Bryce Shumate And Me

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While shooting video of Governor Steve Beshear's visit and taking photos at the Pritchard Community Center Sunday Feb.1. 2009 in Elizabethtown, Kentucky a man approached me in regular clothes with a gun strapped to his waist in plain view and, in what I perceived as a very arrogant attitude, asked me why I took his photo and why I didn't ask for his permission. I explained to him this was a public event in a public place and I didn't need his permission and then he proceeded to tell me who he was. He told me he was Bryce Shumate from the Radcliff Police Department and I asked him, facetiously, if I was under arrest and then, in my opinion, he really got bossy and even more arrogant and intimidating. Maybe Mr.Shumate was having a bad day, but I've been all over the state of Kentucky in too many cities and counties to count, shooting video and taking photos of folks like President Barack Obama, Fist Lady Michelle Obama, Senator Mitch McConnell, Bill Clinton, Hillary Clinton, Ex Governor Ernie Fletcher, Congressman Ben Chandler, Congressman John Yarmuth. Ex Congress Woman Anne Northup and many others. I also shot photos and videotaped President Barack Obama when he announced his candidacy for President of the United States of America in Springfield,Ill. While shooting video and taking photos at these events I've had to interface with the Capitol Police, The Secret Service, the State Police and the local Police and I have to say with all honesty they were all great and very respectful. I really do wish I could say the same For Bryce Shumate, But I can't. I realize that some may question why I took the time to blog this and here my answer. I don't care what Bryce Shumate thinks of me, nor does he frighten or intimidate me, I just want to put it on the record how I felt Mr. Shumate treated me and if this happens to some one else down the line, there will be a record of it and just for the record Virgil Willoughby of the Elizabethtown, Kentucky Police Department was very professional, respecful and helpful.