I take great pride in the fact that Alachua County is my birthplace and home. It is important to me to keep our community as safe as possible and to provide the highest level of service with the contribution of the dedicated men and women of the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office. The following quote from W. Amason frequently comes to my mind: “…the way is often hard, the path is rarely clear and the stakes are always high…”.
“The way is often hard…”
There is less and less revenue; our property taxes remain the highest in the State and the majority of the Board of County Commissioners believe additional taxation is the answer. It IS NOT the answer. The message has to be sent to local government officials that there is a need to return to the basics. Local government should do as we do in our own homes: the essential bills must be paid first; then, and only then, should non-essential programs and positions be funded.
“The stakes are always high…”
2010 has been a particularly deadly year for law enforcement. Duty related deaths of law enforcement rose 37% from 117 deaths in 2009 to 160 in 2010. In the first six months of 2011, gun fire related deaths of law enforcement officers is up 48%. Nationally as of June 2011, Florida ranks #1 in law enforcement duty related fatalities.
What we do: matters. It is clear that the majority of our citizens support us. They support us because they believe in what we do and how we do it. Each of us in law enforcement set an example, we model the way: from relatively minor things such as how we drive; to the major, yet very basic things…like being honest in our actions, being professional and honorable. Each employee at the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office is a leader. Each employee impacts our image and our future. Throughout the difficult times, we as an agency have pulled together. The camaraderie at the ACSO is priceless.
I invite you to review our agency website at http://www.alachuasheriff.org and encourage you to contact me with any questions at info@reelectsheriffdarnell.com
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