Singleton to County Commissioners – “I thought they supported professional law enforcement”

Rick Singleton – Lauderdale County Sheriff

FLORENCE – This afternoon (Tuesday) Lauderdale County Sheriff, Rick Singleton told members of the media that two members of the County Commission, in his view, just don’t support law enforcement. The Commissioners wh0m Singleton called out are Commissioner Fay Parker and  Commissioner Joe Hackworth.

Here is the complete text of Singleton’s media release:

“September 15, 2015

As Sheriff, I represent the employees of the Sheriff’s Office. But since any pay adjustments will be applied across the board, I am in reality representing all county employees.

The starting salary for Corrections Deputies and Sheriff’s Deputies in Lauderdale County is pathetic. While we’re one of the largest counties in the State, the entry level pay for our deputies is one of the lowest. These men and women put their lives on the line every day, especially given today’s environment, and to deny them a decent entry level pay is inexcusable.

I am EXTREMELY disappointed in the position Commissioner’s Parker and Hackworth have taken on this issue. I thought they supported professional law enforcement in Lauderdale County. If they do, they certainly didn’t prove it last night. As part time employees of the county, they make more than our deputies who work full time.

I am very appreciative of the support of Commissioner’s Garner and Pettus.

In spite of the low salaries, I have to say that I have been very impressed with the men and women who serve our county in the Sheriff’s Office. While increased entry level salaries should certainly help in recruiting well qualified individuals we are blessed to have deputies who are committed to this job and the citizens of Lauderdale County. The ONLY reason we have such quality individuals is due to their love and devotion to the job.

County Commissioners Pay

Chairman Dewey Mitchell     $42,791

Commissioner Faye Parker     $28,017

Commissioner Roger Garner     $24,022

Commissioner Danny Pettus     $23,174

Commissioner Joe Hackworth     $22,848

Full time Corrections Deputy     $21,592

Full time Deputy Sheriff     $27,535

• The Commission Chairman makes as much as two full-time corrections deputies.
• District Commissioners start out at a higher pay that a full-time corrections deputy.
• With years of service, commissioners make more than the starting pay of a full-time deputy sheriff.
• If pay for part-time elected officials were capped at the starting pay for the lowest paid full-time employee ($19,120) we can save
  approximately $46,256 per year.

Signature of Rick Singleton “