OHIO COUNTY, W.Va. -- Ohio County Sheriff Tom Burgoyne said his department's fuel bills have reached what he called "ridiculous" levels, and he's taking action to both cut costs and express his frustration with the price of gasoline.

Starting Wednesday, Burgoyne cut the number of cars on patrol in the county, while assigning two deputies to ride in the cruisers that remain on the road.

"Hopefully, this is our little rebellion against the people who have put gas prices where they are today," said Burgoyne. "I'd like to see other agencies, both private and public do the same thing and maybe we'd make a difference."

In August of 2003, Burgoyne said his cruisers consumed $2500 in gasoline. Last month, that bill had tripled to $7500.

Residents NEWS9 talked to supported both the protest and the cost-cutting effort.

"They have such a wide area to cover anyway," said Barbara Kiziminski of West Liberty. "They're going get around to it when they get around to it."

"You've got to do what you've got to do," said Leslie Rodak of Valley Grove.

Burgoyne said he would try the adjusted patrol schedule for the next four weeks and will revisit it to determine whether his department has seen any real cost savings.

"If public safety is affected at all we're going to stop immediately," said Burgoyne. "We're going do our job (just as well) as long as we're careful about how we do it."

Coincidentally, Burgoyne's protest is happening as Wheeling city leaders are debating the Wheeling Police Department's policy that requires two officers per cruiser.

Burgoyne said his protest has nothing to do with that issue and adds he would prefer to assign one sheriff's deputy per car.

Eric Minor, NEWS9

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