DOUG'S WAY

Sheriff Doug Hendry

  Russ Davis, former CCSO Deputy, shared this story from the 60's, about Sheriff Doug Hendry.  Russ did a lot of community relations  work for Doug. So much that some thought he was the Sheriff. He was so good at his job, Doug once told me "The only guy I wouldn't want to run against is Russ Davis."

 Late one evening Doug and Russ were returning from a public meeting and stopped by St. George and The Dragon for a toddy. Having ordered, and relaxing at a table, they were approached by a man Russ said was a typical Miami/New York City criminal type. He could've been in the movies.

  The weasel gave his name and said he'd like to have a few private words with the Sheriff.   Doug told him to say what he wanted, he had no secrets from Russ.

  The intruder was blunt in his presentation. He explained that he controlled "the number's" racket in all the surrounding counties and was interested in invading Collier. It would be very profitable for the Sheriff. Doug looked at the man a long time, silent, then gave a noncommittal grunt and said he'd get back with him.

  Russ said he and Doug then left and headed back to the Sheriff's Office. Doug was silent the entire trip. Russ said he was dumbfounded and heartbroken. He'd expected Doug to grab the weasel and put him in the slammer.

 When they arrived at the SO, Russ was still stunned. Could he have been so wrong about Doug after all these years? Was he considering taking the bribe?

  The Sheriff finally spoke. He waved Russ into his office, handed him a legal pad and a pen. "I want you to write down everything that man said to us in the restaurant. I'll do the same. Make it as complete as possible."

  Russ, still concerned, said, "Then what, Sheriff?"

  "We're gonna get a warrant and put that son-of-a-bitch under the jail," Doug said.

  And they did.

  And Russ never worried about his boss again.