FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE… PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT…
Friday, April 3, 2020
Sheriff Addresses Governor’s ‘Shelter-In-Place’ Order
Sheriff Mitch Ralston Announces:
“Yesterday, Governor Brian Kemp issued Executive Order 04.02.20.01 requiring certain measures to be taken by state and local governments, and by the public, to slow the spread of the Coronavirus. This Executive Order suspends the previous emergency orders already in place by the local governments. The Sheriff’s Office began implementing counter-measures against the spread of the disease on March 16, and local emergency ordinances had already been in place for some time as well. I give credit to both our local governments and to Calhoun and Gordon County citizens in recognizing and understanding the severity of the pandemic, and I am proud that as a community we have all been ‘ahead of the curve’ in making efforts to ‘flatten the curve’.
The role of the Sheriff’s Office hasn’t changed, only the methods by which we deliver services and keep our citizens safe and secure. We have modified and prioritized. We are utilizing the best technology available to facilitate working communications, off-site networking, teleconferencing, working remotely, and other safety and health measures. My staff has been issued with personal protective equipment (PPE) in order to help keep them safe as they keep you safe. The number of requests for service is down, and I commend every citizen for playing their part in staying in staying safe, and being community minded. Deputy sheriffs are actively patrolling the entire county, answering calls for service and enforcing the laws to keep everyone safe and secure. You can always call on the Sheriff’s Office for help. That will not change, and anyone who makes the bad decision to try to take any advantage of this situation will be dealt with according to law and held accountable. The public in Calhoun and Gordon County has been tremendously supportive in our efforts, and have shown our staff much kindness in these unprecedented times. Neighbors are looking after neighbors, and we have come together as a community. I continue to urge everyone to follow the health and safety guidelines set forth by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Department of Public Health (DPH), and to monitor media outlets for updates and information.
I would like to recognize and commend in the highest terms all of the first responders: law enforcement, fire/rescue, and especially our emergency medical personnel, along with the medical care providers who’re truly on the front lines in this fight. They risk and sacrifice their own health and safety every day to help others. God bless them all. As Americans, Georgians, and citizens of Calhoun and Gordon County we are all very much in this together. Although the pandemic is a tremendous challenge, we will win the battle and survive as a people, together, and with God’s help be better. I urge each and every one of you to stay in, stay healthy, and join me in prayer for our nation, our state, and our community. God Bless You”
Sheriff Mitch Ralston