From the Desk of Sheriff Christopher M. Clinton

Towns County, Georgia

Sheriff Chris Clinton

September 11, 2001 is a day I will never forget. I had spent the night before on a 12-hour shift as a patrol deputy. My wife woke me up to tell me about the first plane. As we watched in horror, we saw the first footage of flight 175 striking the south tower. I remember feeling like I had to do something. I did what a lot of other law enforcement officers did – I put on my gear and went back to work, without sleeping, in case I was needed. All of us knew that we were facing something we had never dealt with in the past. A lot changed that day.

We must always remember those who lost their lives and keep their families in prayer. American children are growing up without their mom or dad. Families have lost loved ones. We, as Americans, must always remember them and honor that memory.

On September 11, 2012, Ambassador Christopher Stevens, Sean Smith, Tyrone Woods, and Glen Doherty all lost their lives in an attack in Benghazi, Libya.

September 11 is also a day that Towns County Deputy James Taylor lost his life in the line of duty in 1981. Twenty years before the Twin Towers, a Towns County family suffered the loss of a father, husband, brother, and the whole community felt the loss of a local hero. I cannot help but to think of the Taylor family each year on this day. Deputy Taylor gave the ultimate sacrifice protecting and serving the people of this great county and we should remember his family in our prayers. The families of those who serve are affected much harder than the majority of people ever realize. We should all remember to keep these families in our prayers and especially those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

This weekend I attended and had the privilege of speaking to a group of riders at their annual 9-11 memorial ride. My friend, Dr. Dan Eichenbaum, a local ophthalmologist, a Cherokee County, NC commissioner, radio personality (Dr. Dan’s Freedom Forum), public speaker, and all around patriot made a statement that I believe to be profound. He reminded us of the importance of remembering the sacrifices of those who gave all. He said, “A man does not die until he is forgotten.”

Let us never forget.