BACHUS BAGS FUNDS FOR LOCAL DRUG BLITZ

WASHINGTON - In a letter written six months ago, Chilton County Sheriff
Billy Wayne Fulmer asked U.S. Rep. Spencer Bachus, R-Birmingham, for any
help he could get from the federal government in Fulmer's ongoing fight
against meth labs in the county. Apparently, Bachus was listening.

On Tuesday afternoon, the Chilton County Sheriff's Department was one of 20
departments in the nation confirmed to be receiving funds through the COPS
(Community Oriented Policing Services) grant program.

"The measure has passed through the House and is gone to the Senate," Evan
Keefer, Bachus' press spokesman said Tuesday. "From there, it will go before
an appropriations community to determine how much Chilton County will
receive."

Fulmer requested $200,000 in assistance. That is the total Bachus requested
for the county. However, Fulmer will have to actually reapply, even though
the county is assured of getting funding, in order to actually receive the
funding. He said he is excited about the assistance.

"I mentioned again how important this was to us the last time I saw him
(Bachus)," Fulmer said. "These funds will help us a lot as we continue to
try to eradicate the crystal meth problem in Chilton County."

The funds will likely be used in the drug-buy program as well as for safety
equipment for deputies.