Budget troubles in Mason County have cut several deputies from their jobs and residents fears criminals will be on the loose.

Before commissioners voted to cut the sheriff’s budget, they heard from some angry citizens who say these cuts will force them to take the law into their own hands.

Residents said comments by commissioner and state Sen. Tim Sheldon that most people in Mason County have guns and aren't afraid to use them on criminals just don’t cut it.

April 10, 2009: Cuts To Mason Co. Sheriff's Office: Criminals 'Expect A Lead Enema'

"I'm kind of a bad shot, so if I have to protect myself and I miss. When I go to court I guess I can say my state senator told me to do it," said Mason County resident John Strassberger.

The nearly $400,000 in cuts would mean laying off up to six deputies including Tim Ripp who was on patrol as the sheriff urged commissioners not to make the cuts.

“The public safety and the law enforcement officer safety is being compromised because of these cuts," Ripp said.

After hours of testimony, the final vote to slash the sheriff's budget took just seconds. The motion passed unanimously.

The vote means Deputy Ripp will soon be out of job and his family facing an uncertain future.

"I got two daughters, I got a wife. We're stressing right now," Ripp said.

The sheriff said the cuts are going to happen soon, likely at the beginning of next month.

In neighboring Thurston County, the sheriff's office also took a big hit from the budget axe on Tuesday.

Thurston County Commissioners voted to cut more than a $1 million out of the sheriff's budget.

The sheriff said that will force him to layoff seven or eight deputies.

In addition to those cuts the commissioners also instructed the sheriff to cut his command staff which will mean eliminating a chief deputy and three captains.