Chief Deputy of CCSO urges vigilance at gathering of concerned citizens

In the wake of the tragic terrorist attacks Friday, Nov. 13 in Paris, France, Maj. Scott Moser, Caroline’s chief deputy, said residents should be vigilant and report suspicious persons or activity to the sheriff’s office.

“The world is changing and we’ve got to change along with it,” he said.

He did not state, however, that he felt a terrorist attack in Caroline, or terrorist activity, is likely.

Moser, a 28-year veteran with the sheriff’s office, was speaking to a small informal gathering of citizens Thursday evening, Nov. 19, at Milford Presbyterian Church at the invitation of Bill Trace. Attending was Mattaponi supervisor Floyd Thomas.

Moser said that Sheriff Tony Lippa is in charge of Homeland Security in Caroline County and is responsible for the safety of all Caroline citizens.

The deputy stressed that a vigilant citizenry is essential to successful law enforcement. He said citizen involvement in Caroline is excellent.

“Caroline is a great place to work law enforcement because the citizens do a great job giving information,” he said.

While emergencies can be reported by calling 911, and non-emergencies at (804) 633-5400, citizens can also phone in anonymous tips to the Anonymous Tip Line at (804) 633-1133. The sheriff’s office can also be reached at (804) 633-1120, and online at www.carolinesheriff.org.

Citizens should not feel they are being a bother or nuisance in reporting tips, Moser said.

“We want you to call,” he said.

Bill Trace, who organized the meeting, is holding regular Thursday evening meetings at Milford Presbyterian at 5 p.m. on a variety of topics. The next meeting is Dec. 10 and the topic will be the situation in the Middle East.

He’s encouraging other churches in Caroline to hold weekly discussion meetings, “To build fraternity,” he said.

Trace, 72, a Caroline resident of 17 years, is a chemical engineer who worked in water treatment. He owns a 22-acre fruit farm in Milford that he calls Four Berry Plus.

Terrorism aside, at the end of the meeting Supervisor Thomas noted that contrary to some popular conceptions, the county’s financial advisor, Davenport and Co. has reported the county is in excellent financial shape, the best since 2000, with $15 million in the bank and a decrease in debt this year of $10 million.

By CP Correspondent Ed Simmons, Jr.