SPRINGFIELD -- There is something symbolic about Deputy Gena Bilbo's office. It doesn't have a door, which projects a sense of perpetual openness that she and her boss, Effingham County Sheriff Jimmy McDuffie, want.

Bilbo was named public information officer (PIO) for the sheriff's office and other county agencies one month ago. In addition to her law enforcement role, she handles media requests on behalf of the Effingham County Board of Commissioners, Fire and Rescue, and EMS.

"I'm available to any of them if they need me," Bilbo said. 

See the Sept. 20 edition of the Effingham Herald for more details.