NEW TOOL IN METH BATTLE

Remembering Hardin - DeKalb Will Get Truck For Clean-Ups

As methamphetamine continues to be a major drug problem in Northeast
Alabama, law enforcement officers have taken some unique approaches to
arming themselves for the battle, from legislation to education.

New laws addressed the sale and possession of the products used in the
manufacture of the drug.

Law enforcement taught merchants to watch for suspicious purchases, and in
a number of cases, a tip from these pharmacists or store clerks led to arrests.

DeKalb County's Drug Task Force soon will get equipment to help with the
battle as well.

A federal grant will pay for a specially-equipped truck to be used in
cleaning up the methamphetamine labs the officers routinely find. DeKalb
County Sheriff Cecil Reed said the truck will be equipped for evidence
gathering and cleaning up hazardous chemicals and will have provisions to
decontaminate people exposed to the chemicals used in making meth. One of
the disturbing circumstances officers often see is meth made in homes where
children can be exposed to the dangerous chemicals.

Currently, contract companies are paid, from federal funds, to clean up
hazardous material when labs are found.

We hope the funds spent on this truck will save some federal dollars down
the road, when local officers are able to do some of the clean-up work that
has been contracted out.

The widespread problem of methamphetamine in Northeast Alabama likely will
continue for some time.

Law enforcement officers must continue to look for cost-effective ways to
combat its manufacture, sale and use.

The sadness those who knew Larry "Sarge" Hardin feel upon news of his death
goes beyond the tragic irony of a man who dedicated so much of his life to
public safety being killed in a four-wheeler accident.

Hardin's life was one filled with service to the public. He served as a
state trooper from 1961 to 1994 and in the latter part of his career, often
seemed to be the public face of the state troopers in Marshall and nearby
counties. He helped make the roads safer, not just by patrolling and
curbing speeders and other traffic violators, but in educational efforts
for drivers.

After retiring from the Department of Public Safety, Hardin served three
terms on the Albertville City Council. It was a different role, but again
one that served the public.

Hardin will be long remembered by the people he touched in all areas of his
life, and he will be sorely missed.