Also not to nit pick but saying that working as an SP on a Secure Air Force base is comparable to the work and function of a Deputy Sheriff is nonsense. The two jobs are very different. I would bet that those secure bases that do not allow civillians access have a very small population of crack heads and felons. The average SP sits on the flight line or stands at the gate. For the fortunate ones that patrol the base the highlight of the evening is performing traffic stops and answering domestic calls in base housing. I’m not saying that crime is non existent but it pales in comparison with the work that Deputies do.

Citizens should know that the problem at the ECSO is retention. The pay is not great and the benefits are eroding away. If you want law enforcement that stays you must be willing to pay for it. Many good Deputies leave for higher paying jobs to other counties leaving the department short. I applaud the Sheriff for asking the Commissioners for a raise of 3%. It is the least we can do to reward the Deputies that stay and continue to keep us safe.

Whew! I may safely guess that you did not support me in the last election? Ah, such is life.
Having said that, it is still not good form to spread unfounded rumors, such as; “absolutely no law enforcement experience.” My record was made available during the campaign (did you not receive a flyer?) , USAF Security Police and AFOSI, 21 years and 3 mos. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) which sets FL law enforcement training standards accepts military police academy training, as does the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). I was accepted for FBI Special Agent Training in 1986, but declined the appointment. The FBI required 5 years of ‘certified law enforcement experience’ and a Masters in Business Administration, I applied and was accepted. So, I’m not sure where your getting this information (standards), but it is incorrect.

Yes, we still have 2 helicopters. Their cost per year was over $800,000.00 for operation which came out of our general fund revenues. No, we do not, and have not asked for any support from Alabama or anyother state, for search and rescue or ‘any other matter.’ We now get free drug interdiction and search and rescue air support from the Civil Air Patrol (CAP). The $800K was part of our required budget reduction for the Escambia County Board of County Commissioners (we reduced it by a little over $4 million dollars). But more importantly, we have not had to reduce our current deputy strength even after this severe cut for 2009/10. Everyone at the ECSO is keeping their job.

Again, your incorrect about “invites the feds into his department to try and prove McNesby was crooked.” Never happened. I have not asked for an investigation into the Escambia County Sheriffs Office or the former sheriff. I (the ECSO), however am in the throes of a Department of Justice investigation (DOJ) of both the corrections and law enforcement functions, brought on by the previous administration, alleging abuse of authority, eccessive use of force, deaths in the jail, etc., etc., etc. And, we may have to refund to FEMA (Federal Emergency Managment Agency) over $2 million in funds received that were not appropriately accounted for. Again, another investigation of the past administration….not requested by me.

I have, however, had to contend with all of this and attempt to correct these past mistakes, yet I enjoy going to work everyday, for everyday presents me with a new set challenges!

As always, thank you Mr. Trash for your continued management oversight of the Escambia County Sheriffs Office. It is evident that you have the ECSO and our county’s best interests at heart.

David Morgan, Sheriff
Escambia County, FL
436-9512

Folks need to realize that it takes time to cleanup 8 years of business as usual..same old – same old well actually more like maybe 16 years… So be patient and do your part!

One other thing, take the blinders off, Morgan has promised a lot and has delivered on very little of those promises. Where are the deputies that he promised us? I believe that’s where the focus should be rather than on something insignificant, like where the deputies eat. I would like to personally say, Thank You to all the deputies in Cantonment, Molino and Century for the hard work they do in trying to keep our streets safe with the man power they have, it has not gone unnoticed by some.

Ya’ll have a good night, ya hear!