@jc1422, I stand by my comment. What was wrong with allowing the morale boost with the cowboy hats?!?!?!??! NOTHING!!!! I understand you being disgruntled, but let's get real. How long has she been on the job? Did you expect her to walk on water? She CANNOT do anything about pay increases on her own, and can only fight for them on your behalf and only on the schedule of those she must address and fight with. How many meetings have they had since she was sworn into office? Again I ask, did you expect her to walk on water? And, since the hat issue doesn't effect you directly (your words), why make such a massive deal about it? Actually, not only have I heard about the issue with the overtime at the jail this week, I also saw a headline that it had been addressed and dealt with. If that is not true, please explain to me and other readers so that we will know and understand better. But, give the lady a break and a chance. Less than a month on the job and all the problems that came with it, Commissioner's Court that meets only once a month, and you expect miracles. I understand your angst and anger, but cut her enough slack to give her a chance. Good luck to you and your buddies, especially with the stresses and crap in your job, and I sincerely hope things improve soon. Just give her a chance...................

As a matter of fact Lervia, I do happen to be in the know, as I am one of those deputies that is working in the trenches. And, just to let you know, I've asked a whole bunch of my buddies and not one of them asked for the return of the cowboy hat! They are worried about their paychecks and the overtime that they have to work - not about what they wear on their heads. Of course, we are the guys that work in the jail, so we probably don't qualify for wearing cowboy hats anyway! I have yet to see the Sheriff do anything for us other than keep coming out on tv saying she is working on it. She's not talking to us or walking around like she said she was going to do and we don't see anybody else from the top guys, so I think I know where this sad situation is going.

Geez, guys!!! Why do so many of you make such a hullabaloo about a morale boost that the deputies asked for? That was an easy request for Sheriff Pamerleau to grant, and a good decision on her part to do so. Increased pay and other problems don't get resolved overnight, or solely by her. She has to fight for those things, and are any of you nay sayers in the know to tell us that she hasn't begun to fight? @Texann........Thank you for your words of truth and wisdom (as usual)!!!!!!

JC1422 - That woud be an awful sight even with girdles. I think the Sheriff should be focusing on the image of the deparment by imposing a mandatory fitness level starting with her command staff. Those little cowboy hats don't hide a beer belly.

So, wearing a cowboy hat should make up for not getting paid any money for your hard work? That sounds like a great deal- for anyone who already has plenty of money and a hefty military retirement!! Sheriff Pamerleau and the Chief Deputy should wear those hats with pride. What's happening next, will the Chief Deputy and the Jail Administrator be wearing high heels?? hmmmm...yippy kayyah!

Nothing quite as handsome as a guy who wears a cowboy hat well. Good job. Happy employees are good employees.

One step forward and 3 steps back. That agency is never going to get it right. Hey but if that is what it takes to boost morale then go for it. Maybe those officers will stop bellyaching about pay raises. I say we give them boots, big belt buckles and let them chew tobacco at work also.

Now the sheriff's office looks like they are Texans again. Good for you Sheriff Pamerlea1u

Great Move. I tip my hat to you.

Good job, great effort!!