LETTER: Departing lieutenant issues farewell

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Sunday, December 28. 2008

Comments (34)

Dear Editor:

This is an open letter to the good citizens of Madison County.

In January 2000, I walked into the Madison County Sheriff’s Office for the first time, and met Sheriff Clayton Lowe.

I was looking for a job and wanted to serve the people of the county where I was raised. He took a chance on me and provided me with the opportunity to serve you. I have done so proudly for the past nine years. I have helped you search for missing family members and helped you resolve differences with relatives or neighbors. I have stood in the hot sun or pouring rain and worked accidents on our highways. I have pursued suspects, reassured victims, and comforted families who have lost loved ones. I have been kicked, punched, cut, shot at and nearly run over. I’ve been yelled at, cussed, and called a wide variety of names. Through it all, I have been honored and privileged to serve you, the good citizens of our county.

Feb. 1, 2007, my home burned to the ground. I was humbled and amazed at the outpouring of love and assistance from you, the good citizens of our county. Churches, communities, civic organizations and individuals came together in an outpouring of help and compassion that I had never personally experienced. To any of you whom I forgot to thank, I apologize for my forgetfulness. I was and am truly grateful for every dollar, every minute of your time and each kind word uttered.

Nov. 25, (sheriff-elect) Kip Thomas called me and said that as of Jan. 1, my services with the Madison County Sheriff’s Office would no longer be needed. No explanation was given, only notice that I would have to seek employment elsewhere. Dec. 30, I will don my uniform and serve you for the last time. Jan. 5, I will begin a new chapter in my life working for the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office. Please know that although my time and talents will be spent with our neighbors to the west, my heart will be here with you. God willing, the day may come when once again I will be honored and privileged to serve you, the good citizens of Madison County.

Sincerely,

Lt. David Larkins

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#1 Tax paying citizen of Jackson County on 12/28/08 at 08:29 PM

We welcome you to our county!!

#1.1 i told u so on 01/07/09 at 07:21 PM

don't you wish you had paid attention to what sheriff lowe had done for this county?

#2 Worried Madison County Citizen on 12/29/08 at 01:57 PM

Way to Go Kip!! The County will surely miss Lt. Larkins and many other dedicated employees. I'm sure the response time from High Shoals Georgia rather than Colbert Georgia will much faster! Makes me wonder about your concern for our county! Maybe your not really concerned you just like the prestige of being called Sheriff! As I read the paper today, I see where more Madison County residents are asking for government help from our county. Have you even thought about some of the employees that you let go and that no longer have jobs or health insurance. Oh well, I guess we are taking care of some of Oconee counties finest! Lt. Larkins, thank you for your service to our county and as you said "God willing, the day may come when once again WE will be honored and privileged to have you serve the good citizens of Madison County".

#3 Anonymous on 12/29/08 at 02:42 PM

Good luck to you, Officer Larkins. I hope that you are able to serve the people of Jackson County as well as you have those of Madison County. Madison County's loss is Jackson County's gain.

#4 just so you know on 12/30/08 at 10:14 AM

Kip Thomas is a politican during the election he is kissing babies after he's elected he is stealing thier lollipops that a typical politican

#5 Anonymous on 12/30/08 at 01:10 PM

Deputy Larkins was the best deputy we had. Why would someone fire him without cause? This new sheriff is really starting out on the wrong foot.

#6 Anonymous on 12/30/08 at 05:42 PM

This is what goes on when people dont vote We as a county
have lost a great deputy whos next this is why you
dont believe RUMORS during an election We HAD a good
sherriff

#7 MC Taxpayer on 12/30/08 at 07:54 PM

Kip has promised many checks that he already can't cash. Less than 24 hours after the election he was making calls firing people simply because he doesn't like them. Not only deputies, jail personnel, secretaries and don't forget 911 though he changed his mind and let them stay. Palease..Employees with 19, 15, 12, 10 years on the job were let go so Kip can bring in his Oconee County buddies. He even required people to reapply for a job they already have. Ever hear of the brown flu?! I pray this county never experiences it!!! Get it together Kip!!! Put the MC citizens first and stop burning bridges with employees. Dedicated personnel will not forget those that Kip has tattooed and will tolerate only so much. Kip may have been elected but he needs to remember that you must give to receive.

#8 Harrison Resident on 12/30/08 at 08:41 PM

Not much more can be said for the slashing and burning that's going on in our Sheriff' Dept. Why are people being fired before they are really evelauted? These are not rookies that are being released and it probably is not over yet. It is so sad that years of dedication are wiped away by pure politics and by someone with a monster ego. I sure hope the Oconee County boy's are smart enough to read a map and find me in case I ever need them!! It's going to be a long hard 4 years for this county. Lt. Larkins you left with your head high I wish you the best. Clayton please come back in 4 years.

#9 Harpazo on 12/30/08 at 08:48 PM

1. There are two sides to every story. Bosses know how much money and time it talks to search, hire, and train new personnel, and because of that, try to hold onto employees as much as possible. Nobody gets fired for no reason.

2. I am not a fan of airing personnel laundry in public. Though your letter was nicely phrased, Lt. Larkins, it was still a low class act. If you do things like this in public, it makes me think the new Sheriff was right to fire you.

3. I wonder if your new boss will think that you may write letters about HIM in public. Or your peers. Hmmm. This will haunt you. See #2.

4. So you got run over/beat up/fought against blah blah blah. I have the HIGHEST regard for all first responders, as I do honor you and your service, TRULY; but frankly, that is your job. To tout it on your way out is reaching for personal glory that better men refrain from doing. We all have jobs to do and we do them with no further ado. You making much ado about it does not reflect well on you. See #2.

#9.1 just so you know on 01/01/09 at 09:06 AM

see #4

#9.1.1 Laura on 01/05/09 at 11:15 AM

Sorry, but I don't see it the way you do. This guy was just saying his goodbyes!! How would you feel if you were in his shoes? He was in now way airing his dirty laundry in public. His laundry and everything else for that matter has always been in the public eye. It's been 5 days into the new year and I placed a call to the new sheriffs office and whoever answered the phone sounded as if she had just woke up! Not very professional! I am counting the days until someone replaces this animal house. I would think that new employees would atleast have some enthusiasm or pretend to be excited about a new office.

#9.2 Anonymous on 01/05/09 at 11:25 AM

Are you Kip's best buddy or something Harpazo? How rude and insulting of you to post that. I hope you remember writing it the next time you need a law enforcement officer and they show up an hour after you dial 911 because they don't know anything about the county. While you're sitting there waiting for help to arrive, and it doesn't get there in time, reflect on your insulting comments toward an honest and loyal officer of the law that you basically spit on. You should know about low class, you've proven that YOU are just that.

And by the way, if Kip is so worried about how much it will cost to recruit and train new officers, then why is he firing all of these people without even evaluating them personally first? He had already decided to get rid of anyone who wasn't hand picked as one of his "good ole boys". You're full of hot air with your laim excuses trying to cover for him. Sounds like you must be one of his newly hired officers yourself...or someone even closer to the source.

Have fun reaping what you've sown.

#9.3 Mark Dellinger on 01/05/09 at 02:15 PM

F irst of all
We have lost a great sherrif in Clayton Lowe, I guess the madison co. people got what they wanted a sheriff who thinks he is Wyatt Hrype. There will be more drug problems in the co. now We had a great group of deputy's and now the new ones will have to find their way around our county now. We've made one mistake, let's correct in 4 yrs.And the guy named Harpozo, I'll probaly changed my name. We can all see if the sherrif has an open door policy
maybe for crooks.

#9.4 Anonymous on 01/08/09 at 09:38 AM

For you to spit on this officer is rude and immature. You should be ashamed of yourself.

As for Kip, all he's doing is going around playing the "mine is bigger than his" game.

I haven't seen an intelligent decision yet from that man and hopefully soon all the bad ones will rear up and bite him.

#9.5 Susan Kingsolver on 01/12/09 at 05:16 PM

Sir, this is exactly the type of laundry that needs to be talked about. We as citizens need to know.
Had it not been for his letter people like me would never know what was going on in my county.
I have heard so much about this new sheriff, that I am beginning to worry.
The old adage ""where there's smoke there's fire" means alot in cases like this.
The sheriff is a public figure and we are the public and need to know as much about the situation as we can garner.
I don't know Kip and did not know Clayton but I do know we have had nothing but problems and negativity since this change and I think it's awful how he fired the good team we had and replaced with strangers we know nothing about. It does not make sense and will cost us, the taxpayers, money in the long run.
Yes that is axactly the type of laundry that needs to be aired to the public and I thank Larkins for doing that for us.

#10 co-worker on 12/30/08 at 08:55 PM

Many things happen in life with out reason, one door has to close for another one to open. I hope you prosper in this new chapter of your Law Enforcement career. Your service has not gone with out notice, you have done many great things for which you will be rewarded. Good Luck and GOD BLESS LT. Larkins

#11 ann. on 12/31/08 at 06:44 AM

Good Lord people,what have you done? Thankfully I votes for the outgoing sheriff and knew nothing about the incoming one. Good luck Lt. Larkins and God bless our county!

#12 Anonymous on 12/31/08 at 09:05 AM

I had the privilege of riding along with Lt.Larkins during my internship at the MCSO. I saw firsthand what a great job he does and it is a real shame that he was let go. Good luck at your new job Lt.Larkins, and thanks for serving Madison County as long as you were allowed.

#13 ANONYMOUS on 12/31/08 at 01:01 PM

I FIND IT VERY DISTURBING THAT WE ARE LOSING OFFICERS IN THE SHERIFFS OFFICE. THESE MEN KNOW OUR COUNTY,THE PEOPLE AND HAVE BEEN AN ASSET TO US. I AM DISAPPOINTED THAT THEY WERE NOT GIVEN THE CHANCE TO TALK WITH THE NEW SHERIFF AND POSSIBILY WORK OUT ANY PROBLEMS. WE NEED TO KEEP PEOPLE WORKING AND NOT FIRING THEM BECAUSE WE DO NOT LIKE THEM OR HAVE HAD A DISAGREEMENT WITH THEM IN THE PAST. GIVE THESE MEN A CHANCE!!!!!! REMEMBER, THE NEW SHERIFF WON BY A SMALL MARGIN AND 4 YRS. WILL PASS VERY QUICKLY. RECONSIDER, KIP!

#14 math teacher on 01/05/09 at 07:32 PM

Kip, I just saw in the paper that your new cheif deputy
has almost 16 years of law enforcement experience. Now, if he began his "law enforcment" career as a jailer in 1999, and my
calender says it is 2009 I am confused as to what mathmatical
formula you used to come up with your figures. Either you
can't do simple math or you are once again telling lies to
the newspapers and to the citizens of Madison County.

Well...which is it?

#14.1 concerned madison county resident.... on 01/06/09 at 10:29 AM

The new captain would of had to start his law enforcement
career at the age of 17. It is not impossible.

#15 the public needs to know on 01/06/09 at 09:32 AM

This news paper SUCKS, why are they not reporting on all the sh@#that is happening in the sheriff's office.. If this crap was happening any where else it would be all over the news.. But not in madison county.. I think i will drop a line to channel 5 and channel 2 and see if we can get some of the crap they are doing out to the public..

#16 anon on 01/06/09 at 01:20 PM

Interesting....The paper also quotes Kip as saying “Everybody I’m bringing in has 10 years or more experience."
Unless I too am using the wrong mathematical formula. This is also incorrect.
Three others named, actually have 5-6 years experience each. Two of which were "let go" by Lowe and now rehired for leadership(Lt/Sgt)positions. Less experience and NO knowledge tests required for them to hold these positions. Employees that have seniority, taken time to pass the tests to be promoted, have been dedicated and patient for the opportunity to advance are being pushed down the line without consideration.
Change may be unavoidable but this doesn't seem to be a reasonable way to boost moral.

#16.1 common sense on 01/06/09 at 08:53 PM

I agree anon, in a department the size of Madison Co, it can take several years to get promoted and make halfway decent pay. Then all of a sudden someone new comes along and is placed as a supervisor making more money than several others who have been patient. Not a very good way to start off with department morale in my opinion. Seems like a little common sense here is all it would take to figure this one out.

#16.2 Hailee on 01/06/09 at 10:01 PM

I am glad people are finally seeing what this county has
elected into office. However it is about 2 months to late.
Yes, hopefully four years will pass by very quickly, but
judging by the first few days in office our new sheriff
is sure to bring about "change" in our county. I for one
am not looking forward to seeing anymore of those changes.
To Lt.Larkins I wish you the very best in Jackson Cty.
I am sure your career will pick up right where it left
off in MC and you will do great things for their community
as you did for ours. Sheriff Lowe we can only hope
you will give this county another chance in four
years and clean up the mess that is gauranteed
to be made!

#16.2.1 ANON on 01/07/09 at 12:56 PM

It may be two months past the election but that doesn't mean throw our hands up & say, oh well. That attitude seems to be part of the problem with MC government. Now it's time that the MC citizens hold Kips feet to the fire. Make him accountable and responsible to follow thru on his "vote for me" promises. He wanted the position and expects to be compensated for that position so, it's our community obligation to ensure he is earning his paycheck.
NO MORE...look the other way and take it!

#16.2.1.1 Hailee on 01/07/09 at 05:39 PM

I agree with you ANON however if he plans to
follow through on those promises he could have started
by allowing good employees like Lt. Larkins to keep their
jobs. Im not throwing my hands up yet, but I refuse to
support a "sheriff" who puts good citizens and hard
working employees out of a job with no explanation
as to why. Undoubtably the last thing this
county needs is more citizens out of a job.

#16.2.1.2 Susan Kingsolver on 01/11/09 at 10:20 AM

Can a sheriff be impeached?

#16.2.1.2.1 k w on 01/12/09 at 09:08 AM

yep !

#16.2.2 Politics 911 on 01/07/09 at 04:30 PM

Hailee, I have to agree, with all the fuss, firings, promises made, and moral crashing, not to mention a lot of lost, out of county good ole boys. The county would have been better off with Sheriff Lowe. I think that is unlikely you'll see him return for another try at it, but I would just about bet, John Dove will be back. I've already heard he's gearing up for another run at Kip. Alot of the deputies have said they would have rather worked for Dove. Many knew him and all knew where they stood if he was elected. Not to mention a lot of outsiders being brought in. But, time will tell, If Dove nor Lowe takes another shot at it, I would bet my life there will be a dozen or so who would. God Bless Madison County, your gonna need it.

#16.3 anon on 01/21/09 at 08:09 PM

Well, I am one of those LT/Sgt, and i assure you i have more than 5-6 yrs experience. I have served in a capacity most of you have not--worked in law enforcement 9years and a US Army Ranger---Sgt for 8years---My application is an open record for anyone with any doubts---and if you have any questions, please talk with me at the dept---i will happy to answer.

#17 another_citizen_sick_of_Madison_Co_corrupt_politics on 01/06/09 at 09:16 PM

I know one thing...you could count on David Larkins. He carried a good attitude and his good word into a tough, inhospitable job. Thanks for all you've done in your time with Madison Co. Sheriff's Dept. Maybe you can return to Madison Co. as Sheriff Larkins. You've got my vote, and I'll campaign for you as well should you decide to run. Either way, I look forward to having you back in 4 years in one form or another. Thanks again, David, and good luck.

#17.1 CITIZEN OF MADISON COUNTY on 01/08/09 at 10:02 AM

REMEMBER THE CAMPAIGN SPEECH WHERE IT WAS SAID "I AM A FAMILY PERSON"! EVERYONE THAT WAS LET GO HAS A FAMILY. THESE PEOPLE COULD HAVE CONTINUED TO HELP THIS COUNTY. KIP DID NOT HAVE THE GUTS TO TELL THESE PEOPLE WHY SO WHAT ARE THESE PEOPLE SUPPOSED TO TELL THEIR CHILDREN WHEN THESE PEOPLE DON'T HAVE THE MONEY TO SUPPORT THEM. I TELL YOU MAYBE WE SHOULD JUST SEND THEM KIDS TO KIP TO EXPLAIN WHY THEY CAN'T EAT. BUT ON THE OTHER HAND MAYBE HE WILL JUST LIE TO THEM, LIKE HE HAS DONE TO SO MANY PEOPLE ALREADY. CITIZENS OF MADISON COUNTY JUST REMEMBER, TE EXPERIENCE IN THIS COUNTY WITH ALL THE NEW PEOPLE DOES NOT EVEN EQUAL UP TO THE YEARS OF EXPERIENCE WITH 2 OF THE PEOPLE LET GO. ALSO IN THE PAPER "THE NEW SHERIFF" FIRED ALL THE PEOPLE LISTED, OR TOLD THEM THEIR SERVICES WERE NOT NEEDED. IT IS THE SAME THING. YOU WILL NEED GOOD PEOPLE, BUT WILL YOU HAVE THEM. MOST OF THESE PEOPLE DO NOT LIVE IN MADISON COUNTY, SO THEIR MONEY WILL NOT COME BACK TO MADISON COUNTY. YOU ARE ALSO PAYING FOR THESE PEOPLE TO USE COUNTY VEHICLES TO GO TO THE COUNTY THEY WORK IN. YOU CAN'T SAY ANYTHING WHEN THE COUNTY HAS NO MONEY, THE CITIZENS HAVE DONE IT! GOOD LUCK IN THE NEXT 4 YEARS.

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LETTER: Departing lieutenant issues farewell

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LETTER: Departing lieutenant issues farewell

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