Pubdate: Wed, 23 Jul 2003 Source: Clanton Advertiser, The (AL) Copyright: 2003 Clanton Advertiser Contact: http://www.clantonadvertiser.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1742 BACHUS SNAGS FUNDING FOR LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT U.S. Rep. Spencer Bachus, R-Birmingham, on Tuesday ushered a bill through Congress which will bring a substantial sum of money to the Chilton County Sheriff's Department. While that sum has yet to be determined, the total has been called substantial by Bachus staffers. Tuesday afternoon, when contacted about the additional funding bound for the department, Chilton County Sheriff Billy Wayne Fulmer, said he applied for any financial assistance possible through Bachus' office more than six months ago. He managed to speak briefly with Bachus in the spring about the possibility of acquiring some additional funding. However, he had not heard about the issue gaining wheels and being pushed through the house. Fulmer was obviously excited, saying any assistance the department could receive would be of tremendous help to him and his deputies as they continue the battle against drugs in Chilton County. The funding will likely be used to purchase safety equipment to be used by deputies while destroying meth labs in the county. The product as well as the bi-products of meth labs are highly toxic, meaning special equipment is needed in order to properly dispose of it. Consequently, the sheriff as well as the deputies responsible for going into the field and removing these materials are glad to get any help they can in protecting themselves and their families from the after-effects of having contact with meth. The county should extend its gratitude to Bachus for having a good memory and remaining diligent in his service to the people of Chilton County. - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake