Located just steps away from the jail, not only is there an abundance of space in this office for deputies and others, but it offers an attractive, atmosphere for county citizens who find themselves doing business with the office. Two windows lead to the civil deputy's office and Administrative Supervisor Karla Davis and Administrative Assistant Toni Hunter.
After entering the main door, there is a large workspace in which Hunter and Davis go about their day-to-day business. Though the communications department is still located at its former location, these two serve the public in an area that meets their needs and affords them room to grow as a department, something not possible in recent years.
To the direct right of the front door is a large office serving Washington County's two civil deputies, Robyn Hoppman, who also works patrol for Washington County and fellow civil deputy Bill Siordelise. Their duties include processing garnishments, special executions, (foreclosures/ house sales) warrants, subpoenas, court orders and any and all other orders which need be served.
Hoppman commented on the new office saying, "The space here is great. We have twice the size of area here as we did before. And it honestly is a lot more convenient to be able to serve those who need our help with the window as opposed to before. I am very happy with the arrangement."
Deputy Ray Atkins said he was also was more than pleased with the new arrangement of the sheriff's office, its spaciousness and easy location to the jail.
Sheriff Jerry Dunbar echoed the sentiments of those satisfied with the arrangement of the sheriff's office. Dunbar stated, "The move and office itself were in the planning stages since November, 2007. having access to information that the number of county residents (the original users of these four buildings) had dropped so low that Building Four would soon be vacant."
As the jail was built adjacent to this area, the vacancy was pointed out as a perfect location for the sheriff's office, with little need for remodeling. The sheriff's office then moved into Building Four finding it perfect for their needs after some minor remodeling by Custom Builders of Washington. Currently Building One is vacant, with discussions by supervisors as to what group will occupy the empty building in the future, making all four buildings once again operational.
Dunbar's office is a large one that serves as a conference room as well as a room in which families can gather and talk in a comfortable surrounding. The room is easily accessible for nearly any group meeting the office may need. It has already served a variety of purposes within the facility.
Dunbar was recently given a drawing of the layout of the old jail detailing when and how the Sheriff's living quarters were attached to the jail. It shows in detail a time when the living areas of the sheriff and the sheriff's office were connected. Though aged, it is a fascinating piece of Washington County history.
Washington County covers 560 square miles. With 18 certified officers within the department, Sgt. Mike Clark serves as jail administrator. There are two civil deputies, an information technologist, Dunbar, the chief deputy, a drug task force officer (paid for by grant funding) and two officers always on patrol. There are many responsibilities with the title of Washington County deputy.
Upon discussing challenges within his county, Dunbar stated," The biggest challenge is trying to be everywhere at once. We keep two deputies on duty at all times. The reason for two is drugs and the violence associated with drugs. It is not safe to have only one deputy on duty at a time." With two deputies on duty, each one is constantly aware of the others location allowing for backup when needed.
Dunbar also added there is an ever present problem within any county with sex offenders. He said the sex offender registry takes up a lot of time out of a deputy's day. That particular area of concern will soon be made easier, as an expanded bill regarding child predators will be soon signed into effect.
Discussing future plans for the sheriff's office and facilities, Dunbar stated, "We would like in the future to build and re-locate the communications center between the jail and sheriff's office. In terms of convenience and ease of access to documents, it would be ideal. Also keeping in mind the severe storms, which hit the area, a more secure communications area is vital in case of national disaster. In 1998, the tornado that hit Washington, 'bounced' over the communications building, nearly demolishing an important part of the workings of the county." Should the building be re-located to the area near the jail and sheriff's office, it would be constructed in such a way that it would withstand more violent storms. Emphasizing, "The communications center is the heart of all law enforcement, medical and fire. My goal is to have a building there which would allow dispatchers to continue to work despite any weather condition which may come our way," Dunbar is clearly concerned when it comes to fully serving the county should a natural disaster occur.
Funding for the new sheriff's office came from what the county had on hand. The sheriff's office did not ask for additional funding through grants, bonds or local option sales taxes. From inmate-built furniture to recycled items brought from the old sheriff's office, this is a building that now serves the people of Washington County well.
Sheriff Dunbar concluded, "As far as the buildings are concerned, we welcome individuals to visit at any time. We feel we have spent their tax dollars wisely and are proud of what we have done with the new facilities."
The new Washington County Sheriff's Office Open House will be on Friday, May 8, from1 to 7p.m. and Saturday, May 9 from 9a.m. to noon.
|
|
