The deployment of county National Guard servicemen this week has put the Halifax County Sheriff's Department in a precarious position, Sheriff D.J. Oakes said.
Oakes said his department has lost four men.
"This is putting an extreme burden on our department, and right now we don't know how we are going to handle it," Oakes said yesterday.
Deputies J.L. Lucia, Q.W. Clark, S. Britton and D.L. Medley were among those called to duty.
"We have three divisions, investigative, patrol and court security," the sheriff said.
Clark, Britton and Medley were responsible for patrol, while Lucia was assigned to the Halifax/South Boston Narcotic Task Force.
Oakes said his department had 16 deputies responsible for patrolling over 800 square miles of county.
Now, three of those 16 are gone, the sheriff said.
"If you have a business with 100 employees and 30 get called into military service, how do you operate?" the sheriff asked, noting that his department is essentially in the service industry.
"Criminal activity won't diminish because of the call-up," he observed.
According to Oakes, his department averages between three and six patrol units per shift, and patrols the county 24/7.
Although deputies average only three traffic citations per day, much of their job consists of arrests by warrant (seven to eight per day) and answering complaints from county residents.
"That's where the loss of the deputies will really hurt us," the sheriff said, estimating that the department receives between 25-35 complaints a day.
"Sometimes it's much more than that," he added.
The call-up could also have an effect on the processing of suspects, the sheriff said.
"Pending cases whose officers were working will be handled by other officers in some cases," he said. "But in certain instances will have to be continued until they can come back to court."
What Are The Options?
"I don't have many options," the sheriff lamented.
He said federal law prohibits laying off the deputies who were called to active duty and hiring new officers in their place.
The good news for the sheriff is he doesn't have to continue to pay the deputies while they are on active duty.
"I've got the money to pay new deputies, but the state compensation board controls the salary," Oakes said. "They will only allow me to hire temporary or part-time workers."
Although the county is suffering from a high unemployment rate, the sheriff said anyone hired had to have certain qualifications.
"I couldn't take a person off the street and put them into a patrol position because of the liability," Oakes said.
Anyone considered has to be a graduate of an approved law enforcement academy in Virginia and be a certified law enforcement officer, the sheriff said.
They also need to be willing to work only until the other deputies return.
"That's the kicker," the sheriff said.
Oakes is feeling the stress of losing his deputies.
"I've been supportive of the National Guard the whole time I've been sheriff," he said. "But it's hurting me in this instance."
He had less than 30 days notice he would be losing his officers.
One possible solution may be to use officers from other agencies on a part-time basis.
"We're going to solicit other agencies in the area for help," Oakes said. "That could mean using officers from South Boston or Danville that are willing to work for us on their time off."
But that still presents problems for the department because the sheriff doesn't know how much he can pay the part-time officers.
"What am I going to be able to offer prospective people that want to make some extra money?
"And the big thing is how can I train them when I need them out on patrol?" Oakes asked.
But he said the only thing he can imagine working out is using officers from the other agencies.
"We're hamstrung," the sheriff said.
"Who can we hire if we can't get people from other departments?" he said.
Chief Jim Hall of the South Boston Police Department said he wasn't sure whether it was possible for his officers to work for the county.
"I know some agencies hire people part-time," the chief said. "But in this instance I'm not sure there wouldn't be a conflict of interest."
Hall said since county deputies have jurisdiction in both the county and the town of South Boston, it could be a touchy matter.
"I'm not sure who could answer whether town officers could work for the county," he said.
But the chief said he would try to work with the county in any way possible.
"If we lost even two officers it would be a tremendous burden to us," he observed. "We will try to help them in any way we can."
Town Manager Ted Daniel said he agrees with Hall.
"I agree with the chief, I'm not sure (about any conflict of interest)," Daniel said.
But the town manager said there were provisions in the state code that dealt with consolidation of police departments.
"It's known as a joint service agreement," he said.
"I think we need to explore the provisions of the state code if it becomes necessary to assist Halifax County," Daniel added.
Section 15.2-1726 state in part: "The governing body of any locality also may, in its discretion, enter into a reciprocal agreement with any other locality, or combination thereof, for the consolidation of police departments or divisions or departments thereof. Subject to the conditions of the agreement, all police officers, officers, agents and other employees of such consolidated or cooperating police departments shall have the same powers, rights, benefits, privileges and immunities in every jurisdiction subscribing to such agreement...,"
Oakes said he has already moved officers from administrative to patrol duties.
But the sheriff said the department would continue at all costs to do its job.
"We will continue to do our job and keep the people of Halifax County safe," he said.
But he asked for the public's understanding.
"I would ask for the public to continue to be supportive and understand what we're going through until we can get a grip on this," he said.

John McBride's decision to join the Army was mostly uneventful. The day he was sworn in was anything but!
The day was September 11, 2001. The 20-year-old former Halifax County High Comets tight end had assembled with another 25 inductees and all were about to be sworn in when the events of that infamous day began to unfold.
"They told us that we were going to war," said McBride, who heard an Army officer issue a "last chance" opportunity for those who had doubts of what they were about to do.
All but five, including McBride, turned and walked away.
It's been almost a year now since McBride entered the Army and began training as an airborne combat MP. Based at Ft. Bragg, McBride, has just returned from "over there" where he was involved in operation Enduring Freedom.
Because of his top secret classification, McBride is forbidden to discuss details or even say where he has been since early March. But he carries with him photos showing terrain that looks very much like the mountainous regions of Afghanistan.
One photo has McBride positioned in a Humvee a roof-mounted weapon that he does admit he put to use during "a lot of combat" over there.
As obviously dangerous as it was, the worst part was "missing my wife," said Josh, while giving Randi a hug as the two shared some of the memories of their first year of their marriage.
Josh returned to Ft. Bragg on July 31 to begin a 10-day leave that included a visit with his parents in Nathalie, Wayne and Jane McBride, and Randi's parents, Edwin and Catherine Ferrell, who live in Halifax.
Josh and Randi had good reason to miss one another. They spent about three weeks together during their first year of marriage.
"I wrote to him every day," said Randi who has just completed her first year at Methodist College in Fayetteville, N.C. Her plans call for five more years of education as she works towards becoming a pharmacist.
The couple exchanged letters and spoke frequently by telephone except during times when Josh's unit was away from base and engaged in combat. For days, Randi could only wonder, worry and pray that Josh was okay.
Back home, their families were doing the same thing. Josh has four brothers of whom he is the youngest, and two sisters. Randi has three sisters and one brother.
Other indications of where Josh spent the past four months are his expressed fears of "Camel spiders" and seeing how the people in that part of the world have to live.
"Makes you realize how fortunate we are to be Americans," he said while describing the hunger of the people he came in contact with.
Diets of the "real small" people he saw consisted mostly of bread and tomatoes.
"They were always asking us for food."
Josh and Randi are back in Fayetteville where they live off-base in a rented doublewide home. Both admit that "Fayetteville is terrible" but it beats being apart from one another.
Any regrets about joining the Army?
"No."
"If you're going to join, you may as well have a good reason," said Pfc. Josh McBride whose first tour of duty is five years.

A $6 million suit filed by Leo Hinson against the county was declared a nonsuit Monday by Judge Leslie M. Osborn.
The petition for the nonsuit order was presented by Hinson's attorney, Jeremy Carroll.
Hinson's suit against the county charged the Halifax County Zoning Ordinance regarding confined animal/livestock feeding operations kept him from establishing and operating a confined hog operation.
Hinson also charged the county with the deprivation of his investment-backed expectations and the deprivation of his federal and state constitutional rights.
A former Bethel Road resident, Hinson is currently being held in a federal penitentiary on eight charges, including two counts of attempted capital murder, stemming from a four-year investigation into a multi-state drug ring.
According to investigators, the organization allegedly distributed large amounts of cocaine, marijuana and methamphetamines in several states.
Investigators say that Hinson's property in Halifax County alone is valued at nearly $3 million.
The trial is scheduled to begin October 15.

A Halifax County Circuit Court jury has acquitted a Halifax man of all charges stemming from his arrest last August when he was charged with felonious abduction and wounding of a woman that included the alleged destruction of her property
Those felony charges against Raymond Bradshaw, 42, were reduced to assault and battery of Doris Wilborn in connection with the confrontation the two had on June 12, 2001.
Wilborn claimed that Bradshaw used his vehicle to block her vehicle from exiting his driveway and thus from fleeing from Bradshaw who she claimed threatened to kill her.
Bradshaw was charged with driving his vehicle into Wilborn's vehicle that allegedly caused her to obtain medical care.
Bradshaw was not arrested and charged with the offenses until August 22, over four months after the incident.
Jim Lucia, Halifax County Sheriff's Deputy, met with Wilborn on the afternoon of the incident and said that he never saw any indication that she was injured in any way.
At no time did Lucia recall Wilborn ever stating that Raymond Bradshaw threatened to kill her or ever abducted her or held her at the front of his driveway.
Lucia's stipulation of testimony describes how the deputy spent approximately 30 minutes with Wilborn and saw that the front of her vehicle had been damaged.
Bradshaw was represented by attorney Mike Freshour, a public defender.

By Doug Ford

There's no better story than that of someone who overcomes physical disabilities to enrich his life, but golfer JaRo Jones did that one better, using the knowledge gained from that experience to assist others.
The soft-spoken Texan brought his golfer education program to Greens Folly Country Club last weekend, and with it, a healthy dose of encouragement for anyone, disabled or non-disabled, wishing to learn or improve his game.
Jones, who was diagnosed in 1993 with post-polio syndrome and progressive neuromuscular atrophy, now travels the country to help golfers learn and enjoy the game of golf.
Jones has developed an instructional program that would help anyone who wishes to improve his skills on the golf course.
The origins of Jones' instructional program, Golf Rx for All, came after a visit to doctors in Houston, Texas, in 1993.
"When I was diagnosed with my disability in 1993, my doctors told me I had to give up golf unless I could find an alternative swing," said Jones.
Jones said he was lucky in that his therapist played golf and understood his predicament.
She understood the muscles of the body and found, through computer simulation, where the true power in a golf swing lay, and what muscles where really used, according to Jones.
"The power in the golf swing for right handers, as the computer shows us, comes from the top of your right shoulder and the fingers of your right hand," noted Jones.
"That solved the problem with my doctors. I took the power out of my legs and put it to where it would be used to play golf."
The golf balls that Jones hit about 300 yards straight down the fairway from a seated position during Saturday's clinic proved his point.
"I hit the ball as far now sitting down as I ever did standing up," he said.
Jones has used that knowledge to teach and encourage others in their individual golf game.
The 55-year-old resident of Hilltop Lakes, Texas, conducts from 18-20 clinics each year, with a three-day stop in Las Vegas next week, the final stop for 2002.
"My whole teaching philosophy is that golf is meant to be fun, it's not meant to be a chore," emphasized Jones.
"I teach 14 alternative golf swings, and it makes golf easier for people to learn."
Jones' teaching philosophy is fourfold.
First, to determine the physical abilities of the student, and then to focus on what functions of the golf swing the student is able to perform.
Second, allow the student's own personal physical abilities to create the golf swing.
Third, make subtle changes to the swing to enable correct ball flight direction.
Finally, keep golf simple , remembering that the game of golf is meant to be fun.
"I'm a lot different than other golf instructors and PGA professionals. If I have to give someone more than five lessons, then I'm not doing my job," said Jones.
"I don't believe in teaching series of lessons, with repeat business. I want people to get out and enjoy playing golf."
With Jones, the struggle to get access to courses nationwide for disabled golfers is a matter of awareness.
"Out of over 55 million people with disabilities in the United States, a National Golf Foundation did determine there are potentially over three and one-half million golfers waiting to be taught.
He hopes to teach PGA professionals what accessibility is really all about through education and talking to golf course owners and operators.
"We're starting to understand all across the United States that people with disabilities want to be treated the same as anyone else, and that they're potentially new customers for their golf courses," Jones said.
Jones said that course owners and superintendents are mistaken in their belief that the golf carts used by disabled people damage their courses.
"It's still an issue with them. It just doesn't happen. Anyone can damage a golf course if you don't operate the golf cart properly, whether a two-person cart or a single-rider cart.
"What we found out over the last five years is that golfers with disabilities take better care of golf courses than regular golfers do.
"They repair their divots more and repair their ball marks on the greens, which are really sore spots with most golf course owners and superintendents."
Jones added that people with disabilities consider it a privilege to play golf, and tend to take a lot better care of the courses.
And specialized golf carts, with hand controls for golfers who don't have use of their lower legs, and with specialized hydraulic seats that swivel 360 degrees, have made it easier for disabled golfers to access courses, Jones said.
Bunny Propst, who first got wind of JaRo Jones via the Internet, said she got great community support in bringing his clinic to Greens Folly.
The Southside Community Services Board, Halifax Regional Hospital, Franklin's Garage, Franklin's Transport, Homeplace Creations, Atlantic Medical and Ratliff Grocery, among others, were mentioned by Propst for their help.
"Green's Folly donated used of its driving range and the golf balls, and made sure we had any thing we needed." said Propst.
Both Propst and Dr. Earl Fox, on one of the clinic's participants, were impressed with Jones' teaching methods.
"He's very quiet and doesn't embarrass you," said Propst. "He has great teaching skills."
Fox, who is taking the game up again after 25 years, also appreciated Jones' teaching technique.
"I like his method. He's very gentle, yet he gets his message across," said Fox, who still enjoys the comradeship golf brings with it.
"The clinic helps any golfer, but for the disabled, it's great," noted Fox.
"He has been extremely good. I have a fused spine, and he has helped me immeasurably.
"I'm 84-years-old, and this is the best way to start. He has been very careful to tell us about not trying to do too much and to do your stretching before we start.
"I appreciate his coming and those who sponsored the clinic. It'll help the golf, but it'll help the community because we got to know each other a little better.
JaRo Jones doesn't intend to slow down. He said he is rededicating himself to practice in order to qualify for the U.S. Senior Open next year.

For World Series coverage, check out our print edition.

Evelyn Stephens Bell

Evelyn Stephens Bell, 91, of Nathalie died August 3 at Halifax Regional Hospital.
Mrs. Bell was born in Halifax County on July 16, 1911, the daughter of James Stephens and Clara Barksdale Stephens and was married to Leonard Bell. She was a member of the Church of God of Prophecy.
Survivors include a number of nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.
Funeral services for Mrs. Bell will be held today, August 7 at noon at the Church of God of Prophecy in Cody, with the Rev. Stephen W. Byrd officiating. Burial will follow in the Stephens Family Cemetery.
The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.

Lena Jeffress Goode

Lena Jeffress Goode, 73, of 140 Wood Lane, Saxe, died August 5 at her home.
Mrs. Goode was born in Charlotte County on May 3, 1929, the daughter of the late William H. and Olia Toombs Jeffress. She was a member of Salem Baptist Church, Red Oak, and was a homemaker.
Survivors include 11 children, Min. Mary Kelsey of Richmond, Pauline Medley of South Boston, Linda Fowlkes of Keysville, Sgt. First Class Earnest Goode of Newport News, Elaine Foster of Waldorf, MD, Geraldine Chalmers and Carolyn Goode, both of Saxe, Lt. Robert Goode of Bahran, Diane Parker of Colorado Springs, CO, Evang. Nadine Chalmers of Halifax, and Thomas Goode of Henderson, NC; 30 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; three sisters, Hattie McCargo, Elvira Boyd and Parthenia Watson, all of Red Oak.
Funeral services for Mrs. Goode will be held at 11 a.m. August 10 at Salem Baptist Church with the Rev. Harry L. Williams officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
The family will receive friends at the home.

Martha Ann Agnes Cook Perkins

Martha Ann Agnes Cook Perkins, 82, of Hamilton Blvd., South Boston, died August 4 at Halifax Regional Hospital.
Mrs. Perkins was born in Halifax County on April 21, 1920, the daughter of Henry and Martha Lacks Cook and was married to Raymond Daniel Perkins. She was a member of Ellis Creek Baptist Church.
Survivors include two sons, Dan Perkins of Nathalie and Larry Perkins of Linwood, NC; two daughters, Mary Ann Fallen and Jo Anne Roberts, both of Halifax; two sisters, Betty Oakley and Emily Gentry, both of Roxboro, NC; nine grandchildren, five step-grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren.
Graveside services for Mrs. Perkins will be held today, August 7 at the Perkins Family Cemetery at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Rodney Barwick officiating.

Ineal Miller Boyd Robinson

Ineal Miller Boyd Robinson, 68, of 217 Pierce's Trail, Nathalie, died August 2 at Halifax Regional Hospital.
Mrs. Robinson was born in Halifax County on April 13, 1934, the daughter of the late Ernest Miller and the late Catheryn Poindexter Miller and was first married to the late Arthur Willie 'Mac' Boyd and later married Charles Odell Robinson. She was a member of Millstone Baptist Church.
Survivors include her husband; two daughters, Mary Elizabeth Boyd of Nathalie and Dollie Mae Boyd of Richmond; two sons, Ernest Juniuos Boyd of Richmond and John Lewis Boyd of Austin, Texas; 10 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and one brother, James Randolph Miller of Cedar Creek, MO.
Funeral services for Mrs. Robinson will be held Friday, August 9 at 2 p.m. at Millstone Baptist Church with the Rev. Chester Spruill officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
The family will receive friends at the Chapel of Jeffress Funeral Home Thursday evening from 7:00 until 8:00, and other times at the home of her granddaughter, Jeanetta Boyd, 1072 Pear Tree Lane, Nathalie.