I write in reference to the letter “The story of Sheriff Joe (James A. Tyrrell, TMID, 27 May). Sheriff Joe Arpaio of Arizona is a very unique and brave person. Not just Malta, but the whole world could use a sheriff like him. I have seen him on TV interviews many times and I can tell you he is well respected. One of his favorite sayings is, if you don’t like the way I run my prison, then stay away from my jail. I find he is a very fair and just man, oh yes very tough.

He gives his prisoners a chance to make something of themselves and tries to make sure that they don’t want to return to his jail. He has this thing about giving his prison population a chance and in the meantime give them a chance to earn their keep while they are paying their debt to society. As you mentioned, this Maricopa Arizona County Sheriff keeps getting elected every year for saving the county thousands of dollars through innovative projects which include putting jail inmates to work on county and city projects, such as county clean up details.

The prisoners don’t mind doing this work because it gets them out of the cells. I do hope a lot of people read your article and pay notice, especially the prison wardens.

Joseph Calleja

Manteca, Ca