Police chief requests money for five rifles

As part of his budget request for a new year, the Walhalla police chief is asking for $5,365 for five patrol rifles. Chief Ronald Wilbanks told the mayor and council last week those rifles could be useful in the event of a school shooting or someone barricaded inside a house. There is a Special Weapons and Tactical Team (SWAT) in Oconee County but, according to Wilbanks, assembling that team can take valuable time. Wilbanks says city officers, who have taken active shooter training, could be on the scene quicker.