Whittle 'has the mettle' to run any agency; deserves re-election
Editor:
I am an investigator for the Columbia County Sheriff's Office. I am a retired Marine Corps officer and a former lieutenant of the Criminal Investigations Division for the Aiken County Sheriff's Office. Having served in may law enforcement positions, both in the military and in civilian communities, and having worked with federal agencies such as the FBI, IRS and ATF, I feel it is a privilege to be a part of Sheriff Clay Whittle's team.
For the past several years that I have worked for Whittle, I have found him to be an honest employer who strives daily to make contact with as many of his officers as possible. While most sheriffs of agencies the size of Columbia Count are seldom seen, Whittle's presence is felt daily as he is seen all over this county by his officers and citizens.
I have had the opportunity to serve under some of the greatest Marine officers the Corps has had to offer, and Whittle ranks right up there with them. Whittle has the mettle to lead any agency, such as the Columbia County Sheriff's Office, into the future and beyond with his high standards and leadership example, even when it involves the unpleasant task of investigating one of his long-term employees who is possibly involved in wrongdoing.
In such a case in which I was recently involved, Whittle did not hesitate to get to the bottom of this incident. As in all cases with which I have been associated or assigned to investigate, Whittle has always made it his policy to let professional law enforcement officers do their job.
The sheriff's "can-do" attitude has definitely set the tone at our office. Having served several times of conflict in the military, I can state I would feel ready and honored to serve under Whittle's leadership during any crisis that may occur in Columbia County.
I would like to encourage all the citizens of Columbia County to show their support by voting for Sheriff Clay Whittle on July 20 in order to continue the proven professionalism, leadership and timely experience the county has enjoyed for the past 10 years he has served as sheriff.
Wayne Collins
Appling