of those friendships go back 10 years or more.
We lock ourselves in, watch a hundred channels of television, cruise the Internet and disengage with the world outside our doors in just about every way imaginable. When a tragedy as awful as Smith’s occurs, it’s reason for some of us to burrow that much further into our cocoons.
I can’t suggest that neighborhood block parties or other get-togethers would have made a bit of difference in the Smith case. For all I know, he might have been one of the friendliest guys around anyway.
But it’s strange now to walk through streets as familiar as mine and feel something as foreign and as unwanted as a guy who flips out and shoots two loved ones and then himself.
That just doesn’t feel like my neighborhood. At all.
Comments
By Venita Peyton
June 15, 2008 8:56 AM | Link to this
Regrettably, there is so much killing and turmoil happening in smaller communities that residents are beginning to appear nonchalant.
I truly believe that new leadership in state government will filter down and bring new hope.
By Watkins
July 12, 2008 3:23 AM | Link to this
I am glad to see that The moore family and Mr Phifer had enough sense to hire a Lawyer and force the city of rocky mount to take them serious. It’s a shame that with all the crime in rocky mount that you have police brass who are stuck on being stupid..!!! how could anyone put there job on the line for a fling???
By Curmilus Dancy II - TPA
July 13, 2008 8:54 PM | Link to this
I am glad to see that The moore family and Mr Phifer had enough sense to hire a Lawyer and force the city of rocky mount to take them serious.
(Sense? I would think that if she had some sense she would have reported it early on. Why did she have sex with the man and not report that he had came on to her?)
It’s a shame that with all the crime in rocky mount that you have police brass who are stuck on being stupid..!!!
(We hear about polices during stupid things all the time. The NC HWY State Patrol has had some serious issues lately also. But it is definitely not limited to these 2 groups nor NC.) TPA
how could anyone put there job on the line for a fling???
(I agree but how can a female go along with such and a married female at that?) TPA
C. Dancy II - TPA http://www.thepoliticalagitator.com
By judge
July 14, 2008 5:34 PM | Link to this
Sir you don’t know the inner workings of the rmpd.If you report certain issues of misconduct you are singled out and forced to resign or something like that.
It is either there way or the highway. When you can’t turn to anyone inside then who can you turn to or what do you do?.
The entire RMPD brass needs a cleaning out from the Chief,Captain of Patrol,Detectives,etc,etc and let’s not forget about the great Charles Penny
By Curmilus Dancy II
July 15, 2008 8:31 PM | Link to this
Sir you don?t know the inner workings of the rmpd.
(You %100 correct and I don’t attempt to.) TPA
If you report certain issues of misconduct you are singled out and forced to resign or something like that.
(Really? Okay if that is true, then I would think that you and the others could get togther and take it to the next level. But I bet that has not happened.) TPA
It is either there way or the highway. When you can?t turn to anyone inside then who can you turn to or what do you do?.
(If that be the case then you need to change the way you do things.) TPA
The entire RMPD brass needs a cleaning out from the Chief,Captain of Patrol,Detectives,etc,etc and let?s not forget about the great Charles Penny
(That may sound good but do you think that is really going to happen? It will take a lot of hard work and others must come forward to help you. It appears you are trying to take them on by yourself. Won’t happen.) TPA
C. Dancy II The Political Agitator http://www.thepoliticalagitator.com
By Scotggirl
July 17, 2008 11:05 AM | Link to this
I have read these comments and I would like to say I am very upset! Everyone can’t be the Queen Bee of the hive. There has to be the workers.
Someone has to be in charge. It sounds like to me that one of the “workers” is upset with the upper management. Maybe they need to focus on their job as a worker.
Management has many jobs they have to do, including taking care of the employees. You should be glad you have a JOB. It is your choice to work at RMPD. If you do not like it, go somewhere else.
Many cities are hiring workers, but guess what, you will have to work there and do your job or move on. As far as the comment on the Chief, Captain of Patrol, Detectives, etc…they are the Queen Bees and they have to work.
I know for a fact that everyone does not know all the many tasks they have to deal with and do. So until you are one of those queen bees, do your job and be thankful you have a job.
Don’t JUDGE unless you truly know. When crimes are committed everyone at a Police Department has a job to do. We as the public call for help.
I do not call and ask for one specific person or care what that person has done at home or if someone is mad at them at work. I call for help. So, to the person named JUDGE…if you are so unhappy…go find another job.
There is always a chain of command. These people have worked their way to the positions they are in. They are trying everyday to do their jobs. That is what they get paid for.
Gossip will always be around. Just like gossip that goes on in your neighborhoods, but does that make it true?
No, people are going to run their mouths be it true or not. So the next time you need help…or want to complain…call for help or complain to the chain of command.
You should be proud that the Chief, Captain of Patrol, Detectives, etc. are there and respect them as they deserve. Just because you hear something doesn’t make it true.
I would like to say…Thank You to the Chief, Captain of Patrol, Detectives, Police Officers and even the office staff, I know if I needed something or wanted to complain…they would be there and take action for ME.
In closing, to anyone that reads this, when you wake up each morning, thank God for your family, loved ones, having a job, food on your table, a place to live, and all the wonderful things we take for granted…like the RMPD. I would like to say to them…thank you for doing the best you can at your job and being there if I or my family need you.
By Glo
July 17, 2008 1:41 PM | Link to this
Thanks for putting that in writting. I am sick and tired of this matter.
God know the truth and if we do our jobs and don’t worry about others all will fall in place in time. I agree thank god for waking up in the morning, food, a roof over your head. With all of the stuff going on in this world, this is nothing.
By judge
July 17, 2008 2:31 PM | Link to this
To: Scoutgirl and Glo: Alot of people are sick and tired of this whole matter, but it is not disappearing, nor can the City sweep this under the rug(as they did with prior situations)
They are being forced to deal with it,and to take it seriously.If not another person commented,this situation would still exist.This blog was created for people to voice their opinions, and no matter how you feel about whats being said, people have a right to voice their opinion-wheather good, bad, or ugly.
You sound very angry. Well guess what? There is alot of angry people concerning this mess for many different reasons. This to shall pass once its dealt with appropiately.
By Scotggirl
July 17, 2008 8:01 PM | Link to this
To: Judge From: Scotgirl not Scoutgirl…
First of all I do agree that everyone has their own opinion but they need to really know what they are talking about, be it angry, happy or what ever.
All cities have city council meetings where usually people can schedule to be heard. It sounds like you need to try to attend one of those meetings.
Our police, sherriff, and Highway Patrol officers from the maintenance up to the head officials have a job to do. It is the choice of that person if they want to work or not. To me, it sounds like you work at one of these positions or have worked there previously and had or has problems.
Remember, you have a choice. If you are unhappy, leave and find another job. Life is too short not to be happy. As far as the remark you made about cleaning out the RMPD, they are doing their job and I am sure that they have to document a lot of situations that maybe you are unaware of. They have to make sure employees are doing as they are suppose to do, take care of the public, follow rules, and read in the paper all kind of complaints and watch on the tv news, all kinds of stories. Be it true or not.
You also commented that a lot of people were angry. Where are they? Are they attending any city council meetings? Or are they just complaining to each other and not doing anything.
People do get to vote. And most positions are filled because of voters. Be proud of RMPD. If your loved one was shot and killed tonight….would you call them for help or just sit back and complain.
Be thankful for what you have. People take for granted, Police Officers, Nurses, CNA’s, Teachers, and more. These people are very important for the community to survive and most of the time they are under paid and not appreciated!
No one in this world is perfect and people make mistakes, so who are we to always judge?
Your name is JUDGE on here…remember there is only one person that can truly JUDGE and it is not you. You do have the right to your opinion, just as I do, and others, but you should complain in the right places and get your life together.
Be happy. Also, you should not judge me or GLO, whom ever that may be. That person has a right to speak also.
Yes, for your comment about being mad. I don’t like the fact that you said to clean out everyone, when you do not even know everything there is to know. These are people that have lives, families, jobs, and more. They care and have feelings. They are people too!
Remember that and remember you are not the person to judge them. Be thankful to have them there when you would need them.
I wish you happiness in the future because it sounds like you need it. If you do work with those in the RMPD and are that unhappy, I suggest you find another job or another profession and remember…if you hate Rocky Mount…there are always moving vans and you can leave.
Smile and breathe the fresh air and make your day a great one. When voting time comes around…go and vote, if you do not vote you cannot complain. Make a difference in your own life! Take care!
By judge
July 18, 2008 11:14 AM | Link to this
To:Scotgirl:Im sorry if I came across as judging you, for I was simply responding to the opinions of yourself and Glo.
I must admit you made alot of good points. Unfortunately, you have no clue of how things work in the RMPD. If I complained, theres a 90% chance it would go nowhere,due to both the “buddy-system” or the “brother system”, and as far as the City counsel? I prefer to just leave that one alone.
As far as the angry people,I do not believe no one is attending council meetings simply because of the reasons stated above, But-disgruntled employees are keeping written documentation with dates,etc.,and will eventually file a formal complaint and at that point it has to be taken seriously.
In closing, just want to say that you, on the Outside looking In, cant see what is really going on Inside the department. only those working within, or that have worked within know how it works.Nice talking to you.Im sure the department appreciates your support!
P.S. Have you ever considered running for City Council?
By Scotggirl
July 19, 2008 1:06 PM | Link to this
To Judge Yes, I do know a lot about the RMPD and what happens. I do know that if you have a problem, you need to address it.
You said employees were documenting problems and complaints, that is exactly what you need to do. Remember also that others are documenting problems. You need to let the chain of commands know how you feel and any problems.
Everyone is not there to “get” you. Everyone is not involved in the brother system or buddy system. There are people there that care and want better for the community and employees.
I thank you for saying you were not attacking at me. Attacking at someone does not accomplish anything. Actions must be taken in the proper way. There is always a correct way to handle any problem.
Rocky Mount citizens are very fortunate to have the management that they have. Things could always be worst. You should take a look at some of the other towns. Everyone has problems, some more than others. I just want to suggest to you to talk to someone about how you feel and take action.
Remember to always tell the truth because lies will bite you in the behind. Do the best at what you do, enjoy life, be safe, breathe the fresh air, enjoy your family, because small things can be taken for granted.
When you wake up in the morning, be thankful for what you have and don’t dwell on the small or bad things. You are the only one that controls your life.
Rocky Mount has a lot of wonderful people and a beautiful town. Appreciate it and even all the management of Rocky Mount. Like I said before, if you do not like some of the management, go out and VOTE, so you will be heard. I wish you much happiness and Good Luck.
To answer your question…maybe one day you will see me on the Council. People can make a difference. If you are worried about complaining to someone then go to another chain of command. The ladder goes up. Best of luck!
By judge
July 20, 2008 12:09 AM | Link to this
ToScotggirl, Thank you for such a sincere,well-expressed opinion!There is nothing that I can eithier add or take away from that one. Im going to take your suggestions, for you make alot of sense.
The statement you made”You are the only one that controls your life” really hit home. That is such a powerful statement with so much meaning!
Thanx a million for the encouragement and responses.You have silenced my lips. Thanx for wishing me the best of luck, and I would like for you to Seriously consider running for the City Counsel next term, for you would make an excellent council member!!!