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A useless visit

I don’t know if you have had any experience with the Smith County Sheriff’s Department, but I recently did! I have mentally sick relative whom I am certain is capable of violence to others, up to potentially killing someone in anger.

Since I live in the county, I went to downtown Tyler to visit the sheriff’s office for help. I found a less than friendly setting with an employee behind a thick glass wall, making communications difficult. After an interchange of loud voices, the employee produced a slip of paper with a phone number informing me to call that number. Obviously actually speaking face to face to a deputy was not possible here.

I called the number on the slip of paper and was met with another employee constrained by the sheriff’s bureaucratic incompetence. She informed me if I knew where my relative lived, they could do a welfare check. I pointed out that I knew my family member was not well, so a wellness check was absurd, and the family member is homeless. Apparently, protecting the public is restricted by the county line — even when potential physical harm is believed to be likely.

Now, in reviewing what I have found, I believe it is clear we have a department with a crossing guard mentality where even the most serious crime is ignored when beyond the county line.

Voters, pay attention and take note ahead of the next election season.

Dennis Bosch

Arp

Stay safe in heat

As extreme heat impacts our East Texas communities and beyond, the American Red Cross East Texas Chapter is encouraging residents to take three steps to stay safe: slow down, stay hydrated and spend time indoors.

1. Slow down by postponing or limiting outdoor activities, including strenuous exercise. If you must work outdoors, take frequent breaks and avoid the hottest part of the day by scheduling tasks earlier or later. Hot cars can be deadly — never leave children or pets in your vehicle alone.

2. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and avoiding sugary, caffeinated and alcoholic drinks. Check that animals also have access to plenty of fresh water and shade.

3. Spend time indoors in an air-conditioned place. If you don’t have air conditioning, go to a public library, shopping mall or a public cooling center. CALL 211 or visit TDEM.TEXAS.GOV/WARM to find an open location. Check on loved ones and neighbors who may be at risk and do not have air conditioning to make sure they are safe.

Download the free Red Cross Emergency app for real-time weather alerts and heat safety information. Content is available in English and Spanish with an easy-to-find language selector. Find the app in smartphone app stores by searching for the American Red Cross or going to redcross.org/apps.

Karen Holt

Tyler