A Very Beneficial Service

Being able to utilize the workhouse program has been a very beneficial service to this community. For those not familiar with this program, it is where the persons who have committed lesser crimes are let out of the workhouse each day under the supervision of an approved person(s) to work in the community. I first became aware of this program in 2004 at the opening of the County Animal Control. Several of these "trustees" (as they are called) work each day to help take care of the animals there. It is a lot of work to clean up after animals. Most of the trustees are very willing and come to care for the animals. They are trained in proper shelter cleaning techniques and how to handle animals. It is very beneficial to both parties. And the animals benefit from extra socialization, making them more adoptable so they can find new homes.

Several County departments use trustees to help do other maintenance or cleaning jobs throughout Bedford County. Some of these are the Highway Department, the Agricultural Center and Emergency Management. These departments come to rely on this extra help, also. Having this type of program in the County also saves tax payers money. It would take many tax dollars to pay staff to do the work these trustees provide for free

In addition to this, some non-profits have benefitted from trustee help. As a volunteer with the Shelbyville-Bedford County Humane Association, we have been utilizing these services over the past year to help take care of animals in our care. It has been wonderful. Many of the ladies who volunteer cannot lift heavy bags of food and kitty litter. It is also great to have someone to do "handy man" type duties around the shelter. The animals get more exposure to different people and benefit in many ways.

Captain Tim Lokey and his staff have been wonderful in allowing us to have this help. They have been very professional and courteous to the volunteers at SBCHA. I'm sure they are just as great with the other non-profits they help. Being a volunteer in any of these organizations is tiring work and having a little extra help goes a long way. Thank you, Sheriff, for having this valuable program!