Editor,

As a recently retired employee at the Prince Edward County Sheriffs’ office I can tell you there has been no time a greater change was needed other than now.

I was employed at the sheriff’s office for 12 1/2 years retiring this past July. Over the years of my employment I saw many things that killed the morale in the department. There needs to be a change, and overall there’s a lack of ethics.

I believe our county has suffered greatly due to this lack of morale. We need a sheriff that is open minded and open to change. A sheriff that will work with his deputies side by side that is available to his citizens, that will ensure his deputies are provided with the most current law enforcement training to better serve the citizens. And a sheriff that believes in doing the right and ethical things regardless of politics.

Tony Epps is a former law-enforcement investigator that has dedicated his heart and time to the sheriffs’ office for many years. Law enforcement continues to hold a special place in his heart. Epps has worked, lived and raised his sons in Prince Edward County for many years. His love for the county is evident in his willingness to serve and be involved in numerous groups throughout the county.

Tony has many visions for improvement including a K9 program to better serve the citizens, improving our schools Safety Action Plans which are nonexistent at this time and Stricter Law Enforcement.

As Citizens, we should want a better place we can call home. On Nov. 5 we need to come together and be the change we want to see. Our county wants and needs a sheriff that will work hard to provide a safer, more secured community.

Charlene Lewis

Farmville