Harney County Sheriff Calls Community Together

Sheriff Dave Ward invites the community to attend a meeting Jan. 6 to discuss safety concerns and the disruptions caused by the behavior of those at the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge.

Harney County Sheriff David Ward

(HARNEY COUNTY, Ore.) - Statement from Harney County Sheriff David Ward:

"I want to invite those who live and work in Harney County to join me on Wednesday afternoon for a community meeting. We will gather at 4 pm at the Harney County Fairgrounds, Memorial Building, 69660 S. Egan Street.

"Today I met with some local media to help get the word out about this meeting. Tomorrow, I want to gather people together to talk about their security concerns and the disruptions that the behavior of the militants on the refuge are causing for our people.

"It is very important that Harney County citizens who feel strongly about getting these militants out of our county join with me in this effort.

"In addition, we strongly discourage others from joining those at the refuge. Due to safety concerns by the people of this community, I have asked for extra sheriff's patrols to assist us in maintaining a safe environment for everyone. We realize the disruption to the community has been difficult, and that this is having an economic impact.

"If this goes any longer it will have an even greater impact to our tourism and economy. Community schools, government, and some businesses are shut down. They have promised to leave if our community wants them to. We want to see them go home to their families and consider how their actions affect this community. We all want a safe resolution to this situation, and to go back to our peaceful way of life.

"As everyone knows, the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge ... is a federal facility. Therefore, aspects of this will be investigated by the federal government. My department will assist in the investigation. The Harney County Sheriff's Department is working with the FBI, who is handling investigation of any federal violations occurring on the refuge."

WATCH SHERIFF WARD'S STATEMENT BELOW:

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5t80Vaz3tVM)

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