This week, our county was faced with winter weather that was impossible to prepare for. While everyone took proper precautions, there was no way any of us could have prepared for what we faced.
The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office has worked nonstop, handling literally hundreds of calls, from citizens of Shelby County who were in need. Our dispatchers have been the unseen heroes during this time. Our office could not have operated the way it did without the efforts that each of these ladies put forward. The work that our dispatchers do exceeds far beyond answering telephones. These ladies are blessing to our office and to our county. We are very proud and thankful for each one of them.
Our deputies were out on the roads responding to calls and assisting in every way needed. They safely brought employees to and from work that were unable to make it in. Our deputies worked long hours during this time and as always, your hard work has not gone unnoticed. These men and women risk their lives for a career that is often difficult and unappreciated. We are incredibly thankful for these men and women who serve our county. Your efforts are what keep us running smoothly.
Our administrative staff and correctional officers kept our jail operating without a problem. We appreciate the work that each of you do!
Our constables, state troopers, fire departments, commissioners, EMS providers, TxDOT workers and wrecker companies worked above and beyond their means to assist every single person in need. Resources were so limited during this time and each of you came forward and pulled through when solutions seemed impossible.
To ALL of the linemen working in Shelby County and public utility companies, thank you seems so inadequate. You left your homes and families in the freezing rain and snow to serve others. Your tireless dedication has restored electricity, water and internet services to thousands of Shelby County residents. We would never be able to credit the work you do and have done. You are in our thoughts and prayers. We see you and we are ever thankful.
Rusty Evans of Just-In-Time Sanitizations Services (Wolf Pack Rentals) in Carthage, along with his employee, Tommy, delivered portable toilets to the jail Wednesday night in the freezing rain. When the pipes at the jail began to freeze, Rusty and Tommy were quick to respond to our needs. Rusty, you have no idea how much we appreciate you coming through for us in the way that you did. You were literally, just in time!
Michael Hooks, store manager of Brookshire Brothers, opened their doors for us Thursday and graciously donated cases of water to the jail so that our inmates had clean drinking water. Thank you for your generosity and kindness!
Residents of Shelby County, huge thanks to all of you who came out with tractors, chainsaws and other equipment to help our neighbors and stranded motorists. We can always count on you to lend a hand where it is needed.
Business and restaurants have operated way understaffed during this time just to help keep our county a float. You have provided hot meals, fuel and other necessities to our residents. You have worked long hours and we know that you are exhausted. Thank you for going above and beyond to be there for us in this critical time of need.
The staff at the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office is grateful for the support we had during this time. Thanks to each of you who simply called in to say thank you.
As a whole, we survived. We survived because we pulled together. We survived because we are strong. We survived because we had one another to lean on. We survived because we are Shelby County.
If you need us, we are here. Let’s keep one another in our prayers.
Sheriff Kevin W. Windham