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with that , so I want different avenues open for the public to communicate with me . If you feel comfortable contacting me through the office , you can come in and see me . And for those who don ’ t feel comfortable , these other options are available . I am also planning to implement an online survey or comment forum that residents can use to communicate with our office . This will allow people to share information online freely and anonymously ,” Crawford said .

One of the biggest challenges Crawford has faced so far is the task of trying to get technology such as social media and apps updated with his information

on them . “ Bear with me as we go through this transition . We will have everything updated , but it will take time ,” Crawford said .

As the new sheriff , Crawford has goals and priorities he would like to focus on aside from serving the community to the best of his ability and building better communication with community members . For instance , he intends to actively pursue a new justice center .

“ Our building , as nice as it is , is definitely wearing out . We desperately need a new facility . We are not able to offer programming or church services to the inmates or provide adequate safety of officers as they are making sure inmates are safe and secure ,” Crawford said .

In addition , Crawford is planning to do some rearranging of assignments and would like to create some new positions in the office . “ I want us to have the personnel available for our community and citizens . One of my top priorities is to work with city administrators and show them we have the best relationship possible and can build accountability so that further talks of starting a city police department can be eliminated . I believe we will have a great working relationship with the city administration ,” Crawford said .

The drug-addiction problem , school safety and education also are among Crawford ’ s priorities . “ Our community does have a concern and a definite problem with the amount of drugs flowing through the community and those addicted to drugs . It is a goal of mine to eliminate as much as we can so we can curve the amount of arrests and the numbers in our justice center . I want to create a safe environment for our residents and our children ,” he said .

Over the years Crawford has frequently been asked questions such as who patrols a specific area or who is this officer or that officer . And one of Crawford

’ s goals is to help residents become better familiar with the faces and names of the employees who serve the community with commitment and dedication . Therefore , to get this initiative started and as a continuation of National Law Enforcement Day , which occurred Jan . 9 , Crawford began to spotlight supervisory personnel on the Coshocton County Sheriff ’ s Office Facebook page the week of Jan . 11 .

As explained by Crawford , one to two people a day will be highlighted on the Facebook page , thanking each person for their willingness to move into the positions and take on the responsibility of helping the sheriff ’ s office move forward toward the future .

“ We will be shining a spotlight on new employees and those who have been promoted too . Coming into the office of sheriff , I have been tasked with appointing staff I want to have in leadership roles in the office ,” Crawford said .

For instance , Garrison Bryant was promoted to the chief deputy position . “ Without question he is one who will help move my vision forward and encourage everyone to do the best job they can , and we are so proud of Garrison ’ s leadership

abilities and what he has been able to show in his first week ,” Crawford said .

The administrative services director position went to Beth Walsh . “ She will oversee all administrative paperwork , HR , the budget , etcetera . She is the glue that holds everything together . Her dedication and passion for the job is bar none . I , as well as everyone in the office , appreciate her and congratulate her ,” Crawford said .

JD Hardway , who Crawford described as having an excitement to serve the community and help everyone to better serve the community , is the road lieutenant . Crawford explained Hardway has held this position for the past year and has done an outstanding job . Similarly , Crawford shared Lt . Charles Udischas , who has held the position as jail administrator for the past four years , will continue in the position .

“ Lt . Udischas has more passion for the jail than anyone I ’ ve ever known , and I could not think of a better person to oversee the justice center ,” Crawford said . “ All of our other first-line supervisors who currently have held their positions , I am so thankful for their continuation of service in those important roles .”

In addition to what Crawford is doing to shine a light on law-enforcement personnel who serve Coshocton County , he encourages residents to not hesitate to approach any employee from the sheriff ’ s office and talk to them .

“ We all love to hear from our community , and it doesn ’ t have to be a conversation about law enforcement . Just a friendly conversation means a lot . Another friendly gesture that I know means the world to me is when someone gives me a friendly wave as I drive by . I can ’ t express it enough ; our community has been overwhelmingly supportive of law enforcement , and that means the world to me .”

Crawford would like to express his appreciation to staff , deputies and community members for helping make his first week as sheriff a successful one . “ There ’ s a lot of negative things happening in the world and turmoil nationally , and we are very fortunate that we do not have that in our community . We experience kind gestures daily from our community throughout the year . People are often coming in and sending some kind of thank you for a job well done . We truly appreciate that ,” he said .

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