FROM THE AUGUSTA CHRONICLE

Burke County Sheriff Alfonzo Williams has received the National Sheriff’s Association’s 2018 “Medal of Merit.”

The award acknowledges outstanding leadership and contributions to the community, according to a news release from the sheriff’s office. The release states that Burke County has seen more than a 50 percent reduction in crimes of violence and on property since Williams took office in 2017. The solvency rate of crimes has also more than tripled, according to the release.

Williams community related initiatives and programs that work with the youth in Burke County as also noted in the release.

“You have our respect and admiration for all of your accomplishments,” said Jonathan F. Thompson, the organization’s executive director in the release.

A man is behind bars after a chase ensued with the Burke County Sheriff's Office. A woman cleaning around gravestones at St. Mary's Catholic Church on Stoney Bluff Road says a man approached her asking for directions just minutes before she saw him running off with her purse from her car. She used her cellphone in her pocket to call deputies to the church.

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The Burke County Sheriff's Office is cracking down on speeding. Thanks to the Governor's Office of Highway Safety, it will be getting more resources. This is the 4th traffic safety grant awarded to the Sheriff's Office since the Sheriff Alfonzo Williams took over last year.  "It's just really not worth it. Slow down, stop tailgating, put the phone down and for God sake's there's no excuse for driving drunk nowadays," says Chief Deputy Lewis Blanchard.

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The Burke County Sheriff’s Office is encouraging all residents to use a free online system that will help keep track of valuable and invaluable personal property. ReportIt is a free, secure online service allowing citizens to record serial numbers and upload images for guns, phones, electronics, and other valuables. Should those items ever be stolen, the BCSO says having the information will go a long way in accurately and quickly identifying your property. Citizens can access the site at reportit. leadsonline.com.

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t its Nov. 13th meeting the Burke County Commission accepted new grants on behalf of the sheriff’s office totaling $247,190.92 for 2019. The grant funding will provide for assistance with salaries, vehicles, maintenance and other related needs of the sheriff ’s office thanks to the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety and the Waynesboro Housing Authority.

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