The Bedford County Sheriff’s Office is celebrating a series of recent initiatives that reflect its continued commitment to school safety, community engagement, and support for Bedford County families. From welcoming a new school-based K9 and hosting a successful community shred and drug take back event to launching a newly designed Autism Awareness patrol vehicle, the office continues to strengthen connections across the community through service, outreach, and public safety.
Introducing K9 Stetson: Our Newest Four-Legged Partner in School Safety
The Bedford County Sheriff’s Office is proud to welcome the newest member of our team, K9 Stetson, a three-year-old black Labrador with a big heart, an incredible nose, and an inspiring story.
Stetson was rescued from an animal shelter, where his gentle personality and eager-to-please spirit quickly set him apart. Today, he begins a brand-new chapter as he joins the Bedford County Sheriff’s Office SRO Unit as a specially trained detection K9. Stetson is certified to detect a variety of substances, including vapes, nicotine, marijuana, and gunpowder, making him an invaluable resource in keeping our schools safe.
Stetson will be partnered with Deputy DeSilvey, who will serve not only as his handler but as his companion and teammate. Together, they will work throughout Bedford County Public Schools, building positive relationships with students, deterring harmful substances, and enhancing safety across each campus they visit.
Beyond his impressive skillset, Stetson is already winning hearts with his warm personality, wagging tail, and friendly, playful nature. He embodies the best of what a school-based K9 can be: approachable to students, supportive to staff, and dedicated to keeping our community safe.
Sheriff’s Office leadership and the entire SRO Unit are excited about this new partnership, and the positive impact Stetson will undoubtedly have in our schools. His journey from shelter pup to school safety partner is a reminder of the incredible potential every animal holds and the powerful bond that forms between a K9 and their handler.
Please join us in welcoming K9 Stetson to the Bedford County Sheriff’s Office family. We look forward to the many ways he will help us protect, connect with, and serve the students of Bedford County.
Stetson started his new job in the schools in January 2026, was welcomed by students and staff, and so far has been highly effective in his new role.
Shred and Drug Take Back Event
Wow. Thank you to our awesome citizens of Bedford County. What an amazing turnout at the “Shred It & Drug Take Back Event” held Saturday, March 28, at Bedford Elementary School. We filled the shred truck to the top.
Here are the totals from this event:
- 10,120 lbs. of shredded paper
- $470 donated to the SRO/DARE Program
- $75 donated to the Bedford County Animal Shelter
- 350 lbs. of pet food donated to the Bedford County Animal Shelter
- 200 lbs. of food to the local Christian Ministries
Autism Awareness
We are proud to introduce our newly designed Autism Awareness patrol vehicle. The wrap represents our continued commitment to supporting and connecting with individuals and families affected by autism throughout Bedford County.
The puzzle piece design and calming color scheme were carefully chosen to promote awareness, understanding, and inclusion. This vehicle will be assigned to our School Resource Officer (SRO) Unit, where it will serve as a visible reminder to students and the community that we are here to support, protect, and build positive relationships.
We hope this initiative helps spark conversation, strengthen trust, and show our dedication to every member of our community. The men and women of the BCSO will also be proudly wearing the Autism Awareness patch as part of the uniform for the month of April.
