Responding to the recent tragedy in Newtown, CT, The Blue Ridge City Council last night approved two additional part-time city police officers. During the council’s January meeting last night, Mayor Donna Whitener said the officers will provide security for Blue Ridge Elementary School. Whitener went on to say that the city has discussed with the school board helping out following the Newtown tragedy.

“We would like to ensure that the children are actually safe,”

the mayor said,

“and that we can do everything we possibly can to help them (the school board) with that.”

In a conversation with FYN, Council Member Rodney Kendall clarified though that the new officers will also patrol the roads in the city.

The approval of the two new part-time city officers was approved unanimously.

Similarly, the Fannin County Board of Commissioners also approved two new deputies and corresponding vehicles during its January meeting last night. According to City Clerk and Finance Director Rita Kirby, the starting salary for Fannin County deputies is $28,064.40 and approximate cost of each vehicle is $30,000. Kirby also said the total 2013 Sheriff’s Office Budget is $1,610,169, adding that the positions were included in the 2013 budget approved in November.

“Last night (‘s approval) was just a formality,”

she said. There was no indication the new deputies would be used for additional school security. Kendall, however, confirmed the county will provide extra security to the elementary schools on the fringes of Blue Ridge’s borders and beyond.