From Sheriff Kell    
Wednesday July 1^st, 2009

Good Morning to Citizens of Grady County-

Welcome to the new web site – its been a long time in the making, as I have been busy with my new position as Sheriff and the transition period within the department.  As you must know by now, these changes have caused a BIG stir in the department as well as in the county.  Rumors and innuendos are flying high!  You know, I promised to make the changes you the people of Grady County wanted and I have done so.  People don’t adapt well to change, because they become too comfortable with the way things have been. There are, unfortunately, some of those deputies and reserve deputies that had personal differences about these necessary changes who choose to resent these changes for improvement.

I feel we are becoming a respected department around the communities.  People are approaching me and advising they are noticing these changes and are pleased something has finally been done within the department.  As I told you, change is hard for all personnel in any department no matter what area it is.  I have done several changes I feel is beneficial to make this department succeed and overcome past criticisms and reputations.  Those deputies that did not like the changes or change in administration and didn’t serve with the interest of the citizens or act like lawmen were given a choice!  They were warned that I will not tolerate unethical practices and they would be required to obey the new ethics and structure of the department.  All I wanted to do was motivate them to re-evaluate their career choice.  Some resigned.  Others were terminated.  Apparently these individuals are writing letters and e-mails to defame or demoralize my effort to continue to build a better department.  This consolidation of complaints and differences should be published in a book of fiction entitled ‘Disgruntled Employees’.  I would like to add, I accept the attention and spot light they cause, because this motivates my dedication and acceptance of responsibility you the people of Grady County have given me as Sheriff.

Changes include reducing the size of the old unsafe Sheriff’s fleet  patrol units from 61 vehicles to around 35 units.  The cost of repairs on these units was becoming a burden on tax payers as well as the cost for fuel and insurance.  The majority of these vehicles were reserve deputy units used only on week-ends!

In an effort to save on finance I opted to consider re-built auto’s at half-the cost of purchasing new vehicles.  Another favorable consideration was the vendor would take these worn out older vehicles in on trade.  You should also know that about 10 of the vehicles were salvaged vehicles that had been sitting in back of the Sheriffs warehouse for a long time.

At present, I have authorized the purchase of these re-built vehicles for a cost to you the tax payer of only $40,000.  These vehicles were 2004 and above and came with a warranty of 3 years or 36,000 miles.  I felt it was a cost effective savings to the county and at the same time upgraded the fleet to vehicles safe and efficient.

As for the employee situation – the reserves are an asset to the Sheriff’s Department-I have indicated this many times to them, as I was one myself!  But I also felt many of these reserves were non-productive elements that were motivated only to carry a gun and a badge to identify themselves as Sheriff Deputies.  Unfortunately those are not the type individuals I felt served the county with the best interest.  The reserves presently serving the county are dedicated and motivated to serve and protect by assisting this department in various ways-and I am very proud of them. 

Concerning my past – that issue was attacked when I campaigned for Sheriff. I feel most of those questions were answered.  Concerning my lack of experience or CLEET certification.  I believe that was addressed when I campaigned.  I have not failed any classes and will graduate sometime this fall due to additional requirements CLEET has added to the curriculum.  The CLEET Director issued an extension – which is normal in situations like this. 

Not all the decisions are easy ones, but my decisions are made without favor, fear or politics.  This is probably different than most politicians-but I’m a Sheriff and not a politician.

I will continue to serve and fill my office as Sheriff with one responsibility – to be accountable to you the citizens.  Whatever changes are necessary, I will not be motivated to gain political favor or opinion but to better serve and protect the Citizens of this county.  That is my promise.

More will come later, I pray you will support my efforts to clean house and mandate the type of service from this department that serves you the citizens of Grady County.  Until then God Bless.  

MISSION STATEMENT

• The Grady County Sheriff's Department believes our fundamental duty is to serve and protect the citizens of Grady County with Integrity-Character-Professionalism and Courtesy.
• Our Department provides equal enforcement and protection of the law without prejudice, fear or favor.  To enforce the laws both proactive and reactive, process service, civil and criminal, assist other agencies local, state and federal.
• As a foundation of trust, we value Integrity.  We demand from ourselves what we expect in others and hold ourselves to these high standards, regardless of those we encounter who believe differently!
• With these commitments we pledge and endeavor to better serve our citizens by constantly moving forward - never ceasing to improve and better the quality of service that the citizens of Grady County deserve.