This week has been steady to very busy and I don't foresee it getting slower any time soon. The other emergency services have also been very busy with numerous emergencies, especially the fire departments.

Sunday morning around 12:30 a.m., a string of fires were set in San Saba County. Fire departments from Cherokee, Richland Springs, Elm Grove, Pontotoc, and San Saba responded to this growing emergency and did an outstanding job of not only quailing the fires, but of working together. Deputy Sheriff Boswell and Officer Shaw also responded to assist with the investigation and traffic problems. I was very impressed with the speed of everyone's response, and the way each department handled themselves in this emergency.

I have called an emergency meeting Thursday night at 7 p.m. at the courthouse. I am requesting each Fire Chief to attend and or an officer from their department. I am also requesting each Commissioner, as well. We are going to attempt to develop some protocols for large emergencies and discuss radio traffic in emergency situations. I am looking forward to working with each of these individuals and learning about their resources and training. Good, effective, professional communication seems to be the key in these type emergencies and combining all aspects of emergency services with limited radio space is always a concern.

The County Attorney is also making an aggressive move on the hot check problem in San Saba. The Sheriff's Department will back him in this and we will make room in the jail for those individuals with hot checks. Please respond quickly when you receive one of his final notices, because we will be right behind this notice with a warrant. Please take care of your business so that we do not have to take care of it for you.

Now a special message goes out to our local narcotics dealers. I do not want you ladies and gentlemen to think for one moment that we have forgotten about you. I am sorry that I personally have not been able to give you my undivided attention lately, but that day is coming real soon. However, there are city officers, deputies, game wardens, troopers and lots of others who are also looking to put you where you belong. We are tired of this as are the people of San Saba. You and your actions will no longer be tolerated and we will come at you with every law on the books and I do mean every law! You know exactly who I am talking about and you can bet that I am serious. The seven individuals who are on parole and gang related need to understand that you are going to get my complete attention. You are about to understand what happens when good people stand up and say "No More!" You will be that example to our youth of this community, unless you decide to change overnight, we will do our best to put you away for the rest of your life! You choose, you make the call, and you reap the consequences for your actions and the damage you cause this community and hundreds of others.

We do not wish to go after any one person, but in the narcotics business, we sometimes attempt to cut the head off the snake. We know that we will never completely stop this problem, but we can and will make a huge dent in their day to day operations, and with this community's help, we can and will make life more miserable for those choosing to break the law. We want and will help any individual who wants to change, but understand we will cut no breaks for those who do not.

The Police Department, as well as other agencies, have all been very helpful to myself and my departments. We are very grateful and would also like to thank the members of the community as well for their support. I personally want to thank Chief Riggs for all his support and counsel. Chief Riggs is a valuable resource and has been a leader in this community for some time. Chief Riggs experience will always be pulled upon by the Sheriff's Department and we are thankful for his assistance.

Once again thank you for all the prayers and keep your thoughts and concerns coming.