Letters from the Public |
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May 14, 2010 Dear Friend, We wanted to take this time to let you know how much we appreciated your time and efforts during out Annual Poker Run. The Juvenile Diabetes Association is a cause we feel strongly about and it affects so many children in our community and nationwide. We were able to raise a large sum of money for this cause and again could not have done this without the outstanding Washington County Officers willing to give of their time to make this happen. Thank you again! Sincerely, Legare Jones
Feb 5, 2010 Dear Sheriff , I write you on behalf of my son and daughter-in-law who reside off Highway 81 South, Jonesborough, Tennessee, who reported a break in and theft of property on February 4. We all wanted to thank you and Deputy Dixon for the fine work in arresting the perosn responsible, Dustin Shawn Mitchell, and for recovery of the items. Again, many thanks to all for a job well done. Sincerely Jan 1, 2010 Sheriff Graybeal, My home was recently broke into on Dec 30th and I wanted to extend my gratitude and thanks to Officer T. Moore. He couldn’t have been nicer to me. He seemed generally sorry for my misfortune. The thief stole all my jewelry and my son’s play station that he’d got from “Santa”. After Officer Moore took my report he came back later that day and had my son a new play station. He said it was from him and his friends on his shift. My son was overjoyed and I cried all the rest of the day over what such kindness he had. He most certainly went above and beyond. I want to let him and the other officers that helped know how much that meant to me. I am a single mother, full time nursing student, and I work full time at NHC. It was everything I could do this year to get him that play station. So if there is some kind of appreciation you can send on to these officers I would be very thankful! They deserve that plus more! You have a wonderful, kind hearted people working for you and should be very proud of them! With Great tahnks, Nov 4, 2009 Dear Sheriff Graybeal, I attended your handgun safety course in October. Many thanks to all of you, I learned so much and my instructor was super nice. Keep up the good work. Sincerely Oct 10, 2009 Dear Sheriff Graybeal, This "thank you" relates to the assistance Deputy Foister provided during a very stressful event on 10-6-2009 when our daughter, Martha Bird, M.D. was en route from Johnson City to Tusculum. She was alone and her car struck heavy water on 11E at E.O. Shanks Road, south of Grandview School in Washington County. She lost control of her car and struck a large tree broadside. She received some bruises and scratches. We are fortunate she avoided serious injury. Deputy Foister performed professionally through the incident. He helped Martha to remain calm. Upon our arrival he was very helpful. We really appreciate everything. Trooper McClure did the investigation. Thanks Oct 9, 2009 Dear Sheriff Graybeal, This letter is just to thank you for the prompt response to my 911 call Friday, Oct 2. The dispatcher and the officers were prompt and patient with me. In addition, one was very kind to telephone me when the problem was solved so as to allay my fears that a prowler was out in the night near my home. Many previous times 911 has responded in an excellent way. They are professionals; yet they also remember that they are serving individual human beings. I believe that a lot of your workers are fine people, the cream of the crop. May their lives be safe always! With Appreciation June 17, 2009 Sheriff Graybeal & Capt Horton, Good afternoon. Please tell Dr. Dean McLaughlin he was outstanding and very knowledgeable. I would highly recommend this class! Keep up the good work, Hanes L. Torbett July 20, 2009 Sheriff Graybeal, Hi. My name is Casey Whetsel. I recently graduated from Daniel Boone high School this May. I received your letter in the mail congratulating me and talking about keeping Washington County safe. I graduated in the top ten percent of my class with a 4.0. I will be attending Northeast State Technical College in the Fall on an Academic Work Scholarship that will pay full tuition both years at Northeast. I want to pursue my dreams and go into the medical field. Although I don’t want to go into law enforcement. I want you to know that I will do my best as a citizen of Washington County to keep our county safe and a great place to live. Thank you once again for your letter and I will help you in all ways possible to make Washington County shine! Sincerely, Casey Whetsel June 17, 2009 Sheriff Graybeal, I wanted to take the time to thank you and Captain Horton for the excellent class you provided for the handgun carry permit I was fortunate to attend last Saturday. Captain Horton had everything organized and prepared in a fashion that went off like clockwork. Dr. McLaughlin was an outstanding instructor and made the class very interesting, especially from the standpoint of law-enforcement and the rapidly changing laws that we are presently experiencing. The guys on the firing line were professional and understanding in their handling of our group’s widely scattered experience. And since I cannot speak from personal experience, having the officer there for our fingerprinting was terrific; that said, I intend to have that be my only fingerprinting experience. All-in-all, you seem to have great personnel working for you and, I believe I can speak for everyone involved from our end, that we are lucky to have a Sheriff and a Sheriff’s Department of this caliber in our county. Mark C. Hicks III, P.G. June 16, 2009 Sheriff Graybeal, Just a quick note to say how much I appreciate you making it possible for our group to take the Concealed Handgun Carry Permit Class this past Saturday. Please give Dr. Dean McLaughlin a pat on the back for putting together a fine presentation on all the aspects Gun safety, Firearm Laws and practical rules to follow while carrying a firearm. Dr. McLaughlin was not only informative but also made the class interesting with his "real life stories and examples". He is a true "Home Town Hero" in my eyes for volunteering his time to educate the community on handgun safety. Captain Horton did a fine job in organizing all the components of this class to make sure everything ran very smoothly. I realize that you guys even went the extra step in providing fingerprinting services while we were taking the class. This did not go unnoticed and we want to express our sincere appreciation for all the other extras also.... We also did not expect to be fed nor did we realize we would get the opportunity to fire some old time originals from the Thompson machine gun to the ole Oil Can gun. This was a wonderful surprise and it really added to the fun in taking the course. To sum up what I am really trying to express is this....The class, the people and the way the whole program ran so smoothly is a true reflection you and the professionalism of your department.
Thanks again, Harold E. Ross Jr. May 13, 2009 Sherriff Graybeal, I would like to express my appreciation for the fine job your deputies carried out during the Saturday May 9th handgun permit class. It was very informative and they were very professional in their teaching and coaching. This is the second time I have taken your handgun course. I had not renewed my previous handgun permit as I entered the military and was expecting to spend the good part of 20 years in other parts of the world. Plans change with a family and I left the military honorably after my 4 year contract was up. When I decided I wanted to take the handgun permit course again after I returned to the states, there was no question but to take yours. I have nothing but good things to say about the course when I recommend your course to other people. It was a joy to actually have Judge Nidiffer in the classroom for the interaction and to have answers to the legal questions and concerns. I understand your deputies do this without pay and that is commendable that they would take the time out of their day and away from their families to help us, please express my gratitude to those that helped as it means a lot. The atmosphere was calm and relaxed. I really enjoyed it so I thought I would write you this email. Thank you for everything that you, your deputies and your employees do for us on a daily basis, you are all appreciated. Sincerely, Jess Stout May 6, 2009 Dear Sirs, This little note is to thank you sincerly for taking the time to monitor my business. I come to work in the mornings having been able to sleep at night without the worry of anything bad taking place on the premises. I know people don't and can't thank you enough for your kindness- it doesn't go unnoticed. Thank you April 17, 2009 Sheriff Graybeal, We want to thank you for the great job you are doing for our county. We can relax and enjoy our trips knowing that your office is watching our home. We want to especially thank officers Sells and Light for personally checking on our home. Sincerely April 6, 2009 Sheriff Graybeal, My wife and I took the Handgun Carry Class this past Saturday and your Officers and other personnel were top notch. Very professional. courteous, and extremely helpful. It was a very pleasant experience and I thank you for offering this service to our community. Jim Bowman April 6, 2009 Sheriff Graybeal, I just wanted to take a moment and send you a note regarding the Handgun Permit Class I attended Saturday 4/4. I've been around guns all my life, but this is the first class I've ever taken part in. I must say I was impressed from start to finish. I thought Bryan Horton did an excellent job outlining what my day would be like, and putting the entire class at ease. You can be proud of the work your guys do. Thanks again Brian Eckley March 19, 2009 Town of Jonesborough - Proclamation Honoring Sheriff Graybeal
March 12, 2009 Sheriff Ed Graybeal, I want to thank you for the support you showed OIG Special Agent Lori Mallard recently. I also wish to thank Judy Moskal, Warrants Division, for setting up the team that assisted Agent Mallard. Sergeant Greg Matherly, Lieutenant Larry Denny, Deputies Mike Foster and Lawrence Haws, went out of their way to assist with the search for James Blankenship and Maria Grindstaff Tressler. Thanks to the WCSD, Agent Mallard was able to successfully serve the indictments and book them into the Washington County Jail. Their professionalism and “can do” attitude is a tribute to the success of your office. I look forward to a continued working relationship with you and your staff. If the Office of Inspector General can ever be of assistance to you, please do not hesitate to contact me. You also have an open invitation to visit us whenever you are in the Nashville area. Sincerely, Deborah Y. Faulkner, EdD March 3, 2009 Sheriff Ed Graybeal, I would like to thank Deputy Light for his prompt response to checking my house after a neighbor had reported a window broken. I am in Fla. and within a matter of less than a hour after the Sheriff's Office was notified I had a call from a neighbor that the house had been checked and that the window was broken from a fallen limb. Please copy Bryan Horton and Pat Littleton. Thanks to all, Makes you feel better being away with your guys in charge. March 2, 2009 Sheriff Ed Graybeal, I want to thank you for the educational opportunity you provided for the students of David Crockett High School on December 17th. The students and faculty that attended the tour of the Washington County Detention Center were highly impressed with your staff and deeply moved by the message that was spoken that day. Since our visit there has not been a day go by that one of the students have not talked about their experience with me. The tour opened their eyes to what may happen to them if they continue on the path they had been taking. I have had positive feedback from parents on the current behavior of their child since participating on the tour. I truly believe lives were saved that day. Thank you! Not only were the students impacted by the visit, the faculty chaperones were equally inspired. We all have an even more appreciation and respect for the Washington County Sheriff’s Department and the staff of the Detention Center. The inmates that spoke with our group helped us understand our students better and better prepared us to intervene and help the students that are at-risk at David Crockett High School. What you do is truly a mission that few people are willing to attempt. Thank you again for all you do for the people of Washington County. Our County is a better place because of your efforts. Andy Hare February 24, 2009 Dear Chief Deputy: On two occasions with the past month I have traveled from Greeneville into your county, both times at approximately 2:00pm. During both occasions I saw a Washington County Sheriff’s Office cruiser sitting in the median of Hwy 11E near Johnny’s Market. What’s remarkable to me is how the Officer parks in clear view, right in front of God and everybody. It brought back memories of the 1970’s and how that use to be a common occurrence. While traveling I thought about how safe this unknown deputy’s behavior made me feel. My educational background is in psychology/sociology, so I realized that I am surely not the only person around the age of 50 that feels the same way. one bit of psycho babble I can assure you holds true is that people forget what you say and do, but they never forget how you made them feel. Such high profile patrol tactics says to me, “the Washington County Sheriff’s Office is here with you”. Of course he probably saw me well before I did him, but that is not the point. He was clearly visible and his presence felt by the hundreds of motorists who passed. Anyhow, I just wanted to tell you how I appreciate such efforts. It’s nice to feel safe with my family on the road. Truly Yours, Jeff Southerland January 22, 2009 Dear Sheriff Graybeal: On behalf of everyone involved with the Science Hill wrestling, we wanted to thank you and your representatives from the bottom of our hearts for all the hard work in making the Fandetti-Richardson Brawl one of the best tournaments in the state. I say this with all sincerity, there is no way we could have pulled off such a great tournament without your tremendous help. Please accept our appreciation. We can in no way every repay you for all help over the years, but wanted you to know how much you are truly appreciated! Thanks again and we hope to see you next year. Sincerely, Don Riley
December 31, 2008 Dear Sheriff Graybeal: It is with a grateful heart that I come to you to say thank you to you and the employees that so willingly delivered the Thanksgiving and Christmas meals to the elderly of our community. I have received so many thank you's from them telling me that they enjoyed having the visit with them. I realize that this was extra work for your staff, however they seemed so willing to serve. Indeed, we have some of the finest officers that can be found. We appreciate all that you do for us and others in the community. We are praying for all of you. Thank you once again, Sarah C. Wells
October 21, 2008 Dear Sheriff Graybeal: The Fall Branch Ruritan Club has asked that I write you a letter of appreciation for your help in supplying us with three days of manual labor during our apple butter stir off. The event was very successful, thanks to your help, and each of us are very thankful to you. We appreciate all you do for our community and stand ready to help you in anyway. Sincerely, Tina Stacy
August 17, 2008 Dear Sheriff Graybeal: I hope and pray Deputy Jared Adams gets a promotion from this letter. On August 5th, 2008, my husband and I rented a car from Alamo Car Rental, Tri-Cities. We got up the road, the car broke down. We were scared, had no phone, in a strange place coming from Florida going to Watauga Lake. Deputy Adams came by, “he is well mannered, police and make you feel safe.” He started making calls for us – assuring us things will be ok and that help was on the way. Deputy Adams is a jewel, he knows his job. We are very proud of him. Please put this letter in his file. May God Bless him always. The force has an excellent man, very well trained. Thank you very much, John & Betty Novello
August 17, 2008 Dear Sheriff Graybeal: My husband and I had the pleasure of attending your concealed handgun carry permit class on 12 July 2008. The class was excellent. The instructors were knowledgeable, interesting, sometimes funny, but at all times professional. A great deal of information was presented in such a manner that I never felt overwhelmed, but at the same time was understandable. I attended an NRA handgun safety class conducted by the Eagle County, Colorado Sheriff’s Department in 2006 and your presentation was far superior to that class. Again, the staff here in Washington County is obviously concerned that the citizens get the best information available in a safe, secure environment. Thank you for the opportunity to meet and be taught by an expert group. Sincerely, Dorothy E. Slaughter, Jr
July 17, 2008 Dear Sheriff Graybeal: On behalf of myself and the Boone Trail Family, may I take this opportunity to say thank you for allowing your work crew to come to our church recently to assist our grounds crews with some outside work. They worked diligently for 8+ hours to help clear some property here. We appreciate your willingness to send them and their willingness to work hard. Thank you again and May God Bless you . In Christ,
June 18, 2008 Dear Sheriff Graybeal: Just a card to thank everyone involved in the concealed handgun class I took on June 7. It was definetely informative and fun and I look forward to auditing another of your classes. Your officers are great. Sincerely.
April 28, 2008 Dear Sheriff Graybeal: I wanted to send you a letter of thanks for the assistance I received from some of your officers on Sunday night, April 27th, 2008. I had responded to an address on Hollywood Lane in Johnson City to locate a subject with an outstanding warrant. The subject had fled on foot when we arrived at his residence. I was assisted by your deputies and the subject was located a couple hours later on Main Street in Jonesborough. The deputies that assisted were Deputy Chizmar, Deputy Sells, Deputy Collins, and Deputy Cates. The cooperation I received was quick and professional. Officer Andy Hodges (platoon 3)
April 21, 2008 Dear Sheriff Graybeal: Thank you very much for your attending Our Health and Safety Fair on Saturday April 12, 2008. Without your attendance, Saturday would not have been possible. We appreciate you giving your time and resources for our employees. The fingerprinting of our children is a wonderful service. You really helped to put the parent's minds at ease. I personally feel much better knowing my child has that protection. Thank you so very much. Again, thank you very much from each and every one of us for your attendance. Warmest Wishes, April 9, 2008 Dear Sheriff Graybeal: I enjoyed your handgun carry class on April 05, 2008 and just wanted to thank you for your work and planning to make this possible. It was a 1st class experience and a pleasure to be in attendance. Captain Horton, Lt Wiseman, Lt Denny, Dr Dean McLaughlin and all your deputies made all attending the class very proud of the Washington County Sheriff's Office and the good work you and your deputies continue to do. Also thank you for helping me to make my retirement possible, I am proud to have been part of your team. Respectfully, April 5, 2008 Dear Sheriff Graybeal: For my wife and I we would like to thank you and all the officers who were involved in the recent Concealed Carry Permit Class. It was a very wonderful and rewarding experience - one which we appreciate so much. Please know that through the class we have become much more aware of the laws and responsibilities of being a permitted Concealed Carry Owner. Hopefully the time will never be needed for one to defend family or self, but should that time arise and officers not be readily available I feel through the program we will both be better prepared to accept the responsibility should that time ever arise. Again, Thank You sir and all of your officers!
January 24, 2008 Dear Sheriff Graybeal: Once again I want to say thanks so much for the wonderful officers watching out for my home while I was away for a couple of weeks. Thanks for making our street so much better and quiet. Without all the hot rodders and boom boxes is so great. Can't thank you enough for being a wonderful Sheriff. We hope for a wonderful Sheriff and please sat thanks to all the officers and keep up good work. Sincerely, September 24, 2007 Dear Sheriff Graybeal: Words cannot express how grateful we are for a superb job (painting) done on The Bethany Baptist Church Cemetery fence and rendered by the group from your facility. It is our "heartfelt thanks" and a great honor to know there are folks who care about others. We will never forget your kindness.
Sincerely, August 29, 2007 Dear Sheriff Graybeal: I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for allowing us to partnership by displaying our CoverKids Booth with you at the Appalachian Fair last week. The location was ideal and your staff went beyond the call of duty to help us in every way possible. I am sure a number of families and children will receive health care coverage because of our joint efforts. We had several thousand people go through numerous applications and other literature during this period of time. I would be remiss if I did not mention several of your key staff that made sure we were taken care of. Those being Major Downes, Major Bradley, Detective Judy, Captain Mitchell and others. This was a major undertaking with very positive outcomes. We both need to recognize the wonderful work of Leighta Laitinen from Mountain States Health Alliance for the use of her table, chairs, and many of our give away items. The staff at Northeast Community Services Agency was proud to stand with you in this event and would welcome any future opportunities. Thanks again for allowing us to be a part of this endeavor. Respectfully,
August 14, 2007 A very special think you, I would like to say thank you to one of your officers and a 911 dispatcher who went beyond the call of duty. On August 5, 2007, my grandson was accidentally locked in his mother's car in the church parking lot. We attend a small church in Greene County below Fall Branch and the driver's door lock malfunctioned and locked the car doors before my daughter-in-law could come around the car and get my grandson out of his car seat (my grandson is 15 months old). She had left her purse and keys in the car. We call 911 and Greene County 911 told us there was nothing they could do to help us to call a locksmith. We called Tennessee Highway Patrol and they transferred us to Washington County 911. The professional and caring person who answered the call in Washington County was very compassionate (I do not remember their name) and said they would send an officer to help us. We explained we were not in Washington County and still they sent an officer. The officer that responded was Roger Conkin and he took about 2 seconds to unlock the car for us. I am so grateful to be a resident of Washington County and to see the compassion shown by our 911 dispatchers and officers. My grandson was fine and we thank God for having such great people in the world. Thank you so much for training officers to show such great compassion in emergency situations. Wanda Bailey July 9, 2007 Dear The Washington County Sheriff's Office, It is with great pleasure, I am writing to thank the officers of the WCSO. Our son, Gordon Scott Wiltrout was the victim of a tragic automobile accident on the 30th of June, which claimed his life. Officers Wines, Taylor and Clyburn took a tremendous amount of time and patience in showing the family accident sight, while explaining the events. The whole time slowing traffic and providing emotional support. Their professionalism and kind spirit meant more than they will ever be rewarded on earth, but we hope our enormous gratitude will help carry them in the difficult job they perform. Very Respectfully, May 23, 2007 Dear Mr. Graybeal, I thought it imperative I send you a letter praising the work of your "Dirty Street Fighters." We held our annual alumni banquet last weekend on campus, which is always a large event. I requested from Officer Phillips the preceding week for the inmates to weed eat the campus. As you are aware we have a very large area here to take care of. The work from the inmates were excellent and the grounds look fantastic. There were numerous comments from visitors on how well the grounds looked. Every time that I have asked for help from your department since I came into office in October 2006, I have been treated with respect from everyone there I have talked to, and have received fill cooperation. Please feel free to contact me if I can be of any service to your department. Once again I would like to thank you for your help and courtesy. God bless. Sincerely yours, May 23, 2007 Dear LT. Judy, May I thank you for being the most kindest to me. I traveled all over the country and now have found a sheriff's office that has integrity and honesty. Your deputies were of the best. Thank you, May 20, 2007 To Whom It May Concern: This letter is to express my sincere appreciation and gratitude for your department’s help on Friday. I was babysitting my granddaughter because her mother had a stomach virus. Around 4:00pm, we had to run an errand. My granddaughter was holding my car keys for me while I buckled her into her car seat. She must have pushed the button activating the security system, right before she dropped the keys in the seat beside her, behind the driver seat. I didn’t hear anything as they live in a new subdivision there is a lot of construction going on. I closed the back seat passenger door and walked around to the driver side to get the keys out. My heart sank when I realized my 2 ½ year old grandchild was locked in the car. I tried to think of something to break out the window with when I remembered seeing a piece on WJHL-TV about the Washington County Sheriff’s Department still offering to help with situations like this. I called 911 on my cell and the call went to Carter County (I Live in Elizabethton) who then transferred me to Washington County. The reason for all the detail here is that I would appreciate if someone would express my thanks also to the lady at Washington County 911. My call was a transfer and not direct. I explained the situation, where we were and she told me she would have someone right out. Before I hung up, she asked me if Alyssa (granddaughter) was O.K. and I told her she was. She instructed me to call her right back if Alyssa became distressed. That meant so much to me. The mother and grandmother were distressed, but Alyssa was pretty much just sitting in the car wondering what was going on. Thank goodness, the temperature Friday was in the 50’s. After a few minutes Alyssa got a little fidgety and started to cry. I guess she couldn’t figure out why she was in the car and Mom and Grandmother were standing outside talking and making faces at her. Well, after what seemed like an eternity to a totally guilt ridden grandmother, in truth probably less than 10 minutes; I had the opportunity to meet Officer Lee Cross. In five minutes or less the door was open. I stood at the back window talking to Alyssa while he was working on the door. I told her the policeman was going to help us. She’s been talking all weekend about the “peesman” that came to her house. I offered to pay Officer Cross for his time, which he refused. He told me, it’s just part of my job, and I’m JUST so thankful it is. Please express my gratitude again to Officer Cross and if you find out who the nice lady at Washington County 911, to her as well. I learned my lesson the hard way, letting my little one, “help” by holding the car keys. I never imagined anything like this would happen. I know you help parents with proper installation of child safety seats. Please feel free to use my “lesson learned” to point out to parents and grandparents the potential danger in letting little ones help with the car keys. I thank you again so much. Sincerely, April 23 2007 Dear Sheriff Graybeal, I have worked for Animal Control for the past two years. I would like to thank all of the officers for being so well mannered, polite, and very helpful. I feel lucky to get the chance to work with the officers. They are a wonderful and special group to work with. May God Bless you all and keep you safe. Thank you, April 11 2007 Dear Sheriff Graybeal, Thank you so much for your participation in your Health Fair. Your caring and kindness meant so much to me for my first Health Fair. Hope we can count on you to participate if we plan another Fair. Sincerely, Judy Jones April 11 2007 Dear Major Bradley and Sheriff Graybeal, I just want to say how much I appreciate your taking your time to come and educate the teen moms and dads regarding car seat safety. You all did a great job. They were very interested and quite which is really a challenge sometimes. Thank you all for all the great work you do in the interest of our community and especially our children. I know you made a difference with these young moms. I look forward to your coming again in the future. Sincerely, Pam King, RNC March 15 2007 Dear Sheriff Graybeal, You area one-of-a-kind individual and Washington County is blessed to have you as our Sheriff and Friend. Your departments recent recognition of "Litter across the lines" is just another example of the pride that you take in our home of Northeast Tennessee. If being a Deputy Sheriff gets me involved, just let me know. Thank you for all you do for us. John Teague January 2007 Officer Phillips , I want to take this time to say thank you with our deepest appreciation for helping us make our 226th celebration on September 30th 2006 possible. We could not have done so if it had not been for your cooperation in getting the community service workers here to help. They did an excellent job each time they were here. We need these events to let people know that we are, indeed, here and making progress. We could not do that if it were not for caring individuals who are willing to do that little bit extra, to help reestablish Washington College Academy to prominence. Thank you again. Sincerely, Washington County Academy Board of Trustees |
