Mercer County Sheriff Deputy Jerry Wolford takes off his helmet before refueling his motorcycle as Lt. Matt Grunden refuels an SUV before heading out on patrol Tuesday morning. The sheriff's office, like other law enforcement agencies throughout the area, is feeling the impact of rising fuel costs.

Area motorists are not the only ones feeling the pinch at the gas pump. Law enforcement agencies share the pain in the wake of soaring prices. Those costs have officials taking a close look at routine patrols and cheaper modes . . .