The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office would like to recognize National Peace Officers Memorial Day as part of National Police Week, as well as highlighting that May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Additionally, the sheriff’s office has received wonderful donations from the community, from care packages to a Quiznos lunch. The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office is so grateful for the community support. Lastly, the sheriff’s office is asking for help in locating a stolen mower.
National Peace Officers Memorial Day
In 1962, President Kennedy proclaimed May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and the calendar week in which May 15 falls as National Police Week.
Established by a joint resolution of Congress in 1962, National Police Week pays special recognition to those law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others.
In honor of those men and women who have paid the ultimate sacrifice, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office will wear badge shrouds until Saturday May 16th.
“Every man and woman who puts on the badge does so knowing the dangers of the job. Under normal conditions, I would have a group of our deputies at the events in Washington, DC, but due to the COVID-19 issue, those ceremonies were cancelled. This week, we can and will remember those who have given the ultimate sacrifice of service. Honoring them and praying for their loved ones,” Sheriff Bill Overton said.
Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Supports May as Mental Health Awareness Month
Putting a Dent in Mental Health Inc. has been distributing green bulbs around the county for their “Light It Up Green” project. If you have one of these, don’t forget to turn your porch light green for the month of May. Mental illness doesn’t discriminate. People of all ages, ethnicity, socioeconomic backgrounds are affected by mental illness.
Help is available to you. Piedmont Community Services is a good place to start for those near Franklin County. They have locations in Franklin County, Martinsville, and Patrick County.
Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Advises of Theft
On May 7th, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office was notified of a stolen 2012 Nexhaul trailer with a Husqvarna Zero Turn mower attached. The theft occurred from the Pit Stop, 6900 Virgil Goode Hwy, in Rocky Mount, during the late hours of May 6th. The mower and trailer were on display as a fundraiser for We Care of Franklin County and the Crossroads Ruritan Club.
On Tuesday, May 12th, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office announced that investigators had recovered the trailer in Henry County. The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone with information on the whereabouts of the mower to please contact the Sheriff’s Office at (540) 483-3000, or the lead investigator, Investigator McFarling, at (540) 493-1667.
Care Packages Donated to Office of the Sheriff
On Monday, May 11th, Holley’s Insurance of Rocky Mount donated gift baskets to members of the Office of the Sheriff. Alice Underwood Smith said, “The gift baskets are a thank you from your friends at Holley Insurance for everything that you guys do to make a difference in our community. We appreciate you!” The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank Alice and the Holley Insurance staff for their kindness and generosity.
Homestead Creamery Visits Franklin County Sheriff’s Office
Homestead Creamery of Burnt Chimney brought their mobile trailer to the Sheriff’s Office parking lot on Thursday, May 7th. Offering many flavors of their great ice cream at a reduced price, Homestead Creamery served the courthouse, jail and Office of the Sheriff with this tasty treat.
Thanks to Homestead and all the crew for making law enforcement officials’ day so sweet!
Lunch Donation from Quiznos
On May 6th, the Office of the Sheriff was provided two trays of sandwiches for lunch from Quiznos, donated by Virginia Furniture Market. This generosity and support is greatly appreciate!