New Madrid County invests in fighting ag crimes

Thursday, September 8, 2016
Through the efforts of the New Madrid County Alert Team, an Ag Crime Unit is now in operation. Recently, the New Madrid County Commission authorized the purchase of a truck for use by Alert Team members as well as the Ag Crime Unit while on patrol and when needed to assist with the New Madrid County Sheriff's Department. Pictured from left are: Presiding Commissioner Mark Baker, New Madrid County Sheriff Terry Stevens, Jimmy Henderwon with the Alert Team and First District Commissioner Bobby Aycock.

NEW MADRID- The New Madrid County Alert Team and its Ag Crimes Unit are up and rolling. Literally.

Since countywide volunteers revitalized the New Madrid County Alert Team earlier this year, they have formed an Ag Crimes Unit to combat the problems of theft and vandalism of farm equipment and property throughout the county. To aid in that effort, the New Madrid County Commissioners recently purchased a new pickup and equipped it to make it a fully functioning patrol unit.

In the past, Alert team members would borrow an off-duty deputy's vehicle for patrols, according to Jimmy Henderson, who is one of those behind the reorganization efforts. A process that was often inconvenient for deputies and volunteers.

"We are tickled to death," Henderson said about the dark blue truck, featuring reflective logos identifying it as part of the New Madrid County Sheriff's Department. "It is just so much easier to have the car here at the Sheriff's office."

In addition to the sheriff's department radio, the truck is equipped with spare handcuffs, tie handcuffs, first aid supplies and narcotics detection items, Henderson said. Also commissioners have begun the process of purchasing protective vests for Alert Team members to wear when on patrol.

Presiding Commissioner Mark Baker and First District Commissioner Bobby Aycock agreed the approximately $50,000 spent thus far is a good investment by the county.

The purchases, Baker explained, are a way to show the growing group of volunteers that county officials are supportive of their efforts.

"If we don't spend some money, they don't think we are serious. They think we are just doing lip service to the effort," Baker said. "But when they see us buy a truck, buy radios, pay the guys, they understand we are behind them."

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