Government

          In 2001, when the Character First!Ò Initiative was initially introduced in Gilchrist County, one of the first government entities to come on board, was the Sheriff’s Office. Come to find out, the Sheriff’s Office had been using the “Character Law Enforcement” education program since 1999. It was a thrill for the Character First! coordinators to know that the Sheriff was behind them. Matter of fact, the Sheriff’s Office was the first to contribute finances to the Council, to get its bank account started. Every year after that, the Council recognizes what the Sheriff’s Office has done in assisting the Council in promoting good character.

          Not long after, there was an appeal made before the City of Trenton Council and the Commissioners to make a decision to draw up a resolution, which they later signed, designating Trenton as a “City of Character“. A little later, the commission contributed funds to the Council’s bank account.

          The City of Trenton shortly afterwards had a special “Welcome to Trenton” sign put at the five entrances into the city, which, below the sign is hung a banner which describes the character trait of the month. The Council recognized the City of Trenton Commission with a special framed certificate award for it efforts in spreading good character. Each year, the City Commission sets aside funds to contribute to the efforts of the Council.

          A short time later, another appeal was made; this time to the County Commission. A few short months after that, the County commissioners, who could not be outdone by the City, signed a resolution, also. A short time after that, a financial contribution was made to the ever-growing Council bank account. Each year, again, the County Commission sets aside funds to assist the Council in its efforts.

          There are two more government entities, which the Character Council is working with to try and help the Commissions to understand the need to come on board with the Council, and that is the Town of Bell and the City of Fanning Springs.