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Message from the Sheriff
As we rejoice in the beauty of the spring season and move into the Easter holiday weekend, let us never forget people like Lieutenant Michael “Goon” Price of the Haywood County Sheriff’s Office and Trooper Brandon Peterson with the North Carolina State Highway Patrol.
These men, who recently passed away, were dedicated servants and they lived lives bigger than they may have ever imagined, leaving a positive impact on thousands of people.
Never let loyalty and kindness leave you! Tie them around your neck as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart. Then you will find favor with both God and people and you will earn a good reputation- Proverbs 3:3-4
Some time ago, probably three to four years ago, I really started praying for two things more than anything else: Wisdom and discernment. I thought if the Lord will bless me with wisdom and discernment, everything else will fall in to place when something comes my way.
As many are blessed to be surrounded by loved ones this Easter to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, may we all have the wisdom to appreciate every moment.
Joyful is the person who finds wisdom, the one who gains understanding. For wisdom is more profitable than silver, and her wages are better than gold. Wisdom is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. She offers you long life in her right hand, and riches and honor in her left. She will guide you down delightful paths; all her ways are satisfying. Wisdom is a tree of life to those who embrace her; happy are those who hold her tightly. By wisdom the lord founded the earth; by understanding he created the heavens. By his knowledge the deep fountains of the earth burst forth, and the dew settles beneath the night sky. My child, don’t lose sight of common sense and discernment. Hang on to them, for they will refresh your soul.They are like jewels on a necklace.They keep you safe on your way, and your feet will not stumble.You can go to bed without fear; you will lie down and sleep soundly- Proverbs 3:13-24
In God We Trust
Sheriff Greg Christopher
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FBI National Academy graduate
Haywood County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Jeff Haynes was one of 227 law enforcement officers who graduated from the FBI National Academy Program at Quantico, Virginia—which consisted of men and women from 48 states and 25 countries.
Internationally known for its academic excellence, the national academy program, held at the FBI Academy, offers ten weeks of advanced communication, leadership and fitness training for selected officers having proven records as professionals within their agencies. On average, these officers have roughly 20 years of law enforcement experience and usually return to their agencies to serve in executive-level positions.
“It was incredibly impressive that Chief Haynes was selected to attend this academy. The whole process has molded him to become an even greater asset to our office,” said Sheriff Greg Christopher.
FBI Director James Comey was the principal speaker at the ceremony.
Haynes said attending the FBI Academy was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that was life changing for him on a personal and professional level.
“It was truly remarkable to come to the realization that no matter how different our agencies are, no matter how big or small, we are still very much the same. We all see the same problems, share the same fears, share the same joys and deal with the same issues,” Haynes said.
“With experience like this under his belt in addition to his steadfast dedication to his work, the opportunities for Chief Haynes are limitless,” Sheriff Christopher Said. “It sets such a wonderful example for our office—that no matter how long you have worked in a profession or how accomplished you are, there is always room for growth, and those who are open to improvement will come out on top."
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Speaking out: Haywood County Drug Epidemic
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As law enforcement agencies continue the efforts of sharing information to citizens about the drug epidemic happening in our county, one of our local newspapers recently developed a series of drug-related stories focusing on the different issues citizens and law enforcement agencies are seeing in the community.
While we have seen a drastic increase in our drug arrests here at the Sheriff's Office, prevention and education remain incredibly high priorities.
We are working on expanding our "Community Chat/ Community Watch" opportunities ( an event we hold which is focused on having an open and honest conversation about the big issues in different communities) and we are visiting each middle and high school class in the county through our partnership with Drugs In Our Midst.
You can read The Mountaineer stories mentioned above through the links below:
One Bad Choice
The Boom of Opioids
Heroin Gets a Foothold in Haywood
Meth still Ensnares Haywood County
The Biggest Killers
As Drug Problem Intensifies, Children Become Innocent Victims
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Vietnam Veterans honored, remembered
The Hugh Rogers Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution commemorated the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War, drawing dozens to the Haywood County Historic Courthouse to pay their respects Vietnam Veterans.
Read The Mountaineer story HERE
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Special Olympics World Games
For the first time, the Haywood County Sheriff’s Office has earned a spot in the top 10 on the list of 50 law enforcement agencies in the state that raised the most money for the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) in North Carolina last year.
The Law Enforcement Torch Run is the largest public awareness vehicle for the Special Olympics.
The outstanding fundraising result in the county was largely due to the success of the event “Cops on Top,” where law enforcement officers and firefighters camped out on the roof of Belk in Waynesville last June for a full weekend.
Participants in the event were able to pull in more than $30,000 from sponsors and citizens of Haywood County.
Several agencies were involved with Cops on Top last year, to help make it the best year yet. Representation from the Maggie Valley Police Department, State Bureau of Investigation, Waynesville Police Department, Canton Police Department, Department of Motor Vehicles, Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office, Saunook Fire Department, Waynesville Fire Department and Clyde Fire Department.
Deputy Daniel Blagg, who leads various fundraising efforts on behalf of the Sheriff’s Office, traveled to Austria in March to carry the Flame of Hope in the Special Olympics World Winter Games.
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Staff Spotlight: Glen Biller, David Greathouse, William Sterrett
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Deputy Glen Biller and Sheriff Greg Christopher were presented with an award of appreciation from a woman whose son has been through many struggles.
Sandra Chapman wanted to recognize Deputy Biller in particular for playing an integral role in her son's life.
"He would just check on us and make sure I was OK and would keep an eye out to make sure my son was where he needed to be. He never gave up. He set an example for my son and serves as someone he can depend on," Chapman said.
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Lieutenant Chris Moody presented Sergeant David Greathouse and Deputy William (Billy) Sterrett with challenge coins after a citizen, who suffered a family loss, reached out to the Sheriff's Office to commend the deputies for their exceptional service and care.
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Citizen Appreciation: Phyllis Stoll
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Phyllis Stoll and members of Cornerstone Fellowship Church in Waynesville took the time to show our office their appreciation.
Not only did they provide lunch for deputies and our staff, they provided dinner as well. Phyllis also made a personal donation to the office.
We provided Phyllis with a certificate of appreciation so she knows the kindness shown not only impacts the Sheriff's Office, but the community as a whole.
We thank you!
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Exceptional Students: Clyde Elementary
Faculty and staff at Clyde Elementary School extended an invitation to the Sheriff’s Office to be part of Exceptional Children ParentFest 2017.
At our table, Sergeant Matt Shell and Lindsay Regner (Public Information Officer) gave out pencils, coloring books and stickers to students in attendance.
However, the biggest attraction seemed to be the Sheriff's Emergency Response Team gear.
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