Donated Cars Help Out Local Sheriff’s Department

Five patrol cars rolled into Alexander County Tuesday morning. The cars were donated by the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Department in Florida.

“The cars look like they’re in great shape, they’re fully equipped, lights, sirens, cages, so it was a very generous offer to us,” said Alexander County Sheriff Dave Barkett.

Alexander County desperately needs the cars. Last week five of its six patrol cars were repossessed by the First National Bank, they still sit in the bank parking lot. Other vehicles already donated by various agencies are not ready to hit the streets.

Besides trying to replenish his fleet Barkett is also dealing with a much smaller staff. Earlier this month, budget shortfalls forced him to layoff 11 employees.

“Our patrols are limited, they’re not where I want them to be, we’re doing the best we can do with what we have to work with,” said Barkett.

Despite the financial problems, Barkett says he’s received several encouraging phone calls from folks across the country and southern Illinois.

“We’re gonna continue to answer calls we’re gonna continue to do law enforcement, we’re gonna continue, as long as I’m sheriff, to make the people of Alexander County safe,” said Barkett.

Sheriff Barkett says he also hopes to get federal grant money to pay for four new deputies. He says if any community in the country deserves help it’s Alexander County.

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