June 18, 2017

Office of the Sheriff

Putnam County, Georgia

Eatonton, Georgia 31024-3637

sheriffsills@putnamcountysheriff.org

To the citizens of Putnam County,

A tragic event of ineffable description unfortunately occurred in our community last Tuesday. Two state correctional officers were brutally murdered by two escaping convicts whom were being transferred from one prison to another. They subsequently carjacked one of our residents and fled in his car.

Within minutes of this vicious crime, my fellow sheriffs from all of our surrounding counties responded to the scene. Shortly afterwards the largest contingent of local, state, and federal law enforcement officers that I have ever seen in my 43 plus years as a lawman descended on Putnam County to help in the capture of the criminals.

While this manhunt was going on, innumerable people brought food and beverages to the sheriff’s office. I wish to personally extend my sincere thanks to Mr. Don Johnson, the Eatonton Police Dept., the Georgia Dept. of Corrections, Crossroads Baptist Church, Ingles, Mrs. Marlene Richards, Putnam Finance Company, Mrs. Marla Brock, and the Baldwin Backlashers Club for all of the things you brought to the sheriff’s office.  If there was someone or some company that I left off, please forgive me and rest assured you also have our utmost gratitude.

I want to further express my humble gratitude to the scores of people who called, texted, and emailed their support and thanks to me and my staff. The people of Putnam County have always responded to disaster with rapid, generous outpourings of assistance and support.  You have much to be proud of, and I am so very proud to be your sheriff.

Howard R. Sills, Sheriff