Sheriff`s Corner

Hello, welcome to this week's Sheriff's Corner. As you know, 911 and Iraq and how these issues affect us is still in the forefront of political and news activity. For us, we know that we still remember that day and the resultant war. We know that we are said to be more vulnerable than before and many people now have family and friends serving in our military far away.

For those of us who are here at home living our lives, we hope that the fear and paranoia are slowly changing into enlightenment. I know that the heightened awareness demanded of all law enforcement now has served to show us some of our weaknesses. In response, we have seen our relationship with all other law enforcement agencies change and increase. This, regardless of whether they are local, state or federal. We constantly communicate with our FDLE, FBI, Secret Service brothers and sisters. We receive updates, bulletins and requests, daily from these agencies. And we have investigated issues when presented to us.

Interestingly enough, these effects have resulted in not only being more aware of what Levy County's conditions are, as it applies to homeland security, but it has also served to confirm several things talked about just after the 9-11 attacks. First, real homeland security can only comes from our alert, aware and vigilant public. Second, the areas of need in Levy County could be worked on, strengthened and bettered through a combined effort. When we conducted our needs and vulnerability assessments, we discovered several areas of possible interest to attacks, the Nuclear Plant in Crystal River, bridges etc. We now train regularly with the professionals at Progress Energy including the aspects of terrorist attacks.

In closing, we know our county and we know each other. Keeping our eyes and the communication lines open is the key. If you have any questions please call. Take care.