Writer offers support for Manalapan police officer facing lawsuit

I am writing in response to the lawsuit filed by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) for racial

discrimination against a Manalapan police officer.

I have known Manalapan police officer Steve Turner for more than 20 years, and I know him well enough to publicly state that he would never discriminate against anyone of color, class, religion, gender, or for their respective sexual orientation.

Anyone who really knows Steve would laugh at the notion that he is the subject of a racial discrimination lawsuit. Sadly, though, he is, and that is what makes this so unfair. He deserves better than this.

Steve Turner is one of the most compassionate, understanding and decent human beings that I have ever had the honor of knowing.

He is a devoted and loving husband and father. His love and dedication for his wife and for his two beautiful children is what this caring and loyal man truly lives for.

Steve is an animal lover, and he goes out of his way to care for sick and injured stray animals. He also dedicates his spare time to helping those who are less fortunate in our society. He does not have a prejudiced bone in his body, and if I were half the man that he is, I would consider myself very lucky.

I was a very strong supporter of the ACLU at one time. How-ever, in recent years they have, in my opinion, gone over the top in the various lawsuits they have entered into. They are very wrong with this one because if they did a little research before bringing this suit, they would have discovered the reasons why Steve Turner would never participate in, nor tolerate, any form of discrimination.

I am confident that this outrageous lawsuit will be tossed right out of court. That is no solace though, for a good and decent human being and an exceptional law enforcement officer who now must endure the pain of his good name in the headlines.

Joseph Hawley

Atlantic Highlands