I had some business concerns to discuss with the Washington County Sheriff …

By Gary W. Snyder

Dear Editor,

I had some business concerns to discuss with the Washington County Sheriff not long ago. While I was there, I was given a tour of the current facilities and was appalled at what I discovered. This facility is in total disrepair and is not a safe operational base for those individuals who must work in this building.

The roof is so badly in need of repair that each time it rains, water leaks through the roof, placing the entire Emergency 911 system in jeopardy of being short-circuited and non-functional. Along with losing this capacity, the ability to communicate from squad car to car or from a car to the base office could be eliminated. During a time of crisis, such as a severe storm like we experienced in 1998, it is imperative that these functions remain operational and that is not always the case in the current location.

A water heater is located dangerously close to the communications panels, and if this heater overheats or ruptures, it too could knock out major communication links countywide. The heating and cooling system is old and does not function properly; parts are literally falling off from lack of being able to be repaired. The danger from malfunction or fire is obvious when one looks at this equipment. The telephone lines and communication lines were being serviced the day I was there, but repairs can only be made so many times before it becomes necessary to replace the outdated and worn out system.

I find it unconscionable that we ask these people to risk their lives to protect us and yet force them to work in a building and under conditions that most of us would not allow a pet animal to live in. I understand that no one wants to pay higher taxes, however, can we live without police or fire protection or without access to 911 emergency assistance? The time has come for Washington County to make some serious decisions regarding this building and the facilities housed within. If major changes are not made soon, the next time you need medical assistance or have a fire and call for help, the lines may not be working. Are you willing to risk losing property and lives because of these poor conditions?

Gary W. Snyder

Riverside, Iowa