CARROLLTON — Carroll County Sheriff-Elect Clint Walker is asking the public’s help to equip his department properly as he takes over in January.
“I didn’t know we didn’t have what our men needed,” Walker said. “They use whatever gun they own. The equipment we provide our deputies is in desperate need of upgrade and replacement.”
So he asked and received permission from the Carroll Board of Supervisors to set up an “Officer Safety Fund,” with county business manager Marlee Golden handling the funds. Walker said it is important to get funds soon so he can order the equipment he will need to outfit his department.
“I promised to provide you with a professional, well-equipped, well-trained department to keep your families, homes and businesses safe, while being a good custodian of your tax dollars and keeping costs low,” he said. “Due to budget constraints and unavailability of any grants at this time, I have decided to bring this to the attention of the public and ask for your help on a voluntary basis.”
Walker said all donations are tax deductible and will go exclusively for outfitting and training. He plans to make the fund ongoing but urges citizens to help take care of the most urgent needs immediately, as today’s environment is more difficult for law enforcement officers.
“There are those out there who have basically declared war on our nation’s law enforcement officers. Stories abut how officers are being killed or injured in the line of duty come out almost every week,” he said. “For small departments like the Carroll County Sheriff’s Department, it is especially hard to provide our deputies with the vital equipment necessary to protect themselves and the public from new threats of violence.”
Walker said some citizens have already donated to the fund. “I have been encouraged by the response from some citizens I have mentioned this to. We have some very generous citizens in our midst who are most supportive of our officers. Please prayerfully consider donating to this fund.”
Checks should be made out to Carroll County and designated in the memo field as “Officer Safety Fund. Donations can be mailed to: Carroll County, attention Marlee Golden, P.O. Box 60, Carrollton, MS 38917.
Anyone needing more information may call Walker at (662) 310-7233.
