To the Editor:
This letter is in response to the article in the Free Press Standard where Sheriff Dale Williams asked commissioners to advertise for bids for two new sheriff cruisers for his department. Having three cruisers with well over 160,000 miles, in my opinion, is a liability to his office. Evidently Sheriff Williams feels as though it’s time for him to purchase the new vehicles to keep the replacement of cruisers current and to make sure his department has dependable vehicles.

Commissioner President Larry Garner told Sheriff Williams he felt maybe purchasing cruisers from the (highway) with well over 100,000 miles on them could be used. Not being in a position to purchase cruisers and having to settle for vehicles not as reliable as new vehicles is a risk the Sheriff takes. Not only is it a liability for the Sheriff and his staff, but most of all for the citizens of Carroll County.

I have worked in the administrative office for the Columbiana County Sheriff’s Office for over 28 years and I realize the situation Sheriff Williams is in. There were many years our office used vehicles that were handed down from different police departments or even purchased used vehicles with very high mileage. Having the costly repair bills for the cruisers and realizing the liability for the deputy and citizens of our county, you finally come to the conclusion you need to fight hard and push the issue to provide the department with new vehicles. It not only decreases the cost of repairs, it provides assurance to everyone’s safety. It does seem a struggle for Sheriff Williams to where you come to the point of becoming very frustrated but from my experience it would be great for him to be able to provide his staff with vehicles necessary to do their work properly and protect the citizens of Carroll County.

Stay stern, Sheriff Williams. What you are fighting for is right and maybe sooner or later, commissioners will realize the cost of one life is more important than just saying they are not in a position to buy new cars. Not only does a new car keep an officer safe but minutes matter when you are sent to a call where there may be a life or death situation. You put a person’s life at risk. Maybe they need to take some time and think what’s more important and check to see what they can do to help.

Amie Hartman
Carrollton, OH   

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