SPECIAL: Things Sheriff Snyder Wants To Keep Secret   PART 1

(Thank you to all of the MCSO personnel, past and present, for contributing to this article)

On December 31, 2013, Major John Pietruszewski passed after a long courageous battle with Cancer.  For 30 years Major John “Ski” Pietruszewski, known by his nickname “Ski”, was a well respected member of the Martin County Sheriff’s Office and admired by many colleagues and citizens

Major “Ski” began his career at the Martin County Sheriff’s Office as a reserve deputy in 1983 rising to full-time road patrol Deputy within a year.  He worked in different areas within the agency such as the Criminal Investigation Division and he was Director of the Operations Training and Emergency Management Division and other management positions.   He enjoyed serving and protecting the citizens of Martin County.   He was strict when it came to enforcing the laws in order to keep the residents of Martin County safe.  He developed the reputation among criminals that crime would not be tolerated in Martin County.   He was known for performing his job duties and responsibilities to the best of his abilities and became a highly respected role model for his colleagues.   Many deputies looked to him for advice and guidance.  He would always emphasize that no matter what stress comes your way, never lose the public’s trust, saying “Once you lose that trust, it is very hard to get back.”  He added, “If you screw up, own your mistakes” together keeping honesty and integrity in the department is what makes us worthy.  He carried these traits into Martin County Sheriff’s Office.  His strong leadership and guidance kept the public trust because he believed in not sweeping things under the carpet when it came to errors within the department. He refused to develop the “Good Ole boy system” everyone was treated equally and fairly especially when it came to promotions.

Major “Ski” ran for Sheriff of Martin County and while campaigning was diagnosed with cancer, losing the election.  William Snyder was elected Sheriff and immediately made an example out of Major “Ski” by demoting him from the rank of Major to Sergeant.    He then assigned “Ski” to work at the shooting range.  Apparently to get “Ski” out of the way because his disdain for deceit would not be a good fit with Snyder’s new command structure.   “Ski” performed his duties to the best of his ability until he passed away. 

Once “Ski” was gone Snyder promoted him back to the rank of Major (posthumously) and recommended that the shooting range be named in his honor.  Many believe that Snyder acted in a manner inconsistent with what “Ski” would have wanted and strictly to gain political points.

(Note-That is just the opposite of what former Sheriff Robert Crowder did when Snyder ran for Sheriff against him. In 1994 Snyder lost to Crowder but was brought in to the MCSO by Crowder and given the rank of Captain.)

QUESTIONS:  Does Sheriff Snyder really believe that we don't know that he is using "Ski" for his own political gain?  Is his picture in the dictionary next to the word insensitive?  How about hypocrite?   What kind a guy is he, really? 

Authored by:  Ira B. Robins                                                  Salvatore Rastrelli

www.irarobins.com

www.rastrelliinvestigation.com

www.innocenceconsultants.com

www.salvatorerastrelli.com

TAGS:  Major John “Ski” Pietruszewski, Sheriff William Snyder