Marion County Commissioner Kathy Bryant said she thinks it s an incredible opportunity for Woods. Bryant said Woods would be able to bring valuable insight to the community on what s happening at the border. She wishes she could be part of the delegation.
Marion Commission Chairman Jeff Gold said Woods budget presentation day was changed to allow for the trip. Gold said if Woods feels it s important to go to the border, then that s fine.
However, the commissioner said, we ve got problems here locally. Gold said that the Marion County Sheriff s Office is short on deputies for patrol and detention deputies for the Marion County Jail.
Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods set to join Rep. Cammack s trip to U.S.-Mexico border Austin L. Miller, Ocala Star-Banner
Gov. Abbott discusses Texas border security
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Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods is expected to be among the law enforcement officials joining U.S. Rep. Kat Cammack (R-Gainesville) on a trip to the U.S./Mexican border this week to learn more about the border crisis.
Ocala Police Chief Mike Balken is also going on the journey, he said on Tuesday.
Adeline Sandridge, communications director for Cammack s office, confirmed Tuesday afternoon that Woods and Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood were two of the four people making the flight to Texas. Sandridge said she s waiting on word from some others. No one from Alachua County is scheduled to make the trip.
Ashley Moody s remarks on fallen officers
Before introducing Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody, McQuaig told the audience that Moody is a strong ally of law enforcement.
In her remarks, Moody said it has been a tough year for law enforcement officials across the country. In Florida, this time last year, four law enforcement officials had died in the line of duty. So far this year, it s 12.
Moody said while these occasions can be sad, they also can be inspiring. She said the men and women who put on a uniform serve with pride and vigor, knowing the risk they face. During the pandemic, Moody said, they have showed up because they love their communities.