As a Baltimore resident, taxpayer and furloughed city employee, I have a hard time understanding why city police officers were assigned to escort the CEO of a private company from Martin State Airport to M&T Bank Stadium Sunday ("Two Baltimore officers hurt in motorcycle accident on way to escort NFL commissioner," Sept. 12).

My first concern, of course, is for the officers, to whom I wish a speedy recovery. But I can't help but wonder in this time of doing more with less, who is actually covering their medical expenses.

I also wonder whether in these times of overwhelming crime the police could not have been more appropriately deployed.

I guess rank has its privileges.

Michael Friedman, Baltimore