FALLS COUNTY, TX — The Falls County Courthouse will not be closing down on Friday for the funeral services of Falls County Deputy Matt Jones.
The Falls County Sheriff's Office K-9 Deputy died last Friday, October 11 while helping another driver near the Falls County line. Riesel Chief of Police Danny Krumnow also suffered severe injuries during the accident.
After learning that some employees were upset over the decision to stay open, 25 News spoke with Judge Elliott to learn more about the decision.
"A lot of the individuals in the courthouse didn't know Jones," said Judge Elliott. "I have afforded the opportunity for anybody who wants to go to the funeral to get four hours off."
When asked what he would say to those calling the decision to stay open disrespectful, Elliott said, "It has nothing to do with disrespect. Deputy Jones is one of my favorite ones. I miss him. But nobody has come and told me about disrespect."
Judge Elliott's final response on plans for Friday are that the Courthouse will be open, but some offices there may be closed.
"I think some offices may close for, to go to the funeral. The other ones that choose not to go, their offices will be open," said Elliott.
When asked about plans for honoring Deputy Jones at the Courthouse, Elliott said there are no formal plans in place.
"We haven't done that, just like we haven't done that for anyone else. We're talking his memory and speaking his memory, that's what we've done," said Judge Elliott.
