Sheriff’s deputies don new headgear

The deputies for Oconee County have been issued a new style of headwear, and their boss says early feedback is positive.  No longer will the county deputies put on Smokey the Bear-type hats.  Instead, they’ve been issued a western-style hat, similar to those which officers wore 40 years ago during Myron Green’s two terms as sheriff.  As for the old Smokey the Bear hats, Sheriff Mike Crenshaw says, “Deputies did not like them and slowly we got away from them.  We have been concerned with deputies being out in the rain and sun for long periods of time and have been researching the possibilities.  We decided on the western-style sheriff hat which came with a rain cover.  The cost of these hats is $110 which is about the same amount we are paying for the Smokey bear hats.  Our deputies enjoy wearing them.  They have turned out, I think, to be a morale booster for our staff.”