Crash responder safety week
The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) would like to remind you that it is Crash Responder Safety Week.
Remember to slow down or move over for flashing red, blue & amber lights, it’s the law!
You play a role in providing first responders, law enforcement, VDOT crews & tow truck drivers need a safe area to work.
For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.
Medical emergency causes confusion at CCHS
The Clarke County Sheriff’s Office would like to advise the community that there was not an intruder or violent situation at Clarke County High School (CCHS) on Friday afternoon.
There was a medical emergency at the High School and the school issued a shelter in place while the medical emergency was taking place.
After the announcement for the shelter in place was made a student sent a text message to their parents stating there was an intruder.
This caused a law enforcement response.
At no time was there an intruder or violent situation going on.
If you have any questions, contact Chief Deputy Sumption at 540-955-1234.
For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.
Gov. Youngkin announces Operation Bold Blue Line
Governor Glenn Youngkin announced by email the launch of Operation Bold Blue Line.
The initiative hopes to help Law Enforcement combat violent crime in Virginia.
The plan will invest $13 million over the next two years in new group violence intervention efforts.
To combat staffing issues the Governor’s plan is to fix wage compression and increase funding for partnering community Police.
The plan includes provisions to prohibit partnering localities from defunding Police Departments.
Operation Bold Blue Line will also work to recruit officers from Virginia and the Nation in a $30 million homegrown recruitment effort and 8-week training academy.
The initiative hopes to disburse $75 million for new equipment and training as well.
The plan includes work with the Virginia Retirement System to ensure retired Law Enforcement retirees can collect benefits while working in new support roles.
Operation Bold Blue Line will also work to fund a Victim Witness Assistance Program to help Police and Prosecutors put violent criminals behind bars.
The Governor stood with Attorney General Jason Miyares, Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle Sears and mayors, police chiefs and sheriffs from across Virginia while announcing the initiative.
For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.
News Maker Lenny Millholland on National Night Out
National Night Out is a week away Tuesday August 2.
The night is a chance to meet our men and women of law enforcement and first responders.
We spoke with Frederick County Sheriff Lenny Millholland about Frederick County’s plan for the event in our latest news maker.
News makers are brought to you by Warren County Together We are Community.
Lenny tells us a little bit about the national event.
He also tells us that Frederick County Authorities will be in two different locations.
Lenny tells us what will be on hand at the events including what could be a surprise.
Click here for Lenny’s interview.
For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.
FCSO warns of spam messages
Frederick County Sheriff’s Office announced a warning from Verizon about a phishing scam.
It seems that Verizon Customers are reportedly receiving a spam message from their own phone number.
The message encourages you to click a link to receive a free gift.
Verizon reports that they are working with Law Enforcement to block the messages.
Verizon is also encouraging Law Enforcement to identify and stop the source of the fraudulent activity.
In the meantime it is important that you not click the link that is provided in the text.
You should verify any link sent in a text message before clicking it.
For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.
Law Enforcement prepare for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations
Virginia State Police (VSP) and Law Enforcement across the state announced that they are prepared for St. Patrick’s day celebrations.
St. Patrick’s Day has become one of the year’s most dangerous times to be on the road.
State Agencies will be participating in Operation C.A.R.E (Crash Awareness and Reduction Effort) now through at least Mar. 20.
There will be an increase in police presence today and tonight Mar. 17 particularly.
If you plan to celebrate please do so responsibly.
More than a third of the traffic crash fatalities involved drunk driving on St. Patrick’s Day 2020.
Law Enforcement will also be participating in Operation C.A.R.E through the traditional spring break season as well.
For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.
Covington Police identify fallen Officer
The Covington Police Department announced the name of the Officer killed in the line of duty Monday evening.
Officer Caleb Ogilvie was shot and killed while responding to a domestic shooting near 5 p.m. Monday afternoon.
The incident accorded at a Covington gas station convenience store.
Ogilvie was a 35 year old former Marine who joined the department in 2021.
Ogilvie leaves behind 4 children a wife and an ex-wife.
Governor Glenn Youngkin in an email expressed his sorrow at the loss.
The governor said the loss serves as a reminder that law enforcement officers risk their lives every day.
The governor has ordered flags flown at half staff across the commonwealth on the day of the officer’s memorial in his honor.
A fund raising effort has been established for the family at fundthefirst.com.
For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.
3,000 attend memorial service for officers
Approximately 3,000 people attended the memorial service of the two officers killed in the line of duty on Feb. 1 according to ABC News.
The officers were shot and killed on the Bridgewater College (BC) Campus last week.
The service was held at James Madison University’s (JMU) Atlantic Union Bank Center because of the crowd that was expected along with its proximity to Bridgewater.
Governor Glenn Youngkin attended the service telling the crowd that Officer John Painter and J.J. Jefferson must be celebrated, honored and always remembered.
Livestream of the service was held at both BC and Shenandoah University (SU).
Jefferson worked at SU from 2012 to 2018 and met his wife there a 2013 SU graduate.
Campus Police Departments, State Police and other Law Enforcement from across the state were a part of the gathering.
The service was over two and a half hours long.
For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.
VSP escort U.S. Army Sgt. Knauss to Arlington to overwhelming support
Virginia State Police (VSP) escorted the motorcade of fallen U.S. Army Sergeant Ryan Knauss through the state.
Sergeant Knauss of Tennessee was one of the 13 killed in Afghanistan on Aug.26.
All the way to Arlington National Cemetery hundreds of citizens law enforcement and first responders lined the interstates.
Almost every overpass held citizens paying their final respects as well.
Sheriff Carter of Shenandoah County meet the group at a gas stop in Toms Brook.
Sheriff Carter reported that he was told by one of the motorcade’s deputies that they were struck by the outpouring of support.
A funeral service member told Carter that he would defiantly tell the Knauss Family about the support once they reached his final destination in Arlington.
For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.
Community Safety Fair
Frederick County Sheriff’s Office and Bright Futures Frederick-Winchester are coming together for a community safety fair.
The event is held at James Wood Middle School today from 11 am to 3 pm.
This is a great chance to interact with first responders, law enforcement, and military members, check out some of their equipment, and learn some important safety tips.
The Frederick County Sheriff departments K9 team, Winchester Fire and Rescue Drones and Shenandoah Electric will have demonstrations.
Winchester Medical Center will provide hands-on CPR lessons.
There will also be food and craft vendors, music, a Kids Zone, and a dunk tank featuring some community leaders.
Make sure to bring a nonperishable good for the food drive which will benefit Bright Futures.
For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.