From top L-R: Hutto Community leader Tim Jordan, Pct 1 Constable-elect Vinnie Cherrone, businessman Jim Schwertner, Sheriff-elect Robert Chody, Pct 3 Constable Kevin Stofle, Hutto Police Chief Earl Morrison, Round Rock Police Commander Robert Rosenbusch, Pct 3 JP Bill Gravell, Mayor Dale Ross, Round Rock banker and candidate for Pct 1 Commissioner Landy Warren.
Georgetown and much of Williamson County will soon be awash in blue and visible support for law enforcement. A public project initiated by a Hutto resident provided the first 1000 yard signs at no cost to county residents who wish to thank law enforcement officers for their service and sacrifice. The campaign was planned previously, but after Monday’s death of Sheriff Deputy Craig Hutchinson, it comes in time to recognize the threat to police officers nationwide, sadly, as close as Round Rock.
At a press conference on the Old Courthouse steps Tuesday, Judge Bill Gravell announced signs are available to the public at a number of sites around the county. Over 100 signs were handed out at the press conference, which wasn’t announced to the public—but many arrived eager to take them for their homes and businesses.
Sign production is being made possible by donations and support by some of the County’s most prominent leaders, including businessman Jim Schwertner, Hutto community leader Tim Jordan, Precinct One Commissioner candidate Landy Warren, Sheriff-elect Robert Chody, Judge Bill Gravell, and Georgetown Mayor Dale Ross. The signs themselves, and several hundred matching stickers were printed and rushed out for distribution,
The organizer, who wished to remain anonymous said, “I may have come up with the idea and design, but the real credit goes to those, who, without hesitation, accepted the challenge and immediately provided the funding necessary to make this a reality. This isn’t about me, nor do I want any recognition. This is about men and women in law enforcement. Those on the front lines who risk their lives every time they put on that uniform. This is about those who keep us safe and protect us from the evil that wishes to do us harm. These signs are the least we can do to acknowledge our gratitude and support. These brave men and women need to know they are appreciated when they drive past by the homes and businesses they unselfishly protect.”
Prior to the press conference, several individuals posted a preview on Facebook and received hundreds of requests for signs. Georgetown Mayor Dale Ross has already raised money for another 1000 signs, which will be available soon.
Sheriff-elect Robert Chody says this campaign proves his point from a year ago that this community supports law enforcement; “The challenge was letting law enforcement see that. The leaders see it in their daily interactions with the public, but now the beat officer will get out and will see it in the signs or with the stickers in the windows. People are tired of seeing their law enforcement being attacked…I’m proud of Williamson County residents and I’m proud of our friend in Hutto who came up with this idea.”
Judge Gravell, speaking to a visiting State Trooper, said, “We want law enforcement to know when they put on that uniform, that we, as a community, have their back and to viciously take the lives of peace officers is absolutely unacceptable. If you make the choice to do that, there will be consequences.”
Mayor Dale Ross added, “‘Blessed are the peacemakers’ is true in Georgetown because we absolutely love our first responders. They always put our citizens first and they deliver that service and safety at the highest levels. They need our support in a very vocal way.”
***Signs are available at no cost (one per person) while supplies last at JP3 on the Inner Loop • Georgetown at L Dale Ross CPA on Williams Drive; Georgetown Safety Center (Aug 2) • Round Rock at R Bank on 620 and Oaklands Drive • Hutto, contact Tim Jordan. For updates on supply and future shipments, visit the sponsor pages on Facebook; Tim4Hutto, Landy4Commissioner, Judge Bill Gravell, Mayor Dale Ross, and AdvocateNewspaper.
