County commissioners, sheriff-elect meet to discuss potential problems

Kip Thomas

County commissioners, sheriff-elect meet to discuss potential problems

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Thursday, December 11. 2008

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Sheriff-elect Kip Thomas appeared before county commissioners at their Saturday morning meeting to discuss his issues with their recent decision to bring the 911 office under the BOC’s control.

He told the group that state law requires paperwork kept by 911 such as warrants and Temporary Protection Orders (TPOs) be kept under the sheriff’s control. He said that due to that and other issues, he feels they should have waited to make a decision until the issue could be looked into more closely after he takes office next month.

He said he felt the BOC’s move to bring 911 under the county’s personnel policy had undermined him and made him look bad.

“We should have waited until after January 1 to take a look at it, then we could have looked at it in-depth,” Thomas stressed.

District 1 commissioner Stanley Thomas pointed out that the BOC acted to protect the 911 staff’s jobs, particularly since they deal with calls that involve other departments besides law enforcement.

Sheriff-elect Thomas admitted that he had “jumped the gun” in telling 911 director David Camp and assistant director Ricky Hix that they would be fired, but that he had reconsidered and told them he had changed his mind.

“All those people (911 staff) had my word that I wouldn’t do anything,” Sheriff-elect Thomas said, adding that he felt the 911 director had “back doored” him by bringing the matter to the BOC through Sheriff Clayton Lowe.

And the sheriff-elect pointed out that other issues, such as personnel conflicts between his staff and the 911 would have to be brought before the BOC instead of handled by him as sheriff.

The BOC agreed that Dove, the sheriff-elect, 911 director David Camp and county attorney Mike Pruett should meet to discuss potential problems between the 911 office and the sheriff’s department. Dove said he would bring back a recommendation to the BOC after the meeting.

Sheriff-elect Thomas also requested that the board reconsider a $5,000 cut in the budget for body armor for the sheriff’s office, saying that amounted to the cost of ten new vests for officers.

But Thomas said he does not plan to continue the newly implemented Special Reaction Team (SRT).

“There’s just not enough people to do it with the liability that goes with it,” the sheriff-elect told the commission. “Five or six people are not enough.”

“Kip, is Clayton working with you in the change over (of administrations)?” Commissioner John Pethel asked.
Thomas shook his head “no” in answer to that.

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#1 Anonymous on 12/11/08 at 02:06 PM

John, I beleave that should be Sheriff Thomas, and not Kip.. What a joke........Both of you.

#2 **** on 12/11/08 at 03:04 PM

The BOC is doing the same thing they did to the chairmen,
THEY WANT CONTROL!!!!!
Kip is the ELECTED sheriff and if he want's to fire everybody
then he can!!!
Wake up Madison County!!!!

#3 bodawg on 12/11/08 at 06:19 PM

Now wait....if it is not safe to use 5-6 deputies and continue training them for a special response team for violent offenders, barricaded gunmen, etc...Just what the heck does he plan to do.....nothing or wait for the state to send someone...less safe for us but they will not be liable for the injury to us??

#3.1 anon on 12/12/08 at 07:52 PM

I was concerned about this too and talked with the Sheriff-Elect. He plans to train ALL of his deputies in how to deal with these situations so that each shift know how to deal with it instead of having one group of a few deputies. He said this at the meeting but it didn't make it in the newspaper article.

#3.1.1 Laura on 12/15/08 at 12:40 PM

How is he going to train them when he himself has very little training?

#4 Anonymous on 12/12/08 at 07:49 AM

The funny thing to me is that while Kip was in the first meeting with Sheriff Lowe and the Commissioners while they were discussing moving the 911 department under BOC control that Kip said nothing. It was only after that meeting and he had time to get directions from his dad and father-in-law that he decided to go back to them and talk things over with the BOC. The BOC is trying to protect 911 jobs. It's just that simple. We have a good 911 department. To fire them all and start over would be terrible for our county. Stopping the Special Response Team is irresponsible on Kip's part. He really has no idea what he's doing.

#4.1 Anonymous on 12/12/08 at 09:41 PM

I was at that meeting and as I recall when the commissioners asked Kip his comment was to leave it as it is until after the first of the year and he would sit down with the commissioners and discuss it further.
Give the man a chance !!!! PLEASE

#4.1.1 Anonymous on 12/14/08 at 11:36 PM

Kip may be the Sheriff ELECT but he doesn't take office until Jan. 1st!
So why should have the BOC taken his request over Sheriff Lowes? The current sheriff still has the obligation to act responsibly until his last day on the job. The importance of having good leadership and knowledgable dispatchers should be non-negotiable. Thank you to Lowe for being concerned for the citizens and officer safety.

#5 businessman on 12/12/08 at 08:19 AM

we need people in the 911 system who know our county why fire the ones who are already there? -

#6 Anonymous on 12/12/08 at 08:54 AM

We have been trying to warn all that live in Madison County. You folks are in for a rude awakening in the next several months. The drug dealers are havin parties and celebrating that Thomas has won. The thieves are about to take over. I think you folks will beg for a recall in less than 6 months.You are talking about a man that worked for Madison County for 8 years and made only 2 arrest. Now he is your sheriff. Can't say you were not warned.

#6.1 Anonymous on 12/12/08 at 10:20 AM

It's a shame that our county is going to suffer because people voted for in-laws instead of the person. Just because you have a great Mother in law and a nice wife doesn't mean you know how to run a county. Clayton did a great job running this county. I only hope he runs again.
2 arrests in 8 years? Amazing.
Read the Oconee County crime pages every week. His name is NEVER listed as making arrests.

#6.2 FedUp on 12/15/08 at 10:02 PM

Seems to me that if Kip only made two arrest in 8 years, then that problem falls back onto Lowe. If he is such a great person and great sheriff then why would he keep someone whose job it is to arrest people and protect all of us from "the bad guys" employeed? The way I see it is we all gave Lowe a chance and now its time to give Sheriff Thomas a chance. No one regardless of who they are will be able to change the problems this county has within a couple of days, weeks, months and maybe even years...Lowe didnt, why do you think certain areas of Madison County are known for the place to go to get your drug of choice. Its because the drug issue among other things has been put aside for far too long. I am fed up of having to call the sheriff's office because the drug dealer across the road is shooting his gun onto my property or because there is traffic going in and out all times of the night and day making it unsafe for me or anyone else to walk down the road if need be, And nothing being done about it. It is really bad when you have offered to let Madison Co. "finest" sit on your property and steak out these druggies but yet its ignored just because of who their parents are or who they know. Question is if Lowe has done his job then why is it people like this have been allowed to do what they want to do for the last 12 years?what exactly has he done? nobody seems to know except the people in "Clayton's Corner"!! Thank God for change and Thank God for Sheriff Thomas give him a CHANCE!!! everyone deserves one!!!

#6.2.1 Anonymous on 12/17/08 at 08:24 AM

Do you think that maybe that's why he left? Maybe Sheriff Lowe expected more out of him?
Let us know how Thomas does in solving your crime problem. I'm sure you are not going to be pleasantly surprised by a man who only arrests 2 people in 8 years.
If I lived where you do, I think I'd move.

#6.3 MeMe#1 on 12/16/08 at 12:27 PM

You were saying he made 2 arrest in 8 years, well that's pretty dang good, considering that the deputies we have now are too busy at the Golden Pantry or Bread Basket to make any arrest. HAHAHAHAHA!!
Why don't you people just give him a chance. Hell he hasn't even had time to make decisions yet or try to do his job as Sheriff.

#6.3.1 Anonymous on 12/16/08 at 07:05 PM

If you could read then you would see all of the arrests listed in the newspaper every week. Unless all were made while standing inside the Golden Pantry or Bread Basket, then I guess the offenders did not arrest themselves.

#6.3.2 Anonymous on 12/17/08 at 03:34 AM

Try reading the police blotter. Don't lump them all in the same category since there are many deputies that bust their *** to protect this county and its citizens. To include those that are ungrateful! You should be glad for every DUI, speeder & unlicensed driver, etc. they take off the road that could have killed you or a family member.

#7 just me on 12/12/08 at 10:33 AM

hey can you all wait and see whats happening if you ask me you all are jumping the gun a little
all the problems the county is having is of our owe doing if you do not go to the meeting than you do not know what is going on in the county i have been to several meeting the the room will be just about empty so if you do not go just keep your mouth closed about who other put in and if you did not vote then please keep your mouth closed as well give the new elective a chance that is all i am saying

#7.1 Mollie Reeves on 12/13/08 at 01:07 PM

How about you learn how to use punctuation, capital letters and check your spelling before you respond. You have a right to your opinion but make it easier for others to understand what your trying to convey.

#7.1.1 just me on 12/14/08 at 03:00 PM

i failed spelling in school i really do not care about that anyway i got mine point across if you would pay more attention to what is going on in the county instead of proof reading stuff you will know what is going on

#8 *********** on 12/12/08 at 05:14 PM

I have worked with the newly elected sheriff so I feel very confident that I know what kind of sheriff he will be. A bad one. This is a man who does not want to work. Plain and simple everyone. This man does not extend himself on anything. I really wish Sheriff Lowe had made this man's records available to the public before the election. It'd be real nice if he'd make it public before he leaves office.

#9 Anonymous on 12/12/08 at 06:54 PM

two arrests in eight years isn't true, you need to check your info. before you down someone.

#10 Anonymous on 12/13/08 at 09:47 AM

Some of you don't get it. The majority of citizens voted for Kip Thomas because we WANT him to clean house! Break out the broom, Kip, and sweep 'em out the door. Sometimes a clean sweep is what is needed so we can start anew with no corruption from the past.

#10.1 just me on 12/14/08 at 03:05 PM

i with you on that one but there is a few good ones still in there if they can do their jobs like they want to do with out having they hands tied by the upper office

#10.2 Anonymous on 12/15/08 at 07:54 AM

There's a right way & a wrong way to do things. To generalize that everyone is corrupt is unfair, unreasonable, uninformed & wrong. No matter where you work, there are always a few bad apples to spoil the rest but...most MCSO deputies are straight up, loyal to the MC citizens & dedicated to a job that everyone seems to know how to do but very few want. It's obvious that you haven't thought it all out either since you say "Break out the broom, Kip, and sweep 'em out the door." Who do you want him to sweet right in? His buddies from Oconee County that don't have any vested interest in our community? NEW ones that can't find your house when you need them? Or NEW ones that can't back up their fellow deputies since they're lost on a back road? NEW ones that don't live, pay taxes or volunteer in MC? To make necessary changes slowly, after he's been in the hot seat & knows what's really going would be the right way! But to make decisions based on who he likes/dislikes, family/friend, political paybacks or from being on a power trip is NOT who I am confidant is able to make good choices for our community as a whole. Hmmmm, sounds like possible corruption. NOW, DO YOU GET IT!!!!!!!!

#10.2.1 Anonymous on 12/15/08 at 03:21 PM

Yes, new ones. Exactly. That is what we voted for. Sweep out the old ones, sweep in some new ones. "Out with the old, in with the new"....Long Overdue!

#11 Anonymous on 12/13/08 at 10:07 PM

I have always understood that the more training officers get, then the less liability you have in your department as a whole. Therefore, if SRT members get more training than a regular road deputy, which they do, then would this not be less of a liability rather than more of a liability as Kip seems to think it is. What a genius we have here in Madison Co. at the head of our Sheriff's Office. He is off to a "great" start making all of these power trip stupid decisions. I also hate it for all who donated money for the SRT equipment. What a waste of money that was now. Thanks Kip!

#11.1 go sheriff thomas!!!!! on 12/16/08 at 02:26 PM

whys it so hard to under stand? why would you want a group of only 6 to 8 guys serving on the srt team! when you could have every deputy employed at madison county knowing and certifed to handle those violent crimenals and hostal situations! now any one with a little common sense would know that 30 well trained deputys is much more comferting than 6 to 8 well trained ones! iv known kip very well for a couple of years now! have worked with him in the past and will work with him once more come jan. 1, might i add, serve with him very proudly! no matter, he is our sheriff now and will be for the next four years, if yall loved this county as much as you act like you do, you would encourge that man to do good, not tear him down and discourge him every chance you get! i have lived in this county for about 20 years now! and no matter if i like him or not, im gonna be working with the man so i will honor his word! honor him as a man and as the sheriff of this great county!!!
now i encourge yall, to at least give him a chance and see what will come of it! most likely will be the best thing we have seen in a very long time!

#11.1.1 Anonymous on 12/16/08 at 07:06 PM

From the looks of your spelling and grammer "go sheriff thomas", then you make my point even more clear. Not only is he making stupid decisions already, looks like he will be bringing stupid with him as well.
Now explain where all the money will come from to equip 30 officers with SRT gear, and how all 30 will train together at the same time. I'm sure you do know that SRT teams must train together in order to become effective, and that even large departments usually have no more than 12 members in their SRT.
Using your logic, then I guess every officer should also go to drug investigation classes, criminal investigation classes, jail school, traffic school, civil process school, and school resource officer training as well. Does this sound logical? You sound like you have as much knowledge as Kip as to how a department should be run.
Look at most departments and you will see each has different divisions within. Do you really believe every officer gets training for every division? Does it make sense to go get training for criminal investigations if your assigned to the traffic division? It does if I use your logic "go sheriff thomas". Wow, the next four years are going to be long.

#11.1.2 Anonymous on 12/17/08 at 07:54 AM

I hope you are a better deputy than you are a speller.

#11.2 Anonymous on 12/16/08 at 09:25 PM

If he doesn't have money to keep the SRT Team of 6-8, how does he plan on paying for training, equipment, etc. for 30 deputies? Sounds like this plan is putting the cart before the horse.

#12 Anonymous on 12/15/08 at 01:19 PM

I am not going to dog the new sheriff-elect,everybody needs to wait and see what happens when he gets in office,the man has been in law enforcement long enough he should know what works and what doesnt from experience.In conversations I have had with him he has some really great ideas for this dept. and seems very knowledgeable in his job.As far as saying crime and drugs will get worse when he comes in,where have you people been its already bad and I havent seen anything change with Sheriif Lowe in office. I think it is a much needed change for this county.

#12.1 Proud Lowe Supporter on 12/17/08 at 11:05 AM

I am not going to dog the new Sheriff-Elect, I am not going to comment on him at all. We will have to wait and see what he brings to this county. However, I am going to ask you #12 comment where you have been for the last 12 years. For you to say that you haven't seen anything change with Sheriff Lowe you must be blind or either walking with your eyes closed. He did alot for this county and many of the citizens agree. Yes, he did lose the election to Kip, but it was pretty darn close which tells me and you and everyone else that the county was divided and the reason for this is a perfect example of the comment from the "used to be Kip Thomas Voter" people thought they were voting for one thing and realize they are getting something else. I don't think you will find people that were truly dissatisfied with Sheriff Lowe, I believe that the 5067 people who voted against him voted for family/friends and against the one person who for some reason had to make decisions that they were not happy with. Perhaps they spent time in his office/jail or had conflict. Crime and drugs are everywhere, not just Madison County and I do believe that Sheriff Lowe and his department did a good job handling these crimes. Read the papers no department/Sheriff's Office can stop every criminal. I personally wan't to say Thank You to Sheriff Lowe and his department for the Wonderful Job that they have done over the last 12 years and I hope to see him again serving our great county. Good Luck to all and especially to you Sheriff Lowe as you begin a new chapter in your life.

#13 used to be Kip Thomas Voter on 12/15/08 at 02:18 PM

We were excited when Kip won. Who knew that he lacked the necessary skills to effectively lead our Sheriff organization. His calls to staff stating that their employment shall be terminated without cause when he takes over are signs of an immature candidate. He only won by 47 votes. Does he think that all his and his supporters want these horrible actions? If we can put him in office, we may easily remove him from office.

#13.1 go sheriff thomas!!!!! on 12/16/08 at 02:48 PM

you should still be excited! it is a wonderful thing that this great man is now the head of the madison county sheriffs office! it would be nice to know how many of these comments actually come from ppl that know sheriff-elect thomas, or have even met him! im almost positive that any one who has ever met the man would not say a bad word about him? how can they he has never done anything wrong? i dont know how many time i have herd the complaint that he is too young or to inexperinced? sheriff-elect thomas is older than clayton lowe was the first year he was in office! bet if you check your facts in many ways sheriff-elect thomas shows his wisdom that comes with that age! he is not bad as so many of you have made him out to be!!! i ask you once again not to tear this man down and stop discourging him? give him a chance to do what he has promised all of us!!! to improve our county!!! lets all remember that he also lives right in the middle of this county, he also wants this county to grow and prosper, now just give him a chance to prove him slef!!!

#14 M.C. Chick on 12/16/08 at 02:55 PM

I just want to say that I am pleased that we have turned
over a new leaf and I hope that Kip can do the job we
elected him to do. I have always taken pride in the law
enforcement officers of Madsion County but just two weeks
ago I was reminded why I voted for the much needed change.
A Madsion County deputy passed me on HWY 106 running at
least 80 or 90 mph and never slowed up, he even flashed
his blue lights at a passing car. When I made it to the
Golden Pantry in Hull, there he was inside trying on
SUNGLASSES!!! What was the need for him to endager my
life and others to meet his buddy and try on some
FLIPPIN SUNGLASSES?

#15 Anonymous on 12/16/08 at 07:08 PM

Remove him from office is exactly right . It needs to be done before he gets in there and has the chance to screw every thing up . That department is about to go backwards 20 years . Sounds like when there is a recall, and there will be a recall, there will be several leaving with him, and not just the ones he is shoveling in from another county.

#16 also a previous supporter on 12/17/08 at 01:47 PM

We too are very disappointed! Shame on the Thomas family. He has poor manors. We did want change in the community, but this is not what we intended.

#17 wished for better on 12/17/08 at 01:56 PM

Those of us who voted for kip and found out a family member has been tossed out have to be upset. I now have found that a very wonderful and respectful lady has been spoken to about her future with the office will be at an end. She has proudly served for more than twenty years. Shame on you Kip. Bad Puppet!

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County commissioners, sheriff-elect meet to discuss potential problems

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