Walton County Sheriff's Office swears in first Environmental Officer

Those who pollute, or endanger the environment in Walton County can now face criminal charges.  Walton County Sheriff Michael A. Adkinson, Jr. has sworn-in Donna Shank as his office’s first Environmental Deputy.

From 2003 thru 2006, Deputy Shank held several positions including School Resource Officer with the Walton County Sheriff’s Office.  Over the last three years, she has served as a Code Enforcement Officer with Walton County.  Deputy Shank says her new position will be similar in nature, but this time she will have the ability to file criminal charges against those who endanger the environment. Punishment can include possible jail time. 

Deputy Shank will work directly under the Sheriff’s Office Special Operations Division Commander, Lt. Frank Hawley.  Lt. Hawley says “Deputy Shank will investigate such matters as widespread illegal dumping, and the pollution of our waterways’ like rivers and streams.”

Deputy Shank will handle Walton County environmental issues from the Alabama Stateline to the Gulf Coast, but her main office will be located at the Sheriff’s Office Substation on Santa Rosa Beach.  If you have information on a possible illegal environmental matter, you can contact Deputy Shank at the Sheriff’s Office’s main administrative number; (850)892-8186.