Sheriff’s Corner with Sheriff Tracy Murphree

WITH SHERIFF TRACY MURPHREE SHERIFF’S

WE ARE ALL ESSENTIAL

We are all essential! We find ourselves in uncharted scary times. The COVID-19 virus is proving to be a challenging adversary for all of us. Law Enforcement during this time is being presented with difficulties never experienced in most of our lifetimes. Those of us responsible for detention facilities are certainly concerned. We are not only responsible for the well-being of those we lead but with the health and safety of inmates in our care.

We are then asked to identify “essential personnel” and send those deemed “nonessential” home. It doesn’t take long to understand that everyone here is essential to maintaining a successful operation. It gives you an opportunity to really look at many different areas of your operation and get a much clearer picture of how each individual contributes to your team. It has given me an opportunity to evaluate not just the commissioned people in the organization but also the sacrifices and contributions of everyone.

I have always known the value of each employee, and this tragedy has given me a much better picture of their worth. I then applied this to my observations of what is going on in the world outside our walls. Watching businesses being closed, schools closed, and friends worried about jobs. I’ve seen communities affected in ways I probably never really thought of. I’m getting a better idea of what “community” really means.

I’m witnessing heartache and triumph. I’m seeing some of the worst man can do and, at the same time, the best. I’m watching as our public servants live up to their name and uphold the oath they have sworn.

This virus will not defeat us; we will endure and learn from it as we have so many other challenges. My hope is we will

WE ARE HIRING

If you are interested in a career in Law Enforcement, join our family and be a part of a great organization. Detention Officer I positions start at $38,752.00 per year. Visit our website to apply.

www.governmentjobs.com/ careers/dentoncounty

come out on the other side of this better for having gone through it. I hope as Americans that we end up with a clear understanding that if we are to maintain our way of life and live our American dream, we must realize that we are all essential.

Take care of yourself, take care of your family, and take care of each other!