Park County officials condemn threats to workers, offer security steps including panic buttons

Park County officials condemned recent threats directed at county road workers and public-health staff and said the county will not tolerate intimidation of employees or volunteers.

At the department head meeting commissioners said they would investigate the emails and other threats and would publicize safety steps, including coordination with the county newspaper and posting information on the county website. One commissioner said county worker safety is "my number 1 concern" and that the county would look into who sent threatening messages.

Department heads reported that a public-health employee, identified in discussion as Chris, had been frightened and asked for privacy; staff said they had checked on the employee and advised safety measures. A public commenter, Linda Maher, identified herself and signed the attendance sheet; Christina Nelson, who also spoke during public comments, asked the commission to "pay attention to" threats coming from staff as well as the public.

Separately, staff reported the county has been installing panic buttons and offered to install additional units for employees who do not yet have them. A staff member said security vendors would deliver more panic buttons the following day and asked employees to request units if they want one installed at their desk.

Quotes in the meeting included: "We are not gonna tolerate it," an unnamed commissioner said of threats to county workers; a department head added, "I take very seriously my responsibility for everybody's safety, who volunteers for the county and works for the county."