A DeWitt County Sheriff's Deputy was involved in a semi vs car accident in December that totaled the deputy's vehicle.

DeWitt County Sheriff Jered Shofner explains the accident occured after a routine traffic stop. He says he was with the deputy before the accident, as he was assisting with a routine traffic stop and pulled away as no assistance was needed. He says he then heard over the radio Cencom dispatch an ambulance to the location. Sheriff Shofner says the deputy was not harmed but the accident was pretty traumatic.

[audio:deputyaccident1.mp3]Sheriff Shofner On The Accident Details[/audio]

Sheriff Shofner believes his deputy wearing their seatbelt may have saved their life. He says he has always promoted wearing the seatbelt and knows firsthand exactly how wearing it can save a life.

[audio:deputyaccident2.mp3]Sheriff Shofner On The Importance of The Seatbelt[/audio]

Due to the accident, the Sheriff's Department is now running some of their vehicles 24-straight hours, which Sheriff Shofner says they do not like to do because it exponentially increases the wear and tear on them. He explains their vehicles are insured and they will be getting a new squad car within a couple of months.

[audio:deputyaccident3.mp3]A Word From The Sheriff[/audio]

Sheriff Shofner says they replace their vehicles every 4-5 years, with the having to replace their squad car and running a few of the remaining vehicles 24 hours, they throw off their schedule. He says the goal is to be fiscally responsible with their vehicles and make them last as long as possible.