Commonwealth of Virginia, there is hereby officially recognized:

LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS’ MEMORIAL WEEK

WHEREAS, the safety and well-being of the citizens of the Commonwealth of Virginia are of the utmost importance to the prosperity and livelihood of Virginia’s families and communities; and

WHEREAS, individuals throughout the Commonwealth have committed their lives to protecting and serving Virginia’s families, businesses, neighborhoods, schools and communities;and

WHEREAS, these individuals risk their lives in the line of duty to maintain the safety of Virginia’s communities while striving to uphold the rule of law; and

WHEREAS, all Virginians value the courage, commitment and leadership demonstrated by our state and local law enforcement officers, who work diligently to ensure our safety; and

WHEREAS, we pay tribute to the officers who have fallen in the line of duty and recognize the sacrifices made by the families of those officers, as well as the families of those who continue to protect and serve our communities; and

WhEREAS, is it critical that we understand the roles and responsibilities of law enforcement officers within our communities, and commemorate and pay tribute to the dedicated service of officers past and present;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert F. McDonnell, do hereby recognize May 13-19, 2012 as LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS’ MEMORIAL WEEK in the COMMONWEALTh OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.

Visitation:
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Nelsen Funeral Home
4650 S. Laburnum Ave.
Richmond, VA 23231
Hours: 4:00pm to 8:00pm

Funeral: 
Friday, April 6, 2012 1:00pm Samaria Baptist Church 8130 Lott Cary Road Providence Forge, VA 23140
No interment
Directions: To Samaria Baptist Church: From I-64, take exit 211 (Talleysville/Roxbury Route 106) Continue south on Route 106 through stoplight for two miles Turn left at Route 609 (Barnetts Road) prior to the railroad crossing Continue on Route 609 (Barnetts Road) for six miles and go left at the fork in the road Church will be 1.5 miles on the left
Uniform of the day will be Class A

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the memorial fund set up at BB&T Bank for Sheriff Javier Smith in memory of Deputy Michael Walizer.

Deputy Michael C. Walizer, 36, of Charles City, died at the scene of a 2 a.m. accident, approximately one mile west of Route 155.

According to a statement from Virginia State Police Sergeant Thomas J. Molnar, Walizer’s vehicle, a 2008 Ford Crown Victoria, ran off the right side of Route 5, crossed back over the road, then ran off the left side where it struck a tree. Walizer was wearing his seat belt.

The accident is being investigated by the state police, and the Charles City County and New Kent County sheriff’s departments.

Walizer was an 11-year veteran of law enforcement. He previously worked with the Newport News/Williamsburg and Richmond International Airport police departments, and the Caroline County Sheriff’s Office. He joined the Charles City County Sheriff’s Office in 2006.

Charles City County Sheriff Javier J. Smith said this afternoon, “Our condolences go out to Michael’s family and his friends. He will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him. This is a great loss for the department and the Charles City County community.”

Walizer was married and had four children; three sons, ages one, 9 and 10, and a daughter, 11.

As a member of the Virginia law enforcement community, I read Carten Cordell’s recent article, “New VA Law Helps Criminalize ‘Sniffles’ And Invades Privacy” with great interest. The article paints an ominous—albeit inaccurate— picture of the anti-meth legislation recently passed by the Virginia General Assembly and signed into law by Governor Bob McDonnell.  To hear Cordell tell it, the law’s real-time, stop-sale system constitutes an invasion of privacy that will lead to the arrest of law-abiding Virginians who attempt to purchase more than legal limit of medicines containing pseudoephedrine (PSE)—a popular decongestant misused by criminals to manufacture methamphetamine. 

Cordell’s contention couldn’t be further from the truth. For starters, NPLEx was created to be a reasonable alternative to extreme legislation that restricts the basic rights of citizens. To combat meth production, some states have either implemented or considered a prescription mandate, which forces law-abiding consumers to consult with a doctor before buying popular cold and allergy medicines—an ordeal that leads to higher costs, doctor’s shortages, and lost wages. 

The approach chosen by Virginia, known as the National Precursor Log Exchange (NPLEx), protects consumers’ access to popular cold and allergy medicines containing PSE by providing pharmacists with a mechanism to prevent illegal sales before they happen. A crucial point that Cordell misses is that NPLEx stops individuals before they can make an illegal purchase. The real-time, stop-sale system would be useless, in other words, if it allowed people to make illegal purchases. Under Virginia’s new law, attempting to make an illegal purchases—whether knowingly or unknowingly—does not violate the law. 

NPLEx helps law enforcement make arrests, not by tricking people into making illegal purchases, but by allowing law enforcement to monitor purchasing patterns. An individual buying small quantities of PSE in multiple locations throughout the state, for instance, might tip off law enforcement to illegal, meth-related activity. But a parent unaware that she is about to exceed her PSE purchasing when buying cold medicine for a child would not be subject to arrest or prosecution under any circumstances. Much like a failed credit card transaction, a pharmacist would simply inform her that her purchase has been declined due to the PSE purchasing limit. 

To be sure, no law—especially brand a new law—is ever perfect. But NPLEx offers law enforcement officials and pharmacists with a reasonable and effective tool to gain the upper hand against meth criminals while protecting and respecting the rights of responsible Virginia families and workers. I commend the Virginia General Assembly for choosing NPLEx and Governor McDonald for signing it into law. 

Now let’s give it some time to work 

Sincerely, 

J. D. “Danny” Diggs
Sheriff of York County & Poquoson
York-Poquoson Sheriff’s Office

This responds to your “last word” on the Virginia Sheriffs’ Institute (VSI), scrutinizing the publicly available 990 tax return of the organization.  After reading the comments, I feel that more conversation and disclosure is in order. 

The VSI is an organization exempt under section  501( C) 3 of the Internal Revenue tax code and receives almost all of its operating funds from Associate memberships from supporting citizens across the Commonwealth. The sheriffs are proud of the Institute’s activities and the governance of the organization.  Currently, the VSI spends around 25% of its budget on expenditures relating directly to raising needed funds for the many programs offered to the sheriffs and the public in areas of public safety. 

The VSI is proud to be counted as the only law enforcement organization that has provided a direct financial benefit to the families of deputy sheriffs killed in the line of duty. This is one of the flagship programs that  is provided to reduce stress in a community at a critical time for immediately needed services when tragedy strikes. 

The VSI provides management training for sheriffs, training for newly elected sheriffs, training on areas to reduce the Commonwealth’s liability such as lawful employment, and the VSI supports other public safety related charities including the Virginia State Police Association’s Emergency Relief Fund (to provide needed assistance to law enforcement officers when stress from tragedy occurs), and funding for Virginia elderly crime victim’s programs. 

The VSI provides scholarships to young people majoring in criminal justice (last year 55 scholarships at $500), coordinates career development training programs for sheriffs and sponsors judicial threat training for sheriffs and deputy sheriffs to reduce the threat to our court system. 

The VSI sponsors the “Heroes live Forever” license plate through the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, in which 100% of our proceeds to go fund the National Law Enforcement Officers Museum and Memorial to memorialize all Virginia law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty. 

I appreciate you bringing this to the attention of your readers and encourage them to visit the VSI website or to call me directly if more information is necessary to be fully informed on the activities of the VSI. 

Sincerely,

John W. Jones
Executive Director
Virginia Sheriffs’ Institute

No one is really certain why he wanders.  They can only guess.   The one thing that is clear about “Bow”, as he is called by his wife, he cannot take walks alone.  He gets lost and confused in his current surroundings.   

The couple lived in Gloucester nearly two decades before moving to Newport News three years ago.  They relocated to be closer to doctors and medical facilities, but they moved further away from their daughter who still lives an hour’s drive away in Gloucester.   The daughter, also named Laura, but Laura Nelson, explained why she was afraid for her father’s safety.  “I know a friend of mine whose father-in-law is suffering from the same thing.  They lived in Matthews but found him in Norfolk.  He wandered off in the middle of the night.  To this day, they don’t know how he got to Norfolk, but he did.”  It meant he crossed two bodies of water: the York River and the southern end of the James River before it empties into the Chesapeake Bay.  She said if that man could do that, so could her dad.  “I figured Project Lifesaver was perfect for Dad,” she continued. 

Project Lifesaver is an international search and rescue program offered in most jurisdictions in the Commonwealth of Virginia.  The Newport News Sheriff’s Office facilitates the program for its locality, and it does so free of charge to its clients.  Sheriff Gabe Morgan believes a family has enough to worry about without concerning themselves with program expenditures.  “Our Sheriff’s Office meets all costs for Project Lifesaver through generous corporate and individual donations,” said Lt. Kandyce Gross, Civil Enforcement commander.  Enrollment is not contingent on a client’s willingness or ability to contribute.  However, some caregivers have been known to make donations, not unlike the Bowcock family. 

Daughter Laura Nelson made a donation the very day her dad was hooked-up to the program.  “If you can afford to make a contribution, why would you not?” she exclaimed.  “You want to keep the service going.” 

Within weeks of becoming a Project Lifesaver client, Bow left the house without his wife’s knowledge.  “I just got out of the shower and was coming out of the bathroom, and he was gone,” Laura said.  Other than the dementia, Bow is in perfect health.  He is nimble and can out pace his wife.  She called Lt. Gross immediately and a highly trained team of deputies deployed to begin the search.  Antennas were quickly assembled and receivers set to the frequency number specific to Mr. Bowcock.  The search and rescue team fanned out in different directions listening for a chirping noise on their receivers.  They headed in the direction of the loudest ping.  In less than thirty minutes, Bow was found at a strip mall about a-half mile from home. 

Mother and daughter agreed that Bow is calmer after a visit from Lt. Gross, whether due to the search or for a simple battery change.  Without speaking, Bow motioned his approval of the lieutenant.  He raised a fist.  Not to hit her.  “We fist bump,” said Lt. Gross with a grin.  “That’s our thing.”  Bow responded with a smile and a nod. 

Daughter Laura repeated her appreciation,  ”It’s a great program.  Of course, not everyone (client) can afford to make a donation.  That’s why I say it was the least I could do.  It’s worth it to me knowing dad is going to be safe, and I don’t have to have an anxiety attack.”  Her mother agreed, “Well, it takes a little worry off of me.  I can just make a call and they (deputies) are right here.” 

Hearing the heartfelt testimonials from the Bowcock family, Lt. Gross felt validation for what she already knew to be  true:  Project Lifesaver offers peace of mind to the caregiver.

That’s why VSI is leading the charge in our state to educate citizens on the growing dangers of identity theft, and inform you on what you can do to protect yourself and your family members from identity thieves. 

As you know, Virginia Sheriffs are the only law enforcement officials elected by the people of Virginia, and with the support of citizens like you, Virginia Sheriffs and Deputies are fighting identity theft and nabbing the perpetrators.  If you suspect you may be a victim of identity theft, file a police report, cancel your credit cards, and immediately notify your financial institutions.  To receive an immediate, free electronic copy of VSI’s report on how to avoid becoming a victim of identity theft, please click here where you’ll find specific information for Virginia residents.  Or call VSI’s office at (804) 225-7152 to request a free brochure.

Since Jan. 1, 2010, seven dedicated law enforcement professionals have made the ultimate sacrifice while performing their duties to keep Virginians safe. Every day troopers, deputies, and officers across the Commonwealth put themselves in harm’s way to keep our cities, counties and towns safe. Statistically, one of the most dangerous responsibilities is enforcing traffic laws and identifying and removing dangerous drivers from our roadways. In 2010 alone, five Virginia State Troopers were struck while conducting traffic stops.

Virginia enacted the “Move Over” law to protect emergency personnel while they make our highways safer and aid citizens in distress. This law, as amended in 2010, mandates that motorists change lanes, if it is safe to do so, when approaching emergency vehicles that are displaying red or blue lights; or tow trucks, motorist assistance vehicles and highway maintenance vehicles displaying amber-colored flashing lights. This action provides room for law enforcement and emergency personnel to do their job safely. Additionally, if unable to change lanes, drivers are directed to proceed with caution.

Virginia’s law enforcement community has been working very hard to make our interstates, highways and streets safe for all motorists. These efforts have made a difference and Virginia is safer because of them.

In fact, for two consecutive years we have had historically low numbers in highway traffic fatalities in Virginia. Statistics show the lowest number of deaths in the past 50 years. In 2008, there were 821 deaths on Virginia highways. In 2009, that number dropped to 756. In 2010, the number reached a record low of 740 fatalities.

This reduction in fatalities is even more significant when it is viewed in context. Virginia has seen an increase in miles driven, registered vehicles, and licensed drivers on our highways. In 2010, there were 5,569,524 licensed drivers. This represents a 1.2 percent increase from 2009. Additionally, in 2010 Virginia had 7,565,848 registered vehicles, which was a 1 percent increase from 2009. In 2010, drivers traveled an estimated 82.4 billion miles on our highways, placing an unprecedented demand on our law enforcement, emergency services and Virginia Department of Transportation resources.

While the reduction in fatalities is certainly positive and very worthy of praise, it still means that 740 families mourned the death of loved ones last year—a toll that is unacceptable under any standard. The saddest part of this is that most of these deaths can be prevented if drivers simply take responsibility and practice safe driving habits.
Virginia’s law enforcement community will continue to actively enforce the laws which make our roads safer. We will continue and expand federal, state and local partnerships, as well as effective enforcement programs and initiatives. Virginia’s enforcement programs combine the resources of many agencies to create public awareness and strictly enforce traffic laws while reducing or eliminating many of the driving behaviors that threaten the safety of everyone on the road.

However, law enforcement is only part of the equation. To truly save lives — including their own — drivers must be proactive and do some simple things –

• Drive drug-free and alcohol free
• Buckle up
• Avoid distractions, such as hands-on cell phones and texting
• Share the road and stay in your lane
• Move over for emergency vehicles
• Obey speed limits

As the summer comes to an end and we celebrate Labor Day, I encourage all who use Virginia’s roadways to assist our law enforcement professionals to ensure that everyone gets home safely every time they get in a vehicle. Help us protect the dedicated law enforcement and highway safety professionals who risk their lives on a daily basis by “moving over” and giving them room to work. Additionally, I urge all drivers to follow the simple safety tips we all know by heart. Finally, please join me in thanking law enforcement for the difficult job they do each day to keep us all safe.

Marla Graff Decker
Secretary of Public Safety

The scholarship program, established by the VSI’s Board of Directors, was established to provide an opportunity for young people across Virginia to pursue an educational curriculum in criminal justice. 

The two scholarship recipients were Joseph Siegel of Purcellville, VA, who graduated from Loudoun Valley High School and Daniel O’Connell of Leesburg, VA, who graduated from Loudoun County High School. Joseph will be attending Randolph-Macon University in the fall with Daniel heading to Radford University.