Emergency Telecom Awareness
The week of April 9 was Telecommunications Awareness Week. Williamson County Commissioners recognized and celebrated many superlative employees for their service and heroics of the past year at a standing-room-only ceremony April 10.
EMS Director Scott Parker highlighted the day to day skills of all employees, given the data showing our 911 operators provide CPR over the phone every 16.5 hours. He also noted their calm and effectiveness during a crisis; e.g., on July 24, 2017, seven homes were hit by lightning in a 30-minute period and involved 18 members of one shift.
Williamson County Judge Dan Gattis said, “Everything we do gets to be a partnership. Everyone is involved and that’s what makes it work. We’ve gone through alot of growth and 911 communications are a big part of that growth. You are the first first responders and my hat is off to you.”
Commissioners also presented the newly-created John Snead legacy award to Mr. Snead himself, recognizing that the award is named for him based on the profound impact his service has had for the County.
Mr. Sneed announced his retirement soon after, saying; “It’s been a wonderful opportunity to serve the residents and guests of Williamson County for the past 36 years. I have seen the county through tremendous growth and changes. Although there is always more you want to see accomplished, now is the time for me to pass the torch. I have missed out on a lot of family time due to the demands of being on-call, so now I plan to enjoy my time with my family.”
Crime Victims’ Rights Week
Statistics show, for 2017, Williamson County added at least three people—every day—to the list of victims of violent crime. These individuals are recognized each year during Victims’ Rights week, as are the many professionals who demonstrate outstanding service to them.
This year’s theme was Expand the Circle: Reach All Victims, and emphasized the importance of inclusion in victim services and addresses how the crime victims field can ensure every crime victim has access to services and support; and how professionals, organizations, and communities can work in tandem to reach all victims.
The Service Awards Ceremony took place April 11 at the Historic Courthouse and concluded with a balloon release and special messages written for and delivered to victims as a tribute of Hope and Support. Law Enforcement, EMS and Fire Dept. parked around the courthouse and powered up lights and sirens briefly during the balloon release in support of Victims.
Road Safety Crackdown
In an effort to reduce crashes, which have been many and frequent, the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office is continuing to monitor speed operations from Hero Way to SH 138.
Deputies are looking at speed and issuing citations for excessive MPH and failure to move over or slow down for emergency vehicles.
After a fatal crash in Liberty Hill, Sheriff Robert Chody addressed citizen concerns and began a four-day campaign targeted on and around US 183.
Deputies wrote more than 650 citations and warnings; the fastest driver was driving in excess of 100 miles-per-hour. Incidentally, the Texas Highway Patrol lists Williamson County at #4 for most speeding tickets over 100mph.
Despite this crack-down, there was still another deadly crash a few days later.
Sheriff Chody keeps the public informed nearly up to the minute on his Twitter account. Since the initial four-day operation, his office reports 144 stops, 70 citations and 93 warnings. Chody says; “We are educating the public on the speed limit and emergency vehicles, but most importantly the purpose of the campaign was to reduce crashes and save lives!”
