Pubdate: Fri, 14 Jan 2005
Source: Gadsden Times, The (AL)
Copyright: 2005 The Gadsden Times
Contact:  http://www.gadsdentimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1203

NEW TOOL IN METH BATTLE

Remembering Hardin - DeKalb Will Get Truck For Clean-Ups

As methamphetamine continues to be a major drug problem in Northeast 
Alabama, law enforcement officers have taken some unique approaches to 
arming themselves for the battle, from legislation to education.

New laws addressed the sale and possession of the products used in the 
manufacture of the drug.

Law enforcement taught merchants to watch for suspicious purchases, and in 
a number of cases, a tip from these pharmacists or store clerks led to arrests.

DeKalb County's Drug Task Force soon will get equipment to help with the 
battle as well.

A federal grant will pay for a specially-equipped truck to be used in 
cleaning up the methamphetamine labs the officers routinely find. DeKalb 
County Sheriff Cecil Reed said the truck will be equipped for evidence 
gathering and cleaning up hazardous chemicals and will have provisions to 
decontaminate people exposed to the chemicals used in making meth. One of 
the disturbing circumstances officers often see is meth made in homes where 
children can be exposed to the dangerous chemicals.

Currently, contract companies are paid, from federal funds, to clean up 
hazardous material when labs are found.

We hope the funds spent on this truck will save some federal dollars down 
the road, when local officers are able to do some of the clean-up work that 
has been contracted out.

The widespread problem of methamphetamine in Northeast Alabama likely will 
continue for some time.

Law enforcement officers must continue to look for cost-effective ways to 
combat its manufacture, sale and use.

The sadness those who knew Larry "Sarge" Hardin feel upon news of his death 
goes beyond the tragic irony of a man who dedicated so much of his life to 
public safety being killed in a four-wheeler accident.

Hardin's life was one filled with service to the public. He served as a 
state trooper from 1961 to 1994 and in the latter part of his career, often 
seemed to be the public face of the state troopers in Marshall and nearby 
counties. He helped make the roads safer, not just by patrolling and 
curbing speeders and other traffic violators, but in educational efforts 
for drivers.

After retiring from the Department of Public Safety, Hardin served three 
terms on the Albertville City Council. It was a different role, but again 
one that served the public.

Hardin will be long remembered by the people he touched in all areas of his 
life, and he will be sorely missed.
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MAP posted-by: Beth