Keeping all of Bulloch County safe

2013Community

PridePublic Service

2 – StateSboro herald — Sunday, February 24, 2013 | statesboroherald.com community pride 2013

Public Service

Bulloch county ProBate court

912-489-8749

May We Help You...•AdministrationofEstatesof DeceasedPersons•GuardianshipsofMinors andIncapacitatedAdults•CommitmentHearings•HearingsonLandLine Disputes

•RecordsManagement•ProbableCauseHearingsin CertainInstances•MarriageLicenses•FirearmLicenses

Lee DeLoach, Judge

Michelle Sawyer(Clerk;Petitions,Guardianships,

Conservatorships)

Brenda Hendrix(Clerk;Firearms

Licenses,Accounting)

Nora M. Laughlin(Clerk;Petitions,Filing/Recording)

Sally Anne Deal(Clerk;Marriage

Licenses,Petitions,Receptionist)

SPD helping keep the Boro safe

From staff reports

The Statesboro Police Department has utilized several programs and soft-ware to help make report-ing crimes, monitoring crimes in your neighbor-hood and keeping safe easi-er. “Crime Reports and TIPSOFT software makes available to community all crime reports and statistics overlaid onto the City of Statesboro map via internet and gives citizens an oppor-tunity to submit anony-mous tips,” said Statesboro Public Safety Director Wendell Turner. “It is also used by department for crime analysis and forecast to better focus our resourc-es to combat crime.” The department also uses Nixle Alerts to notify the community of impor-tant crime information to solidify community part-nership. “The Statesboro Police Department began utiliz-ing social media as a new means to distribute law enforcement information with their Facebook page and Twitter page,” he said. “These have also been essential in receiving crime tips from the public.” Another effort to improve services includes “Successfully cross-training several police officers with the fire department to sup-plement fire ground opera-tions,” he said. “The

Training Bureau working in conjunction with the fire department was instru-mental in obtaining equip-ment for our new gym, which has been benefi-cial to all c i t y employ-ees at little to no cost to the tax pay-ers.” In 2012 t h e Sta tesboro Police Crime S u p p r e s s i o n Unit (CSU) cele-brated its fifth anniversary. “The Cr ime Suppression Unit (CSU) is a specialized unit within the Statesboro Police Department that is housed within in the Investigations Bureau,” Turner said. “The mission of CSU is to reduce drug, gang, fire-arms and quality of life crimes within the City of Statesboro by conducting overt and covert investiga-tions.” The CSU was formed October of 2007. “Initially three investigators and one supervisor were assigned to this specialized unit,” he said. “Starting in January 2011, the Georgia Southern University Police Department detached one of their investigators to CSU. This made CSU a

multi-agency taskforce.” From October 2007 to July 2012 CSU has investi-gated over 1,200 cases, removed over 1.5 million

dollars of illicit drugs from

t h e streets , s e i z e d m o r e t h a n t w o hundred firearms,

s e i z e d s e v e n t y

vehicles and seized over

$217,000 in cash and prop-

erty. The Crime Suppression Unit has

conducted numerous special operations and assisted several agencies throughout the past five years. “The Crime Suppression Unit has been supervised by Detective Lieutenant Rob Bryan for the past five years and the Statesboro Police Department would like to recognize Lieutenant Bryan for his outstanding leadership which led to the success of this unit,” Turner said. “The Statesboro Police Department would also like to recognize all the investigators who have been and are currently assigned to CSU for their hard work and determina-tion in order to also make this unit successful. “ The Statesboro Police

Department recognized several officers and staff in 2012 for outstanding ser-vice. Awards were as fol-lows: ➤ 25 years of service — Lt. Michael Chappel and Sgt. John Allen Smith. ➤ Community Service Awards — Administrative Assistant Tina Childers and Records Clerk Lyn Dedge (for work with Toys for Tots) ➤ Officer of the Year (presented to an officer of the department selected by members of the depart-ment who represents the mission and values of the department) — Advanced Patrol Officer Justin Gawthrop. ➤ Supervisor of the Year — Lt. Michael Chappel. ➤ Detective of the Year — Det. Sgt. Patrick Harrelson. ➤ Support Person of the Year — Records Clerk Lyn Dedge. ➤ Rookie of the Year — (officers with more than six months and less than eigh-teen months in law enforce-ment with the Statesboro Police Department.) — Officer Jeremy Glisson. ➤ Top Gun — (based on an average of firearms scores during the previous year.) Det. Tommy Brown. ➤ FBI National Academy Ribbon(for graduating from the FBI National Academy in 2012) — Det. Lt. Robert Bryan. ➤ POST Instructor (cer-

tified by Georgia Peace Officer Standards Training as an instructor) — Cpl. Andrew Samples, Advanced Patrol Officer Justin Samples. Det. Sgt. James Winskey. ➤ Motorcycle officers (awarded to an officer that has completed the POST Motor Officer 40 hours course, meets all criteria under Department Policy and is currently assigned approved to operate a department motorcycle.) — Officer Travis Smallegan, Advanced Patrol Officer (APO) Jason Harris, APO Jared Shababy, APO Aaron Conner, APO William Dietz. Also during 2012, Robert Bryan was promot-ed to Detective Lieutenant over the Investigation Bureau; Patrick Harrelson

was promoted to Detective Sergeant over the Crime Suppression Unit and Advanced Patrol Officer Justin Samples was assigned as the Community Relations and Public Information Officer.

Statesboro Public Safety Director Wendell Turner

Local police using latest tools to help battle crime

From staff reports

The Division of Public Safety is made up of three departments: University Police, Cr iminal Investigations, and Environmental Safety. The division is also responsible for the control of traffic on the campus. The Office of Public Safety is located on Forest Drive (at its intersection with Parrish Road) and is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, in order to provide the safest environment possi-ble. The GSU police force is made up of 40 sworn, state-certified police officers. The GSU police offer a variety of student services, one being a walking escort for any student who feels uncomfortable walking alone. GSU Police Chief Mike Russell says “Our crime statistics indicate that it is extremely safe to walk around campus at night. Most conflicts among stu-dents involve persons they know including intimate friends” There are also “Safety Call Boxes” located throughout campus allow-ing students to be better connected to Public Safety. To report a crime, stop by the Public Safety Building on campus (across from the Wildlife Center on Forest Drive) or call 912-478-5234. Copies of reports

can be picked up three busi-ness days after you report a crime and sometimes soon-er. If it is an emergency, call 911. Police, fire, or EMS will be dispatched.

Information about a crime can also be sent through the “Eagle Eye Witness” link on our webpage and can be done either anonymously or by providing your infor-mation. Alcohol violations and theft top the list of GSU’s most reported crimes. Unlocked doors and unat-tended articles provide opportunities for theft, and most of our thefts are of this variety. In 2012, the GSU Police Department was awarded 2nd place in the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety Challenge (Campus Police Category). The department also: participated in a multi-agency active shooter train-ing on and off campus and continued to add cameras to the campus surveillance system. In 2012, GSU police investigators handled two reported rape cases, two robberies, 22 simple assault cases, 18 burglary cases, 234 larceny cases and made 292 arrests. Telephone: 912-478-5234. Web: http://welcome.geor-giasouthern.edu/publicsafe-ty/.

GSU Public Safety looking after studentsDepartment awarded second place in 2012 Governor’s Office of Highway Safety Challenge (Campus Police)

statesboroherald.com | StateSboro herald — Sunday, February 24, 2013 – 3community pride 2013

Public Service

SHERIFFLYNN M. ANDERSON

17257 HWY 301 NORTHSTATESBORO, GA 30458

(912) 764-8888FAX (912) 764-2917

OFFICE OF SHERIFF

The Office of Sheriff originated in England well over nine centuries ago. Since the

beginning, Sheriffs have been responsible for maintaining law and order and have

served as the primary law enforcement officer of the county. As early as the 1700’s, it

was a significant honor to be the Sheriff and sometimes the honor proved to be costly.

If the people of the county did not pay the full amount of taxes and fines, the Sheriff

had to make up the difference from his holdings. Furthermore, the Sheriff was expected

to serve as host for judges and other dignitaries, providing lavish entertainment at his

own expense.

In settling the American colonies, the British brought with them the Office of Sheriff.

As the first American counties were established in Virginia in 1634, the elected Sheriff

appeared a few years later. As America moved westward, the Office of Sheriff and the

concept of the county jail were born. The Sheriff served to protect the public’s peace

in lawless territories where the fastest draw and the most accurate shot often controlled

the county.

Today, the Office of Sheriff is established by the state constitution in most states.

Other states have established the office by act of the state legislature. In Georgia,

the Sheriff is both a constitutional and a county officer. The constitutionality of the

office derives primarily from English Common Law. The status as a county office is

drawn from a number of general constitutional provisions relating to the office. It is

the responsibility of the Sheriff to maintain peace, protect life, protect property, and

provide service to the community. Specific duties of the Office of Sheriff today include:

providing law enforcement and traffic safety services, operating the county jail, serving

as an officer of the court and serving criminal warrants, subpoenas and civil papers.

In Georgia, there are 159 elected Sheriffs. In Bulloch County the first elected Sheriff

was Charles McCall, Jr. in 1796. As of the year 2001 there has been a total of 62 elected

Sheriffs in Bulloch County.

“The Sheriff shall keep and preserve the peace of his county.”

764-8888 • Fax 764-2917 • Chief Deputy Gene McDaniel

From staff reports

The Bulloch County Sheriff ’s Office is on the front line when it comes to technology. In 2012, Sheriff Lynn Anderson added a video conferencing system that allows inmates to speak to attorneys and court per-sonnel remotely, without having to leave the facility. This lessens the need for transport officers and fur-ther ensures security, he said. Deputies continue using in-car computers “equipped with networking technology and access to the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) for better efficiency in dispatching and handling calls,” he said. The department has also implemented a new IAFIS fingerprint system that has led to several arrests, and has upgraded security systems as well. Alerting the public regarding potentially dan-gerous situations via the Nixle Alert system has also helped keep citizens aware and safe, he said. Keeping citizens informed through a Facebook page has also helped investigators and deputies “to solve multiple cases quickly, with citizen input,” Anderson said. Using Crimereports.com continues to offer citizens a quick view of crimes in their particular neighborhoods, and citizens can send in anonymous crime tips by emailing to tips@bulloch-sheriff.com, he said. Services to citizens have

been streamlined as well. It is now easier for the media and other citizens to request open records. Citizens should notice mobile speed detection devices in neigh-borhoods where traffic com-plaints have been reported. There have been increased patrols in n e i g h -b o r -h o o d s w h e r e property c r i m e s h a v e occurred, he said. Deputies often use a Can-Am Spyder motorcycle in patrol-ling areas so as to have a more visible presence. Deputies and investiga-tors have given presentations to Georgia Southern University students and neighborhood associations on crime prevention, “blan-keting student housing areas with flyers on crime preven-tion before break periods” to

decrease burglaries. The Child ID trailer con-tinues to make appearances at public events and last year additional deputies were cer-tified to conduct the D.A.R.E. (anti-drug) programs in area schools. Deputies also assisted local driving schools with DUI education and the Bulloch County Sheriff ’s Honor Guard appeared in parades and other events. Deputies conducted compliance checks on regis-tered sex offenders, working jointly with other local, state and federal agencies; con-ducted patrols with Georgia Southern University and Statesboro police to address crimes around campus, and

conducted compli-ance checks with

probation and parole offi-

cers to “dis-c o u r a g e r e p e a t offenders,” Anderson s a i d .

Investigators also worked

with local and federal agencies to

address tax fraud schemes. The Bulloch County Sheriff ’s Office maintains a steady program of training to offer citizens the best pro-tection. In 2012, training included the following: graduated two deputies (Cpl. Bob Dinello and Deputy Jeff Thompson) from an inten-sive D.A.R.E. course at Ft. Stewart; active shooter train-

ing in conjunction with other agencies; BCSO Crime Scene Inv. Bill Black is seek-ing national certification as a crime scene technician; 60 percent of jail staff becoming certified to use a Taser. Also, to date, 90 percent of jail staff is certified through the state, and those recently hired will also become certified. Inv. Todd Mashburn coordinated almost 5,000 hours of train-ing in 2012 for BCSO employees, Anderson said Continued training allowed for 31 deputies to achieve ‘senior deputy” sta-tus as well, he said. Other notable accom-plishments for the Bulloch

County Sheriff ’s Office in 2012 include: ➤ 890 firearms applica-tions processed. ➤ Deputy Rey Rodriguez promoted to corporal and awarded “Deputy of the Year” by the Georgia Sheriff ’s Association for “valorous actions” during an officer-involved shooting in Statesboro. ➤ Logging 23,800 calls for service and 4,654 inci-dent reports filed. ➤ Assigned an investiga-tor to liaison with metal recyclers to combat metal theft and ensure new state laws are observed. ➤ Worked with pawn shops to recover $28,000

worth of stolen property. ➤ Worked with other agencies in two states to solve cases where three peo-ple were responsible for over 200 entering auto inci-dents. ➤ Housed an average of 70 federal inmates at any one time throughout the year, resulting in about $1 million in revenue for the county. ➤ Conducted the Civilians Firearms Safety Course with 10 classes with approximately 150 citizens completing the course. ➤ Deputies served 2,549 subpoenas, 1,254 child sup-port orders, 1,821 civil papers and 61 temporary protective orders.

BCSO using tech to keep law in Bulloch

Bulloch County Sheriff Lynn Anderson

Nixle alerts, social media being utilized in sheriff's office

SPECIAL

Bulloch County Sheriff Lynn Anderson, right, stands with Jessica Williams and Mike Wallace of Can-Am Statesboro with the new Can-A, Spyder motorcycle presented to the Sheriff's Department.

Bulloch County Emergency Medical

Service EMS currently operates out of a single station located on West Grady Street next to Statesboro Fire Department Station One. Soon, county officials will be investigating the possibility of a substation for an ambulance and crew at Bulloch County Fire station # 7, located on U.S. 80 in Brooklet. “We are currently working on a design/renovation of Station 7 to accommodate the EMS crew,” said Bulloch County Public Safety Director Ted Wynn. “This will allow for a quicker response to a large portion of the county. As funds are available we will look to substation EMS in other locations based on call data and population density.”

Bulloch County Central 911

In 2012, 911 received a CAD upgrade and began to use reverse 911 as tool to alert public in the event of a disaster or other emer-gency threatening public safety. Bulloch 911 handles calls for Evans, Candler, and Bulloch Counties. The CAD system tracks and documents all information relative to every 911 call received and stores that information for retrieval is necessary. “With over 60,000 calls received on an annual basis, the CAD system is of great necessity,” Wynn said. “The reverse 911 system allows us to alert the public based on proximity to an emergency of a disaster such as a chemical release

or and escaped prisoner. The system alerts the pub-lic with land line phones, but cell phone users can opt in at the county’s web-site.” 911 will soon oversee the deployment of new digital handheld radios for use by law enforcement, fire, and EMS. In 2007 a grant of 1.2 million was received to allow a 4 chan-nel digital overlay to the existing 7 channel analog system. The county and city recently purchased 340 radios which will allow for digital communications between units and dis-patchers. This digital com-munications is the highest quality audio and allows for clear voice communica-tions in very noisy envi-ronments.

Bulloch County Fire Department

Bulloch County Fire Chief Christopher Ivey and training officer Ben Tapley have made positive changes in training offered to coun-ty fire fighters. “The Bulloch County Fire Department and its volun-teers strive to provide the most professional firefight-ing service to their commu-nity,” Wynn said. Currently, members are training to become NPQ 1 firefighters, meaning they will be nationally certified as well as state certified. This cer-tification will exceed the minimum requirements to be a volunteer firefighter. “All fire department offi-cers will be involved in extensive management and leadership courses to pro-vide the guidance needed to take this department into the future,” he said. “Starting in February 2013, we will also be teaching six National Fire Academy classes through the Georgia

Fire Academy.” Hazardous materials training will be expanded as well as working together with the Statesboro Fire Department to improve cooperative efforts on fire-fighting in our community, he said. The county fire depart-ment is made up of eight stations and five substa-tions, and utilizes 101 vol-unteers to respond to fire emergencies throughout the county. The county fire depart-ment has an automatic aid agreement with the city of Statesboro which means the two departments auto-matically respond to struc-ture fires in each ones respective area of service. The state ISO (insurance service office) completed a study in 2009 and awarded the county’s fire service a public protection classifica-tion of 5/9. This was an improvement over the pre-vious classification result-ing in insurance premium savings to many Bulloch County residents.

Emergency Management

Agency Bulloch County EMA urges all citizens to “Get a kit and make a plan.” Disaster can strike at any moment. “Prepare your business and your home for disas-ters,” Wynn said. “Local, state, and federal response may be temporarily delayed if the gravity of a disaster in enormous. You need to be prepared to sustain yourself and family for up to 72 hours after a disaster strikes and the kits you prepare should include food, medi-cations, and other necessi-ties your family may need, he said.

Other agencies working to help keep citizens safe

4 – StateSboro herald — Sunday, February 24, 2013 | statesboroherald.com community pride 2013

Public Service

JAMES W. DEALBulloch County Tax Commissioner

115 North Main StreetP.O. Box 245

Statesboro GA 30459Telephone: 912-764-6285

Fax: 912-489-4108Office Hours: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Monday – FridayDEADLINE TO FILE HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION FOR 2013 IS APRIL 1, 2013.Contact the Bulloch County Tax Assessors office for more information.

EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2011 – Both Registration and Title for a newly pur¬chased motor vehicle from a source other than a registered dealer must be ap-plied for at the owner’s County Tag Office no later than seven business days after the Date of Purchase. (O. C. G. A. 40-2-29) This seven day requirement replaces the former thirty day rule.

REAL and PERSONAL PROPERTY TAX – You can pay your real, personal property, and mobile home taxes online by going to www.bullochtaxcommissioner.com and clicking “pay taxes online”. A convenience fee of 2.50% is charged by the company (not Bulloch County) that processes online tax payments. All 2012 and prior taxes owed should be paid as soon as possible to avoid tax sale and the filing of a lien (FiFa) which will affect your credit for many years.

After March 4, 2013, a one-time 10% penalty will be applied to all 2012 real and personal property tax bills not paid by the due date (12-01-2012). This penalty does not apply to property claiming homestead exemption where tax due is less than $500.00. Interest at the rate of 1% per month or fraction thereof began the day after the due date.

VEHICLES – REMEMBER your registration EXPIRES ON YOUR BIRTHDAY for individuals. INSURANCE on your vehicle must be submitted to the state insur-ance data base by your agent to enable the renewal of your tag/decal. Vehicles covered by a fleet policy are an exception to this rule and your fleet card must be provided. If there is a lapse in your insurance, lapse fees will be placed on the tag system by the state and must be paid timely with cash or certified funds to pre-vent further fees and possible suspension of your registration. Penalties on regular re¬newals begin the day after your birthday and are by law added automatically by the computer.

Businesses renew according to the first letter of the title for their vehicle (A & B in January, C & D in February, etc.) and are due by the last day of your month. Late registrations will by law require that penalties be added.

MOBILE HOMES – Purchase your 2013 decal by May 1, 2013 to avoid interest and penalty. Failure to display a current decal can result in a citation and fines through the Magistrate Court. A rural fire fee for 2013 of $53 has been added to all non-homesteaded mobile home bills in Tax District 2 (Brooklet), Tax District 3 (Portal), Tax District 4 (Unincorporated County), and Tax District 5 (Register).

Our goal is to assist the taxpayers and citizens of Bulloch County with services ren-dered by our office in an efficient and professional manner while being governed by many laws, rules, and regulations. PLEASE CALL US WITH YOUR NEEDS AND QUESTIONS.

Our website www.bullochtaxcommissioner.com pro¬vides information regarding taxes, exemptions, vehicle registrations, etc.

Town of BrookleT CiTy Hall

would like to recognize it’sPublic Service Representatives.

CiTy Hall

PuBliC works

PoliCe DeParTmenT

mayor & CiTy

CounCil

rePresenTaTives

Planning & Zoning Commission

From staff reports The Statesboro Fire Department strives towards providing excellence in fire protection, and honors its own for training and other achievements. In 2012, the third annual awards banquet saw the fol-lowing honorees: ➤ Achievement Medal (awarded to a member who has performed in an out-standing manner while accomplishing a task, assignment or goal worthy of recognition. The following were awarded for successful internal project manage-ment.) — Cap. Merritt Kearns, Capt. Chris Moore,

Capt. Lee Nessmith, Capt. Chris Whitehead; Capt. Steven Morris, Firefighter Derek Stoddard, Firefighter Brent Connor, F i r e f i g h t e r J a m i e S t r o s n i d e r a n d Firefighter J a s o n Barrs. ➤ Unit C i t a t i o n M e d a l s (awarded to any group of two or more fire department members who make up a company, shift, sector, team or mem-ber work group that has performed in an outstand-

ing manner worthy of rec-ognition. All the following were awarded for their actions during the rescue of

a victim at the T e r e s a ’ s

A l t e r a t i o n fire on May

9) — Battalion C h i e f J a s o n B a k e r ,

C a p t . C h r i s

Whitehead, Capt. Steven

Morris, Firefighter Tim Alderman,

Firefighter Brad Bouchillon, Firefighter Andrew Farrar, and Firefighter Lamar Matthews.

Also, Firefighter John Patterson, Firefighter Jamie Strosnider, Firefighter Tyler Thompson, Firefighter Ben Adams and Public Safety Officer Justin Gawthrop. ➤ Medal of Valor (award-ed to a member who, under extreme conditions in which life safety is at great risk, per-forms in an outstanding manner. It is the second highest honor only behind the Medal of Honor bestowed upon a member. These three were the ones that performed the ladder rescue at the Teresa’s Alteration fire.) Capt. Chris Whitehead, Firefighter Lamar Matthews, Firefighter Andrew Farrar. ➤ The Ralph Deal

Training Award (for out-standing training and educa-tional accomplishments) — Firefighter Jason Gammon. ➤ Volunteer of the Year — Bill Taylor. ➤ Firefighter of the Year — Firefighter Lamar Matthews. ➤ Chief Officer of the Year — Division Chief Chris Colson.The Statesboro Fire Department also achieved many improvements in 2012: ➤ The department underwent an ISO review with anticipation of excel-lence. ➤ A new engine and plat-form aerial have been ordered and will be put into

service mid-2013. ➤ The department acquired a water tanker for areas that do not have water systems in place. ➤ The department has increased services to three engines and a ladder truck available 24 hours, an improvement over just hav-ing two engines previously. ➤ The department also implemented a part-time and police department cross-trained program to help with firefighting servic-es. ➤ Partnered with the MDA for the first annual Firefighter Challenge to help raise money for MDA chil-dren and families in the community.

Fire department honors heroes in 2012

On Saturday, Oct. 27, 2012, the Statesboro Fire Department

sponsored the 2012 Firefighter Challenge at the Kiwanis

Ogeechee Fairgrounds. The day of food, fun and family was a local

fund-raising effort to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association,

a voluntary health agency dedicated to finding treatments and

cures for 43 neuromuscular diseases through programs of world-

wide research, comprehensive medical and community services

and far-reaching professional and public health education.

The event included three teams, two from the Statesboro Fire

Department and one from the Springfield Fire Department, com-

peting to finish a relay of challenges including Rapid Dress, Busted

Hose, Hose Obstacle Course, Hose Extension and Advance, and

Bucket Brigade.

Firefighter Challenge helps raise funds for MDA

SCOTT BRYANT/staff

Above, Mattie Lively Elementary School fourth-grader Kyle Hendry gets some first-rate attention from firefighters during the Statesboro Firefighters Challenge at the Kiwanis Ogeechee Fairgrounds. Below, O'Neal Jones of the Springfield Fire Department tosses water on a mini house during the Bucket Brigade event at the challenge.

statesboroherald.com | StateSboro herald — Sunday, February 24, 2013 – 5community pride 2013

Public Service

CrisisÊLineÊ1-866-489-2225Ê

SRSAC is a non -profit organization that provides emotional support and advocacy for individuals who have been sexually assaulted.

Preparing for danger

By HOLLI DEAL BRAGGhbragg@statesboroherald.com

Bullets flew in March of 2012 as law enforcement officers took part in a simu-lated active shooter training exercise in a vacant elemen-tary school building.

They were “simunition” instead of real ammunition, and as they struck targets, the waxy rounds left blue or orange marks to show where an actual bullet would have drawn blood.

Georgia Southern University and Statesboro Police joined in the exercis-es, along with Bulloch County Sheriff ’s deputies and agents from the Atlanta FBI to conduct active shoot-er training.

Reenactments of danger-ous situations help officers learn to respond safely, said Statesboro Public Safety Director Wendell Turner. During these exercises, offi-cers will be training on how to respond and react to an active shooter on campus.

Using guns modified to fire the simunition but that

could not fire real ammuni-tion, officers took turns Tuesday at the old Sallie Zetterower elementary school building on Brannen Street, focusing on different scenarios in a variety of locations throughout the school.

As he showed someone the simunition rounds and guns, Statesboro Police Lt. Kaleb Moore talked about the exercises.

“This is the closest train-ing that you can possibly get without it being the real thing,” he said.

Before actually perform-ing the exercises, groups of officers, deputies and agents conducted “dry runs,” walk-ing through the scenario in anticipation of the real moves.

In the scenarios, officers were faced with “known shooter locations and unknown shooter loca-tions,” said GSU Police Chief Mike Russell.

Observers wore safety glasses and orange mesh vests as they watched the scenarios unfold.

In one hallway, officers entered the building know-ing the “shooter” was in the counselor’s office. Some

covered others as they stepped quietly down the hall and approached the office.

Guns drawn, officers checked every room they passed even though they knew where the shooter was located.

Officers ordered the sus-pect to stop, which he appar-ently did not do, and shots were fired before taking him into custody during the sim-ulated exercise.

In the second scenario, officers did not know where the shooter was hiding. Again, they entered the hall-way quietly, clearing each room, and then the “shoot-er” stuck his head out from a classroom. Shots were fired immediately, spent rounds peppering the hallway. The shooter poked his head out of the doorway once again and disappeared.

“He’s reloading,” some-one called. Then, as the offi-cers approached the class-room where the suspect was, someone ordered him to “Drop your weapon! Let me see your hands!”

As the exercises unfolded, the real smell of gunpowder filled the air of the vacant school’s hallway. Officers

moved in shadows as there was no lighting in the wing where they worked. After each scenario, training agents discussed the action and gave suggestions about improved reactions, what officers did right and what could happen if the exercise was a real-life dangerous situation.

In the third scenario in one wing, there were two shooters in separate rooms. As officers once more reen-acted the scene, someone called “He’s down in that room!” In another room, an officer ordered the suspect “let me see your hands!” The shooter replied “Eat it” and was promptly “shot” and captured.

GSU spokesperson Connie Palfy said all activi-ties will be conducted inside. Russell said officers will be reenacting dangerous situa-tions around the Newton and College of Education classroom buildings, as well as Paulson Stadium through Thursday.

“The areas being used will be closed off and marked,” Palfy said.

Holli Deal Bragg maybe reached at (912) 489-9414.

SCOTT BRYANT/staff

Georgia Southern University Police officer Scott Sanford, left, takes the point as they sweep hallways and classroom of the Newton Building in simulated search for a gunman as local law enforcement teams up for an active shooter training exercise on campus in March.

Local law enforcement officers get active shooter training

SCOTT BRYANT/staff

A unit made up of Statesboro and Georgia Southern University police officers make their approach after a mock alert during the active shooter training exercise on campus in March.

Bulloch County Humane Enforcement and the Bulloch County Animal Shelter work hand in hand to ensure ani-mals are treated humanely and citizens are protected against aggressive and nuisance ani-mals. Citizens bring in unwanted dogs and cats. Humane offi-cers enforce local ordinances and animal laws, ensure ani-mals are treated humanely, and collect stray dogs and cats, including those sick or injured running at large.

Bulloch County Animal Shelter

Shelter manager Wendy Ivey oversees day to day opera-tions of the shelter located on Mill Creek Road. She handles complaint calls and dispatches humane officers as well as oversees duties of two full time shelter attendants who help care for the dogs and cats in the shelter. The Animal Shelter staff care for a average of 150 dogs and on a daily basis. The buildings contain 42 canine isolation/holding kennels, 24

canine adoption holding ken-nels , 30 feline adoption ken-nels and 24 feline isolation/holding kennels. The shelter primarily assists with canine and feline holding, but all types of animals in need of assistants or replacing are wel-comed, none are turned away. “This also includes live-stock and wildlife,” Ivey said. “We are equipped to handle different types of animals.” The facility has rooms for food preparation, laundry and veterinary and other needs. The shelter staff handles adop-tions, public intake of stray and personal animals, lost/return to owner cases and any animal cases pending court action, as well as dispatching animal control complaints. The shelter is open to the public on Monday, Wednesday & Thursday 10am-5pm and Tuesday & Friday 12pm-5pm.

Humane Enforcement Humane Enforcement Supervisor Joey Sanders over-sees two other humane officers who answer calls ranging from stray cats leaving footprints on

vehicles to vicious dogs threat-ening people in their own homes. They also respond to calls about snakes in homes, injured wildlife, and both pets and livestock that are being neglect-ed, abandoned or abused. Humane officers make sure animals in the county are treated humanely while keep-ing nuisance animals from causing problems and putting citizens in danger. Humane Enforcement handles a average of 200 calls/complaints per month, enforc-ing the animal laws and coun-ty ordinances to help ensure the safety of the public and well being of the animals in our county. They handle all types of animal control com-plaints within our county, while assisting with the Georgia Department of Agriculture and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources when needed. Humane Enforcement is available Monday thru Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on call after 5 p.m. on week days and weekends for emergency calls only.

Serving God's lesser creatures

By HOLLI DEAL BRAGGhbragg@statesboroherald.com

Vicious? Maybe, but Krav Maga is exactly what domestic violence victims need, said instructor Todd Mashburn. The Bulloch County Sheriff ’s captain spent a night teaching women and teens how to defend themselves using the Israeli military system that is a “combination of street fighting and self defense,” he said. Clients of Safe Haven, a local domestic violence shelter, enjoy outings every month hosted by the Statesboro Service League. The class, taught by Mashburn and his wife Skye, also a Krav Maga instructor, was held at the Averitt Center for the Arts. Before long, Mashburn had the women at ease, trying out moves. When he encouraged them to tap into their inner aggres-sion, they kicked, struck out and even roared. “Krav Maga is very simple, easy to learn and remember,” he said. “It is designed to work off the body’s natural instinct, trying to capitalize on (reactive movements) instead of strength.” Mashburn was very clear at the beginning that this was no sissy class. “It’s up front, in your face, gouging their eyes out,” he said. “It is controlled

aggression I am looking for.” He and his wife showed the ladies (and a couple teenage boys) how to throw an effective punch, using body weight and leverage to create power. “This is the bullet,“ he said, showing his fist, and “this is the gun,” motion-ing towards the torso. Each time Skye Mashburn struck a train-ing pad in demonstration, the audible hiss as she expelled her breath shot through the room. “When you expel that air, it expounds the force of your punch,” Todd Mashburn said. The art of Krav Maga isn’t about skill or style, it’s about pure defensive reaction. “I don’t sugarcoat it, I tell it like I see it,” he said. Then he talked about the well-known defensive move he called the “great equalizer.” Women are usually weaker in strength than men, but one move is sure to bring an attacker to his knees. “When you start

taking his manhood and shoving it somewhere near his larynx, it won’t matter how big he is.” He told the women to remember, when they are in danger, there are no holds barred. “You are willing to end it, whatever it takes,” he said. “Your goal is to take him off this planet.” Laurie Bradford, Safe Haven counselor, said the clients requested the course. “We’re finding the world is getting meaner, and they’re vulnerable anyway.” Lue Ann Roberson said the class empowered her. She didn’t feel confident enough to defend herself before, she said. Being a victim makes you “ feel worthless, helpless.” Mashburn teaches Krav Maga to the public and said anyone can take the course, regardless of age or athletic ability. While he works full time with the Bulloch County Sheriff ’s Department, he said Sheriff Lynn Anderson is “very sup-portive of me doing this. He likes for us to be part of community outreach,” such as the free class he gave to the Safe Haven cli-ents. Mashburn can be con-tacted at (912) 764-5425 or toddm@fittofightpro-grams.com. Holli Deal Bragg may be reached at (912) 489-9414.

6 – StateSboro herald — Sunday, February 24, 2013 | statesboroherald.com community pride 2013

Public Service

Clerk of Court

During the election it was brought to my attention that the majority of the citizens in Bulloch County do not realize exactly what the Clerk of Court’s responsibilities are. So, I’d like to take this opportunity to explain what our duties are.

We are considered record keepers.

Real Estate Transactions: We are responsible for recording any transactions that involves real estate whether it be the Warranty Deed when you purchased your house, the plat of your land, liens filed against your property and sadly even foreclosures. When documents are filed from the attorneys office, it is very important that these documents are filed in the correct order as this will affect the chain of title to your property. Once these documents are recorded, we then share the information with the Tax Accessors office who determines who is billed for the taxes on the property. There are transfer taxes paid on exchanges of property and intangible taxes paid on security deeds which then has to be disbursed to various different entities.

Civil Lawsuits and Divorces: All civil suits where someone is being sued for something is filed in our office. This may be anything from a credit card debt to all of the suits that have been filed associated with the King Finishing river spill. We also file all divorce, child support, change of custody and contempt cases. Once these cases are filed, the defendant is then served with the papers by the local Sheriff Dept. and has a certain amount of days to file an answer. We are responsible for setting hearings with the appropriate Judge to give the defendant an opportunity to have a hearing if needed.

Felony & Misdemeanor Cases: All felony and misdemeanor cases are filed in our office. If a defendant is charged with a misdemeanor the case is filed with us and then the defendant has to appear before the State Court Judge to answer to the charges. We then have to record the outcome of the case and report to the

appropriate agencies, whether it be DDS for a driving record or GCIC for their criminal history. Felony cases take a little more time to process. They are first presented to a Grand Jury to be indicted and then have to go thru various stages before the defendant actually is sentenced. If a defendant enters a not guilty plea, a jury is selected to try the case and determine the guilt or innocence of the defendant. Once these are sentenced the sentence again has to be reported to the appropriate agency.

Discharge Records: We record discharge records of anyone discharged from the military.

Adoptions: All adoptions that take place in Bulloch County are recorded here. Once the adoption is finalized, we send the information to Vital Records in Atlanta so that the birth certificate can be changed to reflect the new adoptive name. These records are kept sealed from the public and no one is allowed to get information from these unless approved by the Judge.

Jury: We are responsible for keeping a jury list of all eligible jurors in Bulloch County. In the past, only a certain percentage of names were used. However, with recent law changes anyone who is a Bulloch County registered voter or holds a drivers license, is eligible to be selected as a juror. We are responsible for notifying the jurors of jury selection, removing names of deceased, and updating change of addresses.

Passports: We are certified passport acceptance agents. If you need to apply for a passport, we process the application with all of the appropriate documents and forward it to the National Passport Agency who issues the passport.

Everything that is recorded in our office is open to the public except for juvenile records and adoptions.

If we can ever be of any assistance to you, please feel free to contact our office at 764-9009 or I can be reached at Teresa.tucker@gsccca.org .

Teresa P. Tucker, ClerkHours: Monday-Friday • 8am-5pm

(912) 764-9009

Bulloch county Magistrate court

we are here to serve you.Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm

101 Oak Street, P.O. Box 1004, Statesboro, GA 30459912-764-6458 • Fax: 912-489-6731

Deputy Clerk Lynn Sapp, Clerk of Court Brenda Cross, Chief Magistrate June B. Braswell, File Clerk Kortney

Messer and Deputy Clerk Becky Hart

Deputy Clerk Linda Jones, Magistrate Karen Jones, Deputy Clerk Maria Mock and Deputy Clerk Melody Grant.

Not pictured Brittany Dyches

Constables Guy Sharp and Ricky Stringer

BCSO captain teaches Krav Maga techniques

SCOTT BRYANT/staff

Above, Capt. Todd Mashburn of the Bulloch County Sheriff's Department and wife Skye conduct a self-defense class for women in the local Safe Haven program at the Averitt Center for the Arts in 2012. Below, Skye Mashburn, far left, looks in as Lue Ann Roberson practices some self-defense techniques learned during the class for women in the in the local Safe Haven program at the Averitt Center for the Arts.

Local Safe Haven clients learn Israeli method of self-defense