Welcome to the year, 2011 and a fresh new look at the coming year. The year 2010 was a very good year for the Sheriff's Office. We have made some very big steps forward toward reaching our goals and we, like everyone else, have had our slight setbacks. When looking at the big overall picture involving law enforcement here in San Saba, I can only say that I am very pleased with the direction that the San Saba Sheriff's Office has taken.

I had the privilege to speak with the Chamber of Commerce on Monday of this week. I spoke with them in detail concerning the policies and procedures of the Sheriff's office and the work we have been doing and the work we will be doing in the coming year. The main thing that we discussed is just how important it is that law enforcement grows with not only the changing time, but with the community that it protects. We have an excellent Chamber and they are working extremely hard to build and promote industries and business here in San Saba county. Yet it is my contention that without proactive law enforcement to protect the city and county, then that growth will be stunted by increased criminal activity. We must always be prepared and know that when and where there is growth and prosperity, you will always find those wanting to take it away. I do believe that we all share the same goals and will continue to work towards a more prosperous and safe community.

The holiday season went off with a bang this year. It was one of the safest concerning traffic that we have had in a long time. We did write several tickets for fast or unsafe drivers, but there were no DWI arrests during this holiday season. I am very proud of all our community for the fact that I believe that the drop we are seeing in alcohol related crime, is due to the proactive enforcement by law enforcement and by you the community. We are seeing more and more individuals getting involved by calling and reporting impaired drivers, more people are monitoring their own alcohol intake or getting designated drivers. Diggs restaurant even provides rides home for those who choose to party safe. This is a big help to our community and the way most that serve alcohol should take care of their business. Yet the bottom line is that from two years ago, the facts show that this county had a problem that needed to be addressed and it was addressed aggressively and that it has produced results that are making our highways, county roads and streets a safer place for our families. That is what this is and has always been about, making it safer for everyone, so let's all keep up the good work.

School is back so let's all watch out for our kiddos and let's all slow down. The two biggest complaints that we get are speeding in the school zone and passing school busses. God bless our bus drivers who have a very difficult job as it is with all those excited kids on the bus, let's make it a little easier for them slowing down and watching for those bus stops out in the county.

We are looking forward to the New Year and more chances to work with you on your needs and concerns. The Sheriff's office hopes to hold the pace that we have set, but also realizes that we are far from perfect. We make mistakes and we fall short sometimes. We try to push forward on all of our cases and projects, but sometimes we prove to only be human. When we fail or fall short, we will apologize and will do our best to work harder and make sure that we don't make the same mistake a second time. We work in a job where we see the worst, deal with the worst, never experience the exact same thing twice, and expect the worst from people. Yet, we are always praying for the best and God does provide those moments that keeps the light breaking through the clouds. We have seen a lot of support from the community this year and are looking forward to working together to see positive changes in our community. We here at the Sheriff's Office are proud to work for you and please contact us if we can be of service to you in any way. May you have a happy and blessed new year and may you and your family remain safe and healthy.