Tuesday, 5th July, 2011
Hon. Ian Adamson
High Sheriff of Belfast
Chief Executive’s Department
Belfast City Hall
Belfast
BT1 5GS
Dear High Sheriff
My name is Robert L. Paris. I am the Chief Deputy Sheriff of Gordon County, Georgia. I have served in the Sheriff’s Office here for 27 years. As you may be aware, sheriffs in Georgia serve as the chief law enforcement officers (chief constables) for their respective counties, as well as carrying out their other constitutional duties which include operating the jails (gaols) and execution of legal process from the various courts. My equivalent rank in the British police would be (approximately) Chief Superintendent.
I have visited Belfast on several occasions. I was very fortunate to have been allowed to observe the RUC in day to day operations in 1999, and establish both friendships and professional contacts there. I have many friends who have now retired from the force with whom I still correspond. I returned to Northern Ireland in 2006 and was very pleasantly surprised in the differences in the streets of Belfast. I remain very deeply interested in affairs in Northern Ireland. A letter from former Chief Constable Sir Ronnie Flanagan is displayed in our office lobby alongside an official proclamation acknowledging the ties between this Office and the RUC.
Like many, many of our residents here, I am of Scots-Irish ancestry. My mother’s ancestors left the tiny village of Gleno (near Larne) in 1739 for America. I returned there in 2006 with family members and it was like a homecoming for us. We are very aware and proud of our Scots-Irish roots here in North Georgia. This pride is reflected in our regimental flag, our Honour Guard uniforms, and our annual celebration of “Scots-Irish Day” each May when the flag of Ulster is flown over the County Courthouse.
We are interested in establishing professional, cultural, and historical ties with your Office. We feel that such ties would be mutually beneficial, and we feel a particular kinship with both your Office and with the people of Northern Ireland. I have enclosed some photographs and insignia from our Office for you. I appreciate any consideration that you can give to us, and wish you well in your service as High Sheriff.
Respectfully, I remain your most humble and obedient servant,
Robert L. Paris
Chief Deputy Sheriff of Gordon County
Thanks, Robert, I will follow this through…