A Message from Sheriff Gerald A. Wallace

As we look back on 2008 there are several key points that come to mind as it was an interesting year that through the hard work of all of the staff have shone positive light upon the community and the Sheriff’s Office.  

One high light that comes to mind the most is the Law Enforcement Authority (LEA) that had been approved by voters in 2007. This allowed the office for the first time to pay certified deputies at a mid state level range. This has helped our staff retention rate considerably. The community also benefits from a strong retention rate by having deputies not only being  familiar with the geographical area but also with the human contact knowing where crime is more prevalent and knowing the people that are often involved in those criminal episodes, etc. 

Although the LEA allowed for the hiring of five new deputies we only hired four in 2008 just to make sure the revenue estimations for those positions was accurate. Our estimations were correct and in 2009 we are planning to fill the 5^th position. It is my goal to find a certified officer who has a strong interest in animal control and agricultural issues. This person like our existing staff must also believe in our core values of Integrity, Accountability and Commitment to Community. In addition to regular patrol functions he /she must be a great communicator and be able to work very closely with the farmers, ranchers and other citizens. If you know of someone who maybe suitable for this position, please have them contact Lt Ted Meador at 564-9256. I will also consider sponsoring the right person through the police academy if they are not yet certified.  

Last week we had our annual command staff review and strategy planning meeting. During that meeting we reviewed our data for 2008. Of interest it showed that we had a 1% decline in the number of reported criminal cases from 2007 and an 18% increase in calls for service with deputies responding to 19,816 calls in 2008 as compared to 16,881 in 2007. This shows a strong increase in the number of pro-active calls for service. One of these was the door hanger program where deputies would physically check businesses in the county at different hours of the nights and weekends and then fill out a brightly colored hang tag which informed the business owner that a deputy was out at their business and everything was found to be safe and secure. If during the check the business was found not to be secure then a call was made to the owner and the building or premises were thoroughly checked. This is a program that I adopted from my former agency and due to its success it will continue in 2009. 

The inmate worker program which we reinitiated back in 2005 continues to be a big success for everyone. It is good to see the inmates giving back to the community and in 2008 they picked up 27,220 pounds of trash along the county and state roadways. I believe it is a sign of pride for the community when we have clean roadways and shoulders. As an added benefit an inmate who has been working all day sleeps better at night and provides fewer problems for the detention deputies. We increased this program from 3 days per week in 2007 to 5 days per week in 2008. My goal for 2009 is to keep the program at 5 days per week but to extend the length of the program both in the spring and in the fall dependant upon weather. Again we all owe Deputy Stroud our thanks for taking such ownership in this program and making it such a success. 

Our end of year Sheriff’s Office Christmas function recognized several deputies and staff members for certain accomplishments at the Sheriffs Office during 2008. I do not have the space to list all of their accomplishments here but all of these deputies and staff did an outstanding job this year and it is important to recognize their great work. 

The two core value awards went to Detective Tyson Cox for “commitment” to the agency and to Detentions Sergeant Garet Talley for his strong “enthusiasm” in his work. The other awards went to Detention Employee of the year Bonnie Garner for her work with inmate inter and intra state transportation. Judy Eggers (Evidence Technician) received the operation employee of the year for her excellent work in the Detectives Division.  

My award for the Sheriff’s Employee of the year went to Elsie Green (Kitchen Manager and Cook) who has kept the kitchen in such great condition that it continues to pass all of its inspections on a regular basis. She is responsible for overseeing the kitchen where in 2008 there were126,992 meals prepared at a cost of $1.61 per meal (includes food costs and cooks wages).

In 2009 we will continue to work at improving our level of service and I am pleased that we are in the process of developing some new programs that will help our staff in better responding to the communities needs. 

Thank you and stay safe

Sheriff Gerald Wallace

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Last modified: 06/19/08