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The Forsyth County Sheriff’s deputy who was injured Saturday morning when his patrol car hydroplaned on Hwy. 369 is recuperating at home, authorities said.
According to the sheriff’s office, Deputy Michael Cartledge was released Sunday afternoon from North Fulton Hospital, where he was treated for what were described as non-life-threatening injuries.
The single-vehicle wreck occurred about 7:30 a.m. Saturday near Julius Bridge Road in Cherokee County.
The sheriff’s office said Cartledge, a two-year veteran of the agency, was traveling east in a 2008 Dodge Charger when the vehicle apparently hydroplaned and struck several trees.
Cartledge, who was wearing his seat belt, was taken by Cherokee County emergency personnel to the hospital in Roswell, according to the sheriff’s office.
The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office is handling the investigation.
Forsyth authorities said they were awaiting a report from Cherokee, but that the rainy and wet conditions that morning were contributing factors in the crash.
What was one of our cars doing in cherokee county on saturday.Hoped we're not up to furnishing transportation to and from work,this seems to be a problem wiyh every sheriff that we elect.They get paid to work just like the rest of the citizens of forsyth county and should provide their own way to work.Now we have to replace another car. Hope our new leader looks into this from a taxpayer stand point.
I too am curious as why this deputy was at this location?? I hope the newspaper will follow this and update the public with the info.HINT HINT I do understand that certain deputies need for take home cars ( because of their posistion which would require quick immediate response.) as for replacement of the car if the deputy was out of area in violation of proceedure, then the deptuy should be responsible for the cost of repair or replacement.
How about before people jump all over the whole "take home car" position, they might take a step back and understand the reason why law enforcement agencies throughout Georgia allow their deputies to take home their cars. First of all, it's a very big morale boost and offers an incentive for these men and women who don't get paid enough already for protecting the lives of the citizens. Secondly, it is a widely known fact that take home cars last longer then shared police cars. People who have "ownership" of equipment tend to take care of that equipment. It also provides extra security for the citizens. Instead of having these cars parked at the precincts, these cars are more on the road to and from work to home and many times, these deters crime and enables the deputies to help out even on their way to and from work. I am just sick and tired of people like williamstrayhorn attacking these deputies when they put their lives on the line every single day and don't think they deserve any extra benefits. Shame on anyone who questions this policy!!!!
Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Gwinnett, Sandy Springs and Milton all have a take home car policy plus pay their officers 8k to 10k more a year then Forsyth County. Not to mention a better retirement package. Why do we spend thousands of dollars to recruit and train our deputies to eventually leave for higher paying departments ? They come to Forsyth to gain experience and then leave because we offer little incentives for them to stay. I'm sorry some in the private sector don't have a take home car but they also don't wear a bullet proof vest nor a gun and badge. We should offer our deputies the same benefit package as our surrounding agencies to stay competitive and keep our qualified people. Isn't that what they do in the PRIVATE SECTOR ??? If being a police officer was a easy job then I guess everyone would do it. Forsyth County has plenty of openings and the starting pay is around 34k for a certified deputy if you have what it takes. Also, Forsyth County has a policy to review all employee accidents and recommend the appropriate punishment if warranted.
I see no "shame" in asking the question. I think it is healthy for citizens to ask questions. If I was driving one of my employer's vehicles and had an accident I would expect to be asked questions and probably drug screened too. The car belongs to the taxpayers and as such there is nothing wrong with asking the question. Likewise the police department should have no problem answering the question and explaining what the policy is.
I will be the first to admit I don't mind having a police car present in our neighborhood. I see nothing wrong with police officers having a take home car as long as the privledge is not abused. It gives me a better sense of security knowing a police officer lives in our sub-division.
Forsyth County News. How about a follow up article. What is the sheriff's department's policy on take home cars? All deputies, only those that are on call, or all ranked officers?
williamstrayhorn...there's a good chance that this deputy was on his was to work from him home residence, which just might have been in Cherokee County. I have no problem with take home cars for deputies and believe it be a morale booster and community asset as a crime deterrent. The only question is, did the deputy do anything illegal other than make a driving error that caused this accident. Once the Cherokee County authorities finish their investigation, we'll know the answer.