By Dan Breitwieser, WCJB TV 20 News.

Alachua, Bradford, Clay and Putnam counties signed a mutual aid agreement Monday. The four counties come within a mile of each other in the community of Melrose. The agreement frees sheriff's deputies to cross county lines and arrest suspects of violent felonies.

Residents are thrilled that they will get more attention during emergencies.

"Sometimes it can be a matter of minutes, sometimes a matter of hours," says Melrose resident Robin Chiappini. "It all depends on how busy and what county you live in."

The aggrement has been dubbed 'Four Corners Cops Without Borders.' It is effective through mid-April 2009 and can be renewed and extended if all the sheriff's are willing.