August is Emergency Management Awareness month

August is National Emergency Management Awareness Month, recognizing the professionals who work behind the scenes to help communities prepare for and respond to emergencies.

The Virginia Department of Emergency Management recognizes that firefighters, law enforcement officers and EMS professionals are often the most visible during an emergency.

But did you know that emergency managers play a critical role in coordinating the response?

They connect agencies, bring together resources and build partnerships between government, first responders, nonprofits, businesses and the communities they serve.

Emergency managers help communities prepare for disasters, respond when emergencies happen, recover afterward and become more resilient for the future.

This month, officials are recognizing emergency managers across Virginia for their dedication to keeping communities prepared and strengthening the Commonwealth’s ability to respond when disaster strikes.

For more information, visit the Virginia Department of Emergency Management at vdem.virginia.gov.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.

National Night Out

Used by permission by the Warren County Office employee Sergeant Terry Fritts

Communities across the Shenandoah Valley and around the country are preparing to come together for National Night Out.

This annual event is to strengthen relationships between residents and first responders.

National Night Out events often feature opportunities for families to meet police officers, firefighters, emergency responders in a relaxed, family-friendly setting.

The evening to connect with residents outside of emergency situations, answer questions and share information about crime prevention and public safety.

National Night Out is also a chance for children to meet the people who serve their communities and learn more about the work they do.

Events vary by community and may include food, games, music, demonstrations and activities for children.

Organizers say the goal is simple: build stronger connections between neighbors and the public safety professionals who serve them.

National Night Out is held annually on the first Tuesday in August across the nation.

This year the Warren County Sheriff’s Office Foundation will host the celebration from 5 to 8 pm at the Gazebo.

Please more information, please listen to Monday’s Newsmaker with Front Royal Chief Bryan Whited about National Night Out Front Royal.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.

FRPD confirms arrest for assault charges

Front Royal Police Department seal used by permission

The Front Royal Police Department (FRPD) has confirmed that Larry Lineweaver Jr., wanted in connection with assault and battery charges, was taken into custody on January 15, 2026.

Authorities say Lineweaver is now in custody and no longer considered a threat to the public.

Police thank the community for their help.

If you have any safety concerns or suspicious activity to report it to law enforcement.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here. 

LCSO Captain Graduates from FBI National Academy

Loudoun County Sheriff's Office/LCSO

The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office announced that Captain Joshua Lowder, a Station Commander for LCSO Western Loudoun Station recently graduated from the 296th session of the FBI National Academy.

This academy is considered one of law enforcement’s most prestigious training programs with less than one percent of law enforcement leaders nationwide receiving invitations to this academy.

This ten week program provides advanced training in leadership, forensic science, and law enforcement techniques for those selected to participate in the academy.

Captain Lowder joined the department in 2006 and has about two decades of experience in law enforcement starting as a patrol deputy prior to advancing through numerous units. 

He served previously as Assistant Division Commander of Administrative and Technical Services and Assistant Station Commander of Ashburn Station. 

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.

Top of Virginia TRIAD rechartered to protect seniors

Graphic created by Royal Broadcasting employee Brooke Greene used by permission

The vital collaboration dedicated to protecting older adults in the Shenandoah Valley was formally renewed as the Top of Virginia TRIAD was officially rechartered in a recent ceremony.

This event reaffirms the commitment of local law enforcement and community partners to enhance the safety and quality of life for senior citizens.

The primary mission of TRIAD is to reduce the fear of crime and the criminal victimization of older citizens.

TRIAD is a three-way partnership between local law enforcement, senior citizens, and key advocacy groups.

The recharter solidifies the region’s commitment to continuing crucial programs focused on:

  • Crime prevention education, including awareness of the latest scams and fraud.
  • Improving communication and services between seniors and law enforcement.
  • Connecting seniors with essential local support and victim assistance resources.

By renewing this agreement, regional leaders ensure the TRIAD remains active and equipped to provide a critical safety net for the area’s senior population.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.

DMV launches Blue Envelope Program

commercial license renewal

The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has launched a new initiative aimed at improving traffic stop interactions for individuals with autism.

The Blue Envelope Program is designed to help drivers on the autism spectrum communicate more effectively with law enforcement during a stop or accident.

The blue envelope holds key documents, driver’s license, registration, insurance, and signals that the driver may communicate differently.

Instructions printed on the envelope help guide both the officer and the driver through the interaction with patience and understanding.

Participation is voluntary and confidential, and anyone, can request the free envelope at any Virginia DMV customer service center.

Established under Virginia law § 46.2-203.3, the program aims to ease anxiety, enhance communication, and promote safer interactions between drivers and officers.

For more information, visit your local DMV or go to www.dmv.virginia.gov/BlueEnvelope

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here. 

WC Sheriff Crystal M. Cline selected for prestigious FBI National Academy

 

Warren County Sheriff Crystal M. Cline has been selected to attend Session #295 of the FBI National Academy.

This milestone marks both a personal achievement and professional honor as she represents Warren County at the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia, from June 29 to September 4, 2025.

Sheriff Cline, the first female Sheriff in Warren County history, has over 20 years of law enforcement experience.

Known for her steady leadership, commitment to modernization, and compassion, her selection reflects her outstanding reputation and the strength of the agency she leads.

Admission to the FBI National Academy is highly competitive, fewer than one percent of law enforcement professionals worldwide are chosen.

Sheriff Cline has pursued this goal for over a decade and is honored to join the ranks of the nation’s top law enforcement leaders.

She also plans to complete the academy’s rigorous “Yellow Brick Road” obstacle course, a symbol of endurance and achievement.

In her absence, Major Jason Winner will oversee daily operations at the Warren County Sheriff’s Office.

A seasoned leader who shares Sheriff Cline’s commitment to excellence.

Major Winner will ensure seamless service and continuity throughout the summer.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.

An important reminder from our Governor

emergency funding for homeless

Virginians have the sacred right to free speech and peaceful assembly, and Governor Youngkin fully supports those exercising that right responsibly during this weekend’s planned demonstrations.

However, to be absolutely clear: there will be zero tolerance for violence, vandalism, looting, or destruction of property.

Disrupting traffic or endangering drivers is not only unacceptable, it’s dangerous.

State law enforcement is working closely with local and federal partners to ensure public safety.

We are prepared to protect both people and property across the Commonwealth.

If you break the law, you will be arrested.

Peaceful protest is protected. Lawlessness is not.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.

Operation Silence Shattered

Governor Glenn Youngkin is highlighting Operation Silence Shattered, an initiative aimed at raising awareness and protecting vulnerable people from human trafficking across Virginia.

The program, which has already reached over 3,700 people, has led to 21 arrests and identified 12 victims since launching in January.

Governor Youngkin emphasized that human trafficking is a human rights issue and vowed to continue fighting to eradicate it.

With support from law enforcement and organizations like Latisha’s House, Virginia is building a safer future for all.

To report tips on human trafficking, text “VSP” to 847411.

Operation Silence Shattered was also released on January 17, 2024 the Virginia State Police announced the launch of a Human Trafficking Hotline to anonymously report suspected incidents of human trafficking.

Since its inception, the hotline has received over 333 submissions.

There are 136 active human trafficking investigations, and 47 victims have been identified and offered services as of November 2024.

If you are a college or university that would like to participate, please email humantraffickingunit@vsp.virginia.gov.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here. 

National Safe Internet Day

News to know valley graphic created by Royal Broadcasting employee Brooke Greene used by permission

Local law enforcement officers would like to remind parents and kids that National Safe Internet Day is February 11th.

Since 79% of predators are now seeking money rather than sexual images.

The Shenandoah County Sheriff’s Office with other local departments and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) are working together to stop these criminals.

Parents, watch for signs like your child receiving gifts from strangers, rejecting family, or hiding their screen.

Kids, if you’re threatened with blackmail after sharing images, don’t pay, report it immediately to an adult or NCMEC.

Recognize the red flags and start the conservation today!

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.