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On Sept. 1, Mayor W.T. Edmondson and the City of LaGrange held a press conference in response to the ongoing violence that is plaguing the city.

City leaders met at the police department to discuss plans to respond to the shooting violence that has taken several lives in recent months. 

Edmondson said the city is planning a gun buyback in October and the police department is working on a youth violence prevention program, among other initiatives.

But notably, Edmondson also asked for help from citizens by being vigilant and watchful in their community.

“If you see something, say something,” Edmondson said, encouraging community members to report suspicious activity to law enforcement.

The phrase is particularly timely to remember as we approach the eve of the anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attack. The slogan was originally implemented by the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority in response to the attack.

Since then, it has evolved into a campaign to keep communities safe by standing up to criminals and reporting those who would rob, steal and kill within their neighborhoods.

Most of the recent deadly crimes have involved children.

That certainly wasn’t the case in the most recent murder, where 38-year-old Billy Joe Tyler is accused of robbing and killing 69-year-old Kenneth Dial while he was walking in a local park.

Tyler was quickly arrested the same day thanks to a tip provided to police. 

Edmondson noted that an arrested was made so quickly because someone was willing to step up and provide information.  

“It was all because people were helping people. People were talking,” Edmondson said.  

Edmondson asked people to call Troup County Crime Stoppers if they have information on criminal activity. 

The Crime Stopper hotline allows people to provide anonymous tips so that they can alert authorities to criminal activity without the fear of retribution. 

The Troup County Crime Stoppers also often provide cash rewards for information that leads to arrests in serious incidents.

Crime Stoppers can be reached locally at (706) 812-1000.

We encourage the community to follow Edmondson’s suggestion. If you see something, say something.