The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office would like to celebrate the donation of a protective vest for their K9 Sasha. K9 Sasha’s vest was made possible through the non-profit organization called Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., and was sponsored by Don and Misty Fike of Galesburg, IL. The vest is embroidered with the sentiment “Honoring those who served and sacrificed.” Additionally, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank all those who are usually involved in National Night Out, which was unable to take place this year due to COVID-19.
K9 Sasha Receives Protective Vest
The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office K9 Sasha has received a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. K9 Sasha’s vest was sponsored by Don and Misty Fike of Galesburg, IL and is embroidered with the sentiment “Honoring those who served and sacrificed.”
Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., established in 2009, is a 501(c)(3) charity 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. This potentially lifesaving body armor for four-legged K9s is U.S. made, custom fitted, and NIJ certified. Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. has provided over 3,980 vests to K9s in all 50 states at a value of $6.9 million, made possible by both private and corporate donations.
The program is open to U.S. dogs that are at least 20 months old, and that are actively employed and certified with law enforcement or related agencies. K9s with expired vests are also eligible to participate. There are an estimated 30,000 law enforcement K9s throughout the United States.
Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. accepts tax-deductible contributions in any amount, while a single donation of $960 will sponsor one vest. Each vest has a value of $1,744-$2,283, weighs an average of 4-5 lb., and comes with a five-year warranty. 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 donations at www.vik9s.org. You may mail your contribution to P.O. Box 9, East Taunton, MA 02718.
Gratitude for National Night Out
Without the interference of COVID-19, members of the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office would have began preparing all day the setup for National Night Out, which would take place later in the evening. Under good weather conditions, over 500 residents would have been able to enjoy the event.
NNO’s formation can be linked to the 1970’s at the Lower Merion Police Department in the western suburbs of Philadelphia. From there, the first ever national event was held in August 1984 and has been placed on the calendar as the first Tuesday in August each year since. Thousands of agencies around the United States participate each year in National Night Out. Virginia has over 260 law enforcement entities that are involved in NNO on a yearly basis. NNO gives the opportunity for law enforcement to join with their community and create a night of family fun, interaction with residents and showcase each department’s various divisions.
From all of the presenters that come and partner with the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office each year, to the food vendors, performers, and visitors, we thank everyone who is involved in National Night Out.
We especially want to thank The Willard Companies for allowing us the space to host our event each year. None of this could come together without you. Thanks so much!
Celebrate National Night Out in a Different Way
In light of having to cancel this year’s National Night Out, we will be highlighting several sections and divisions of the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office on social media and on our website during the first week of August.
This spotlight focuses on our Citizens On Patrol unit (COPS) program. After Sheriff Bill Overton initiated the Citizen’s Academy Program, where residents participate in a 10-week class to learn about the many aspects of the Office of the Sheriff, he heard from graduates who wished to be more involved.
Overton then created the Citizens On Patrol unit (COPS) and instituted non-law enforcement duties they could assist they could assist the sheriff’s office with. Now, this group has become invaluable to the sheriff’s office. Their volunteer spirit and desire to give back to the community is overwhelming.
Individuals in the program help by performing in traffic control at accidents and funerals, vehicle unlocks, helping off-duty deputies by taking their patrol vehicles to and from mechanics, and so much more. COPS picks their vehicle up and return it to the deputy when the work is done. They are a big part of many events we are involved in, and they assist in many other helpful tasks.
The COPS Program personnel all graduated from the Citizen’s Academy Program and agree to volunteer a minimum of 8 hours a month. If you would like more information on the Citizen’s Academy, call Sergeant Darryl King at 540-483-6850.
We salute this fantastic group of men and women.
Thanking Public Safety During National Night Out Week
A huge part of our yearly National Night Out event is the support we receive from Franklin County Public Safety.
From the main division in Rocky Mount, to Burnt Chimney Fire Department along with Scruggs Fire and Rescue, the agencies contribute their time and equipment each NNO event we have held.
Yearly, the men and women of Franklin County Public Safety produce countless hours of answering calls, inspecting equipment and training to provide us with the best fire and rescue talents and resources.
Many times, the Office of the Sheriff deputies and the FCPS personnel find themselves at the same calls and situations. It is during these high stress calls we realize how well we partner together, train together and work as a team.
We thank and salute our first responder partners all throughout Franklin County for the great service you bring to our residents.
