April 4, 2019
By: Dwayne Page
Members of the DeKalb County Commission and County Mayor recently took advantage of an opportunity to get a closer look at the operation of the Sheriff’s Department and Jail.
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Sheriff Patrick Ray has just completed his first ever Sheriff’s Citizens Academy, an eight week class intended to foster better communications between citizens and the Sheriff’s Department through education on the day to day operations. A graduation ceremony was held on the last night of the course.
The next session will be opened up to citizens from across the county who want to participate but Sheriff Ray wanted to make the first class available to the county mayor and county commission.
The course covers simunition firearms training, investigations, traffic stops, and other subjects. Participants even get to ride along with a deputy for a night.
The classes meet once a week for three hours each night over an eight week period.
The first Sheriff’s Citizens Academy was sponsored by Foutch Industries, IWC of Cookeville, Dr. Pepper Bottling Company of McMinnville, HIS Pharmacy, and Prichards Foods in Alexandria.
Sheriff Ray addressed the graduates of the course by first expressing appreciation to his staff and partners in the Citizens Academy.
“I want to thank my staff. To the group of guys who have worked very hard almost every day in the last 8 weeks and made your training possible, Chief Deputy Robert Patrick, Detective Stephen Barrett, Detective Brian Williams and Detective Billy Tiner” said Sheriff Ray.
“I also want to thank our group of speakers and role players, Criminal Court Judge Gary McKenzie, Assistant District Attorney General Stephanie Johnson, Parole and Probation Officer Holly Bough, Parole and Probation Officer Tiffany Dodson, Patrol Sgt. Michael Trusty, SRO Lewis Carrick, Deputy Andrew Lawrence, Deputy Brandon Deffendoll, Deputy Matt Summers, Deputy Joe Pack, Jail Sgt. Anthony Boyd, Warrants Clerk Samantha Halfacre and Jail Cook Amie Buchanan,” said Sheriff Ray.
The following is Sheriff Ray’s address to the class:
“Graduates, I have enjoyed the time we have spent together over the last 8 weeks.
One of my goals for this Sheriff’s Citizen’s Academy is to try to bridge the gap of misunderstanding and confusion between the public and Law Enforcement.
I wanted to start our first Citizen’s Academy with you, the members of the county commission, the County Mayor, his staff and a prosecutor with the District Attorney’s Office.
By doing this, it allows each of you to see how the Sheriff’s Department works in-depth on a day to day bases.
You, members of the county commission, are the voice for people who live in your district in our County. When it comes to crime issues and the safety of the people in your district who elected you, you are the one responsible for this.
Not only does your voice speak for your people who live in your district, but your voice also speaks for each employee of the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department. Your voice determines the employee’s livelihood, their career, and most importantly, their safety.
What you have experienced through this Academy will be what the public sees, hears, and also makes opinions of when they go through future academy’s here.
I hope we have answered any questions you have had. I also hope we have opened your eyes to the dangers that we in law enforcement face each and every day. All of what you have learned over the last 8 weeks may assist you in answering questions about the Sheriff’s Department to the citizens in your respected districts.
If my office or I can ever assist you with anything, please ask.
I will leave you with this:
I have worked at this Department for over 26 years of my 30 year law enforcement career. The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department has been my life. I love this Department from the bottom of my heart and I want to see good and positive things happen for the employees of the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department.
I try very hard each and every day to be a strong leader with good morals for my department. I have tried to equip each officer with the knowledge and tools of our trade.
I always want to keep my employees concerns about their safety and wellbeing at the forefront of my discussions with you as county commissioners. I try to remember this simple saying.
A leader who refuses to listen to his employees will eventually have employees with nothing to say.
I am also a believer that each and every law enforcement officer and correctional officer is a calling from GOD.
My Bible speaks of them
Matthew 5:9 says:
Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
Thank you so much again for attending our academy! GOD BLESS each and every one of you and we all appreciate your willingness to serve in your respected positions,” said Sheriff Ray.
(Pictured in the front row: Sheriff Patrick Ray, County Mayor Tim Stribling, Commissioner Sabrina Farler, County Mayor Secretary Ronda Butler, County Mayor Secretary Kristie Nokes, Commissioner Beth Pafford, Traci Davison, Commissioner Jenny Trapp, Commissioner Anita Puckett, Assistant District Attorney General Stephanie Johnson, Commissioner Julie Young. Back Row: Detective Stephen Barrett, Commissioner Matt Adcock, Commissioner Bobby Johnson, Chief Deputy Robert Patrick, Detective Brian Williams, Detective Billy Tiner)