May 6, 2008 - Bristol Sheriff’s Office Assists With College Senior Project
Arlesha Starkey and Randy Potter (Haven) unload donated clothing from the van.
In early March of this year, Arlesha Starkey, a senior at Virginia Intermont College in Bristol requested Sheriffs Office assistance about a project to complete her Social Work degree. Crime Prevention Officer Kevin France answered the call to Ms. Starkey. She stated that she felt a calling to provide blankets, comforters, and clothing to those in need.
Deputy France suggested to Ms. Starkey that she consider collecting clothes and other items for the Haven of Rest Ministries in Bristol. The Haven, a faith-based ministry that has served the Bristol area for many years, provides shelter to the homeless, a shelter for single mothers and their children, a half-way house and community re-entry program for those being released from jails and prisons, three meals daily for those in need, and services for those recovering from alcoholism and drug abuse.
The Sheriff’s Office agreed to provide any support to Arlesha as she began her momentous task of setting up collection bins for the clothing and other needed items. On Monday, May 5, 2008, ten bags of clothing weighing at least 75 – 100 lbs. each were delivered to the Haven of Rest by the Sheriff’s Office and Arlesha.
Haven clothing manager Georgeanna Sluder stated “We are extremely grateful for Arlesha’s work in collecting much needed clothing for those we serve”. She also added “today’s donation was a blessing”. Sheriff Jack Weisenburger stated “We are proud of Ms. Starkey’s dedication and commitment to help those in need”.
Arlesha Starkey graduated from Virginia Intermont on Saturday, May 3rd with her degree in Social Work. She is planning on joining her family in Japan where her father is stationed with the United States Navy and continuing her post graduate education.
March 24, 2008 - EASTER BUNNY VISITS TOWN
The Easter Bunny made an early visit in town on March 20, 2008. The visit was a partnership between the Bristol Virginia Sheriff's Office and the Easter Bunny Foundation. The Easter Bunny Foundation is a non-profit organization whose mission is to support children's hospitals across America and throughout the United Kingdom by providing a personal visit and a toy from The Easter Bunny and the local Sheriff during the week of Easter.
While here the Easter Bunny shared Easter cheer and goodies with the children at Bristol Regional Medical Center; pediatric patient area, hospital day care and several critical care units, with a deputy sheriff escort. The visit also included Stonewall Jackson Elementary School, Washington Lee Elementary School, Highland View Elementary School and the YWCA Children's Center
October 25, 2007 - HONOR GUARD RECEIVES TRAINING
On September 24-29, 2007, three members of the Bristol Virginia Sheriffs Office Honor Guard were privileged to attend a nationally known training program hosted by the Goshen Police Department in Goshen, Indiana. Law enforcement officers and firemen from as far away as California were in attendance.
The fast paced training concluded with basic drill movements to a mock funeral performed by all officers of the class. The course upheld its assertion to be informative and in promoting confidence to carry out any ceremony with proper etiquette and respect. "THE LEAST WE CAN DO IS THE BEST WE CAN DO" was stressed throughout the training.
October 2, 2007 - CHURCH HOLDS SERVICE TO HONOR LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS ON SEPTEMBER 30, 2007
Father Timothy Keeney leads a special blessing of law enforcement officers during evening prayer.
St. Anne Catholic Church in Bristol recently held their annual St. Michael the Archangel Evening Prayer Service honoring local, state and federal law enforcement officers. The Reverend Timothy Keeney, pastor at St. Anne's led the congregation of church members, family members and officers in praying for the safety and dedication of law enforcement personnel everywhere. Fr. Keeney noted that officers not only carried out their respective jobs, but actually "ministered" in their community.
The service opened with the posting of colors by the Bristol Virginia Sheriffs Office' Honor Guard. Prayers and music were followed by a memorial salute to the communities' fallen officers. Fr. Keeney concluded the service by inviting the congregation to join him in a special blessing of those officers present representing Bristol Virginia and Tennessee, Washington County Virginia, the Virginia State Police, Sullivan County District Attorneys Office and the FBI. Following the service a reception was hosted in the parish commons. This was the seventh annual service at St. Anne’s and plans for next year are already in the works.
September 19, 2007 - NATIONAL NIGHT OUT WAS HELD ON AUGUST 7, 2007
The event was a great success and several Bristol Virginia neighborhoods participated in the event. Those participating were: Solar Hill Historic District, Trinity UMC Neighborhood Watch, Moore Street Neighborhood Watch, Monarch Place Residents Association, Leisure Park Towers Watch, and Douglass Center Neighborhood Watch.
September 19, 2007 - LOCAL NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH PROGRAMS FEATURED IN NATIONAL PUBLICATION
The Neighborhood Watch programs at Grand Court and Leisure Park Towers will be featured in a national USA OnWatch publication during October’s National Crime Prevention month. The National Sheriff’s Association and USA OnWatch selected these two facilities because they combine the efforts of the Neighborhood Watch and TRIAD programs. Donna Chappell of Leisure Park and Libby Bailey of Grand Court are excited that their facilities will be nationally featured about the work they do to prevent crime and partner with law enforcement to assist in various programs.
July 24, 2007 - SHERIFF'S OFFICE EARNS ACCREDITATION
Sheriff Jack Weisenburger accepts "Certificate of Accreditation" from Virginia Law Enforcement Professional Standards Commission.
Pictured from L to R; Mr. Gary Dillon, Program Manager, Virginia Law Enforcement Accreditation
Commission; Sergeant Ben Rea, Team Leader, Henry County Virginia Sheriff's Office; Chief Gary Roche, Board Member, Virginia Law Enforcement Professional Standards Commission; Sheriff Weisenburger; Sheriff Thomas Jones, President, Virginia Sheriffs Association, Charlotte County Virginia Sheriffs Office; The Honorable Jim Rector, Mayor, Bristol Virginia
BY David McGee
Staff Writer, Bristol Herald Courier
The city’s Sheriff’s Office received its certificate of accreditation from the Virginia Law Enforcement Professional Standards Commission.
The department, one of 64 accredited statewide, had to meet 180 standards for professionalism, efficiency and job performance, said Gary Dillon, manager of the accreditation center.
Sheriff Jack Weisenburger accepted the certificate, as about 40 of his employees stood and applauded.
"It’s hard work to attain accreditation," Weisenburger said. "It’s not me. It’s these men and women who made this happen, and I thank you for your dedication and commitment."
Mayor Jim Rector called the accreditation a "great honor" for the city and the department.
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