To the Editor:

The mission of the St. Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office is to provide the finest in public safety services to all residents and visitors to St. Lawrence County. To accomplish this mission during the COVID-19 pandemic, we must work together as a community to insure all citizens are protected.

During the past few weeks, the Sheriff’s Office has seen a dramatic increase in reports of violations of the safety procedures that were put in place to keep the public safe. Although St. Lawrence County is in Phase 4, we must continue to be diligent and adhere to the safety precautions when in public or at local businesses.

This is not only for your safety, but just as importantly for the safety of others in your community including your families, friends, and the most vulnerable citizens of the County. The safety procedures of wearing masks, proper social distancing, and hand washing are very important to stop any reoccurrence that may occur, and I would sincerely appreciate every citizen’s cooperation.

I acknowledge the sacrifices people and businesses have made during this pandemic, and I wish to thank all who have stepped up and implemented these safety precautions in their lives and continue to do so although sometimes cumbersome and tedious.

Let’s continue to be vigilant and work together for the safety and wellbeing of every citizen of St. Lawrence County. Thank you.

Have a great, healthy summer and stay safe.

Brooks J. Bigwarfe

St. Lawrence County sheriff