COMMISSIONERS APPROVE NEW PATROL VEHICLES
The Fisher County Commissioners Court heard pointed criticism of the Sheriff’s Department during its October 13 meeting, then approved new patrol vehicles using the state’s SB-22 law enforcement grant program. https://youtu.be/02THI6ew0a4
Rebecca Gardner Hudnell, a Sylvester resident and former juvenile probation officer, told commissioners her confidence in the department was shaken after an April burglary at her son’s property. She and her husband discovered two men at the home on April 30. When she called 911, dispatchers said no deputy could respond because officers were tied up in court.
“I know it takes a while to drive to Sylvester,” Hudnell said, “but I expect somebody to head that way.”
Hudnell said other residents have reported similar problems, with calls about suspicious activity going unanswered when no deputy is available. She argued that limited staffing and scheduling conflicts have left parts of the county without timely coverage. After deputies later took her report, she said no fingerprints were taken and follow- up with investigators and the district attorney’s office was inconsistent. When she brought the same evidence to Jones County, she said officials quickly identified a suspect and recovered stolen property linked to the burglary.
Hudnell linked her complaints to what she sees as leadership gaps in the Sheriff’s Department. After a contested sheriff’s race and a resignation earlier this year, John Patrick “Pat” Dickson was appointed in January. Under state law, he has two years to obtain a Texas peace officer’s license; until then, he serves mainly in an administrative role while deputies handle enforcement.
“If we can’t get anybody to come out and answer a call in Sylvester — at 10:30 in the morning, at 2:30 at night, or in the middle of the afternoon — then why are we paying taxes?” said Hudnell.
After public comment, Sheriff Dickson briefed the court on jail operations. Ten inmates were housed in the Jones County Jail. Deputies recently made two transfers on outstanding warrants. Another individual was picked up from Big Spring State Hospital on a bench warrant was scheduled to appear in court the next day. One inmate was transferred from the Jones County Jail to the Middleton Unit in Abilene.
“This past week, an individual was arrested in Comanche on a Fisher County warrant,” Dickson said. “Deputies traveled to Comanche, took custody of the subject, and transported him to the Jones County Jail.”
Commissioners then approved two factory-built police-package trucks using the coming year’s SB-22 allocation. Dickson said the vehicles will cost about $153,000.
“Most of you are aware that some of our current units are getting pretty high in mileage,” Dickson said. “I’ve got one back in the shop right now.”
He said earlier vehicles purchased as “police packages” lacked dual batteries and sufficient electrical capacity to power lights, radios, and onboard computers, leading to power losses and occasional no-starts in the field. The new units include dual batteries and alternators designed for emergency response.
The court approved the request unanimously and also authorized up to $3,500 from SB-22 funds to decal and number the new patrol vehicles. County Judge Ken Holt advised that the trucks should be listed separately in the bid package.
“Just make sure that when they do that bid package, we list them individually so we don’t go over $100,000 for the total.”
The court additionally declared five radios from retired patrol vehicles as surplus and approved their donation to Fisher County EMS, whose equipment has suffered poor signal quality. Dickson said the radios were originally provided to the county by the Texas Department of Public Safety and could now be put to better use.
“These new radios are much clearer and work far better than the old ones ever did,” said Dickson. “This way, those older units will go somewhere they’re needed.”
The meeting was the result of two ongoing and parallel themes: continued investment in vehicles and communications through SB-22 funds and persistent frustration with response times in rural areas. Residents say progress will be measured on the ground by calls answered and cases resolved.