Staff Reports
An off‑duty Kittitas County deputy was arrested and fired after he allegedly pointed a handgun at people outside a Roslyn bar. The episode at the Brick Saloon has put local law enforcement under a harsh spotlight, and the county asked the Washington State Patrol to run the criminal probe for added transparency. Sheriff Clay Myers called the firing painful but necessary — a rare clear line drawn between protecting the badge and protecting the public.
What happened at the Brick Saloon
According to local accounts, Deputy Nick Burson was asked to leave the Brick Saloon after becoming verbally abusive. He left, got into his vehicle, and then — allegedly — drove past the bar while pointing a handgun at people standing outside. No shots were fired and no one was injured, but Burson was taken into custody and booked on felony firearm allegations. The sheriff’s office moved quickly: administrative action was activated and the deputy was terminated, and the Washington State Patrol was asked to lead the criminal investigation.
Support for police does not mean a pass for bad behavior
Conservatives should be first in line to back the men and women who keep our towns safe. But backing law enforcement doesn’t mean turning a blind eye when an officer’s behavior threatens the public. Pointing a weapon at unarmed citizens — even allegedly — is a line that can’t be waved away with blue‑team excuses. The sheriff’s decision to fire the deputy and call in an outside agency was the right move for accountability and public trust.
Transparency and due process both matter
The community deserves facts: video, witness statements, any booking and charging documents, and the results of the Washington State Patrol investigation. That said, fair process matters too. If the evidence supports prosecution, the prosecutor should file charges and pursue them. If the evidence does not, the deputy should be cleared. Media coverage and public anger can’t be replacements for a careful investigation — and neither should be cover for misconduct.
Bottom line: hold the line, not the line of sight
This incident is a reminder that the rule of law starts with those sworn to enforce it. Local leaders did what they needed to do quickly — now the rest of the system must follow through. The public wants safety and respect for rights, and a clear answer about what happened. If the Washington State Patrol and prosecutors do their jobs, the community will get both accountability and fairness — which is exactly what we should demand, whether we wear a badge or not.
