The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office has several updates, from their involvement in Virginia DMV’s “Slow Down” campaign to the outpouring of community support they have received. The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office would like to highlight some of the community members who have helped to keep law enforcement safe by contributing PPE and who have brought smiles to the FCSO by delivering delicious meals. Read on to find details on these matters, as well as messages regarding the work of firefighters and the donation of body armor to K9 Sasha.
Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Shares Condolences for Injured Firefighters
The recent incident in Bedford County that saw firefighters injured while attempting to battle a house fire has been on the minds of many in the past few days.
“This is a reminder of the dangers faced by first responders, many of whom volunteer to protect us all. The Office of the Sheriff prays the firefighters will continue to heal and be back with their families very soon,” Franklin County Sheriff Bill Overton said recently.
Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Joins DMV For “Slow Down” Campaign
Virginia DMV staff and the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office hope you and loved ones are well and safe during this pandemic.
Since there are fewer people driving due to stay-at-home orders, the open roads may be tempting for some drivers to ignore traffic safety laws, especially speed limits. At the same time, pedestrians and bicycles have increased exponentially, making it as important as ever to encourage sharing the road.
Help Franklin County and the Commonwealth of Virginia stay safe on our highways.
Franklin County Sheriff’s Office K9 Sasha to Get Donation of Body Armor
Franklin County Sheriff’s Office K9 Sasha will receive a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. K9 Sasha’s vest is sponsored by Don and Misty Fike of Galesburg, IL and will be embroidered with the sentiment “Honoring those who served and sacrificed”. Delivery is expected within eight to ten weeks.
Vested Interest in K9s, Inc.. is a 501c (3) charity located in East Taunton, MA whose mission is to provide bullet and stab protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the United States. The non-profit was established in 2009 to assist law enforcement agencies with this potentially lifesaving body armor for their four-legged K9 officers. Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. provided over 3,830 U.S. made, custom fitted, NIJ certified protective vests, in 50 states, through private and corporate donations, at a value of $6.9 million dollars.
The program is open to dogs actively employed in the U.S. with law enforcement or related agencies who are certified and at least 20 months of age. New K9 graduates, as well as K9s with expired vests, are eligible to participate.
The donation to provide one protective vest for a law enforcement K9 is $960.00. Each vest has a value between $1,744 – $2,283 and a five-year warranty, and an average weight of 4-5 lbs. There is an estimated 30,000 law enforcement K9s throughout the United States. For more information or to learn about volunteer opportunities, please call 508-824-6978. Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. provides information, lists events, and accepts tax-deductible donations of any denomination at www.vik9s.org or mailed to P.O. Box 9 East Taunton, MA 02718.
The Office of the Sheriff extends a HUGE thank you to Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. and the sponsors of Sasha’s vest, Don and Misty Fike!
Local Company Donates N95 Masks
On Tuesday, May 5th, the Glade Hill ShopEvident donated 900 N95 masks to first responders in Franklin County.
Masks were divided between Franklin County Department of Public Safety, Rocky Mount Police Department, and the Office of the Sheriff.
“We thank the Grimm family and the staff of ShopEvident for this amazing donation. Our first responders are on the front lines daily and this gift will continue efforts to keep them safe,” Sheriff Bill Overton said.
Servpro of Roanoke Valley Supplies Lunch for Sheriff’s Office
Clark Goodman, from Servpro of Roanoke Valley, recently gifted the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office with lunch. Clark contacted Buddy’s BBQ in Rocky Mount and had delivery set up. The meal was fantastic.
Outreach Coordinator, Deputy H. L. Nolen said, “We don’t have words to express the outpouring of compassion this community has displayed. Clark and Servpro have been strong supporters of law enforcement and first responders throughout this area. We sincerely thank them for their thoughtfulness.”
