URGENT Public Safety Announcement…
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
Sheriff Mitch Ralston Announces:
A winter storm moved into Gordon County yesterday (January 28) at about noon. Road conditions quickly deteriorated and by 1 p.m. driving became very hazardous. In preparation, I had arranged to have extra deputy sheriffs on duty for the duration of the storm and immediately deployed these personnel in our fleet of four-wheel-drive emergency vehicles. These units have been in continuous service throughout the county. Between 12 noon yesterday and 6 a.m. this morning, the Sheriff’s Office responded to 73 automobile accidents, 12 of which involved school buses. None of the incidents to which the Sheriff’s Office responded involved serious injuries, and there were no reports of any children being injured. Deputies assisted scores of motorists, transported stranded persons home, cleared intersections and hills of vehicles stalled on the icy roads, and performed ‘welfare checks’ on elderly and sick persons in their homes. Deputy sheriffs also assisted school transportation personnel in carrying county and city students home after the schools were closed. State troopers also responded to incidents throughout the county, investigating crashes and assisting motorists. All roadways remain extremely hazardous, and the majority of secondary roads are impassable. Everyone should avoid travel unless absolutely necessary. My staff and I will continue patrolling the county in four-wheel-drive emergency vehicles, and my senior officers are monitoring weather conditions. Anyone needing emergency services should call 911. Again, please stay off the roadways unless travel is absolutely necessary.