Officer's career ruined when he crossed the line

On Friday former Douglas County Deputy Jason Cypher pleaded no contest to misdemeanor charges of driving under the influence and domestic battery in connection with a Sept. 14 incident involving his wife, who also works for the Sheriff's Office.

Cypher worked for the people of Douglas County for 15 years. He rose to the rank of sergeant and was an investigator for the sheriff's office.

Until that fateful date, Cypher's name appeared in the press as a contact for tips or to announce the safe return of a hiker who had gone missing.

Nothing that has been released about his record has indicated he was anything but a dedicated law enforcement officer.

We hope that at his sentencing, scheduled for Dec. 3, we get to hear about the good things that Cypher did for Douglas County. We know there are many.

We are not excusing what Cypher did. When he turned to violence, he turned away from all the things that the uniform he wore stood for.

He knew the consequences better than most people. A person convicted of battery in this country cannot carry a firearm. That limitation wouldn't affect the career of a teacher, a business executive or even an editor. But it means the end of a career for a law enforcement officer.

We expect more from those who enforce the law, but we also recognize that they are people and are fallible.

The fate of Jason Cypher is a tragedy, but it teaches us that there are actions that cross a line from which there is usually no return.

This editorial appeared in The Record-Courier.