Brooke County officials find themselves at a crossroads familiar to many communities across West Virginia — deciding how to spend money secured through settlements with opioid manufacturers and distributors.

The intention behind those funds was clear: To help repair the devastation the opioid epidemic has wrought on our region and its families, its workforce, and its way of life.

Yet, as discussions late last month before the Brooke County Commission reveal, the temptation to divert those treatment and recovery dollars toward law enforcement remains strong.

The Brooke County Sheriff’s Department’s wish list includes digital license plate readers, body cameras, dash cameras and even an armored vehicle. While no one questions the dedication or safety needs of our deputies, we must remembe

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