As I wake up late this Saturday morning, 10/25/08, thinking about what a long shift at work I will cover today, I look out over the sound at the ferries and hope the day will be sunny.

I wish I wasn't so tired but today marks another morning where my family and I are up late and dragging because the Burien Police had another round of helicopter training over my Shorewood on the Sound neighborhood from 2 a.m. until after 3 a.m.

We, and likely the entire community, were treated to loud, low-flying noise pollution by the Burien Police helicopter, once again. The last time I called them to inquire about this, I got an apology and was told the pilots should never fly so low as to disrupt the peace.

Last night I was told by the very unfriendly and less than sympathetic dispatcher on the phone "there is nothing you can do about it, they need the light" as I was standing at 2:47 a.m. outside on my deck in my robe freezing, my dogs were panting and afraid, my glasses shaking in their cupboards as the helicopter was approximately 50 feet over my head - with NO LIGHT on.

When I told the dispatcher there was no light on, she argued and said there was, as if she could see it.

What is this about? We chose Shorewood on the Sound for its peaceful community and serene views. Why are the Burien Police allowed to disrupt this for practice flying whenever they want during the hours of the morning when families and the community is sleeping?

This happens literally every two to three months and always during the same hours of the night. It's unbearable, uncalled for, unconscionable and it needs to stop.

Michele Shuler

Shorewood