Volusia Sheriff Mike Chitwood speaks his mind in response to News-Journal editor's column

Daytona Beach News-Journal
Updated ·1 min read

Note to readers: Volusia Sheriff Mike Chitwood responded to a News-Journal column I wrote that criticized him for what I felt was unfair treatment of one of our reporters. Here's the sheriff's response, taken from his Facebook page, unedited. -Executive Editor, John Dunbar

Dear News-Journal Editor,

Although I have been labeled "un-American" in your newspaper, I have the right to speak my mind just like anybody else in America.

I've noticed the Daytona Beach News-Journal takes full advantage of its platform to pick and choose narratives, to criticize others, and to play armchair quarterback.

Those of us who end up under the media spotlight are expected to lay prostrate, play our part and take whatever's coming.

That won't be me. I don't expect glowing positive coverage of every incident or issue, but I can tell the difference between a tough story and a slanted one.

Today I have seen one too many of the latter. I guess it took me longer than most. This is nothing personal, strictly business, but the only real recourse I have is to unsubscribe from the News-Journal and quit commenting in it.

Your column accused me of cyberbullying, scapegoating, and possibly provoking people to "respond with more than words." If you or your staff are being threatened in any way, let me know and I will immediately put you in contact with an FBI agent. If you believe I'm responsible, I would urge you to notify the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and file a criminal complaint.

I have been subject to plenty of threats, as has my family, so I can assure you I don't take them lightly.

There are lots of dedicated reporters out there who are tough but fair, and last week we all said goodbye to one of the best ever.

We need more of those and less of the type who believe in accountability for everyone but themselves.

This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Sheriff Chitwood speaks his mind in response to News-Journal editor's column