Citizens tired of Attacks

Commissioners need to put themselves in public safety's shoes


Dear Editor, (This is) in response to "County safety could be at risk" in your opinion column Wednesday, Nov. 28.

Quote: "Finally, the leaders of the (Camden County) sheriff's office, the 911 Center and (Camden County) Fire Rescue need to ask themselves what else they can be doing to retain personnel as long as feasible. Too much costly training and valuable experience is walking out of the county."

Facts: The Camden County Sheriff's Office, 911 center and fire rescue have always been some of the best in Georgia. They have been featured on national TV for some very heroic deeds that they have responded to in this county. Our deputies put their lives on the line every day when they leave their homes for a lot less money than our county government people sitting at a desk (make).

Our 911 dispatchers do have stress. You, too, would have stress if you answered the phone with someone screaming, that you had to calm down in order to understand enough to send help for their loved one, and give them life-saving information to start doing until help arrived. I worked for 911 and Camden fire rescue for years. I know Camden County has the best people, best equipment and best leaders in these departments and run on less money. Is it any wonder that our good people leave to make more money? How many of you work outside Camden because your job pays better?

Solution: The county commissioners should quit the politics in these departments, of which not one of them is qualified, and pay these people for what they are worth and the job they do 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Ask their office personnel to take two weeks off without pay, give up any monies they collect and give the sheriff's office, 911 and fire rescue credit for all the services they provide to all of us and, yes, even the commissioners, instead of slamming these departments weekly, then maybe we would not lose good people to other counties. Citizens of Camden County, your lives and property are not political, as our couty commissioners would have you believe. You pay a monthly surcharge for your 911 service, and pay county taxes.

These people in the sheriff's office, 911 and fire rescue who serve you are dedicated to giving you the best service regardless of what the politicians are trying to make you believe. Stand up for our protectors in these departments. They are worth more, for all they do, than any county commissioner, for all they say. You, as citizens of Camden County, are worth the dedication of our sheriff's office, 911 and fire rescue. In return, our sheriff's office, 911, fire rescue are worth more than they are paid for their dedication to their jobs and you, the people of Camden County.

JoFrances Connolly
- from the Tribune & Georgian

Just say it - Topix - December 1st, 2007
People are always saying on here "I heard" well lets lay the facts out. What I have seen is the Camden County Sheriff's Office doing a very good job over the years when it come to the War on drug's. Some of the best trained are Camden County. Narcotics are the main reason children go to bed hungry, the parent or guardian of a child will always choice the drug of choice first. Children are pawned off for sex so the parent or guardian can once again choice their narcotics.
This fight in drugs is not an easy one and many times the hard work placed into it seems like you are always starting over and over again like their is no end (probably isn't) but you can never say that Camden County is not hurting a drug dealer.
A smart a^& like CFT wants to talk about hungry children but yet once again the Camden County Sheriffs Office is doing their part on this situation and the only thing anybody can comment on (without the facts) is gas and hotel stay.
Smith haters I need for you to come up with something that makes more sense than who paid for the gas I'm sure $250,000 in gas and hotel was not consumed and you have to have a better argument then this.
I want to know If Smith is doing soooooo much illegal things Why has he not went to jail or court yet? Why would the FBI/GBI let Smith continue to be this awful Sheriff?