Billboard dedication, rally and four-hour plus observation of Otero County Sheriff's Dispatch.

Otero Tea Party Patriots are building momentum and members. With the election on November 2, County Fair - August 11-14, there is much to be discussed. The next meeting will be after the fair. If you want to be on their list, let me know.

From 7pm to well after 11pm, I observed Dispatch. The calls early on were mostly the result of heavy rains and flooded areas. Mixed in, were welfare check requests and requests from deputies in traffic stops for verification of licenses, etc.

Not only were Chris and Bruce receiving 911 calls, administrative calls, radio communications, their job requires them to provide documentation for deputies. The best way to describe their job is "rubbing their tummies while patting their heads" or keeping three to four balls in the air at the same time - something not many people can do.

Without going into a lot of detail, these folks have to know what they are doing and obviously, they do. Kudos. Our safety and that of the deputies, fire departments, EMS, depends of good communication. Here in Otero County, the problem is not the people. But, there is a definite lack of radio capabilities - no service areas and aging, unreliable equipment.

Meeting K-9 "Jimbo" and his handler was inspiring and depressing to learn about meth and it effects.

Learning and staying out of the way was my goal. My plan is to visit other departments as well. My only assistance came in the form of solving a math problem and was glad my grey matter didn't leave me under pressure.