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Message from the Sheriff
As a way kick off this new year, I would like to introduce you, the citizens of Haywood County, to the newest way we will be communicating the happenings of the Sheriff’s Office each month— “The Sheriff’s Corner” monthly newsletter.
You can simply sign up for the newsletter to be sent to your email by clicking the button above.
It is our top priority to stay engaged with the public as much as possible. Whether it is through the media, social media, community events or community educational sessions, we want to be as transparent as possible to those we serve. We want residents of Haywood County to have another way to look at what goes on inside the walls of the Sheriff’s Office, as many do not fully realize the full scope of work that goes on at the office.
A saying I once heard that I like to share at every opportunity, is “we want to get know our community before we need to know our community.” Meaning, we want to know the people in this community in their element—in the surrounding which best represents who they truly are.
In the interest of getting to know one another, I hope you feel a greater sense of connection through our new newsletter and are encouraged to sign up. I hope you are blessed in this new year in as many ways as possible.
Sheriff Greg Christopher
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COPS AND KIDS
After months of fundraising efforts throughout the community, the Cops and Kids program pulled in more than $9,000, which far surpasses the goal that was set this year.
Cops and Kids is an annual program where local law enforcement agencies come together for a big shopping day with dozens of kids and teens in Haywood County who are less fortunate.
(read The Mountaineer article here)
http://themountaineer.villagesoup.com/p/cops-and-kids-event-brightens-holidays/1604467
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GIVING FROM THE HEART
Members of the Blue Ridge Mountain Quilt Guild in Canton made a warm donation to the Haywood County Sheriff’s Office with the goal of helping kids caught in tough situations.
Traci Hoglen and Lisa Mundy Bell with the non- profit group presented the Sheriff’s Office with 26 machine-quilted, hand- bound quilts.
It took 22 women eight months to finish the quilts, which deputies will carry in their cars, so in the event they are called to a scene where children might need comfort, the quilt can make them feel a little more at ease.
(See Asheville Citizen Times article here)
http://www.citizen-times.com/story/news/local/2016/12/22/quilting-group-makes-donation-haywood-sheriff-office/95744828/
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Throughout 2016, we have seen more giving than ever before-- from food, cards, posters, phone calls and emails, to full-fledged meals—the kindness displayed by the citizens of Haywood County has been incredible
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Members of the Dutch Cove Missionary Baptist Church Jail ministry dropped off more than 100 gift bags full of homemade desserts for each inmate.
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Students from Haywood Christian Academy also stopped by the office to surprise employees with treats and a poster showing their support for law enforcement
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More than 150 students from a local high school visited the Haywood County Sheriff’s Office for a comprehensive tour. During the tour, students learned more about the Criminal Investigations Division and evidence room. They also took a tour of the jail and received an eye-opening presentation from our Drug Task Force Sergeant.
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STAFF SPOTLIGHT
Several employees with the Haywood County Sheriff’s Office were recognized in a special Promotion Ceremony recently at the Haywood County Courthouse.
Deputies Mitchell Rathbone and David Greathouse were promoted to Sergeant at the event.
Detention Officer Misty Trantham was promoted to Corporal.
Telecommunicators Linda Hyatt and Debbie Shook received both intermediate and advanced service certificates.
Telecommunicators Chanda Morgan and Joel Chambers received intermediate service certificates.
“A promotional ceremony like this gives us the opportunity to recognize the hard work and dedication that these new leaders are bringing to our office,” said Sheriff Greg Christopher. “They now have an increased level of responsibility and accountability as they assume their new roles after a strenuous evaluation and promotion system that we currently employ. We offer our congratulations to these men and women.”
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Randy Jenkins
In as many editions possible of our newsletter, we would like to dedicate a portion to the Veterans in our office.
Deputy Randy Jenkins, a K9 officer with the Haywood County Sheriff’s Office, started working with us in 2010. He has worked as a K9 officer since 2013.
Deputy Jenkins is a retired Chief Warrant Officer 3 with the United States Coast Guard. His 27 years of service to our country took him to places like New Jersey, the Outer Banks of North Carolina, Miami, Florida and Kodiak, Alaska.
Deputy Jenkins was recently nominated as the new Awards Committee Chairman for the USPCA Region II (United States Police Canine Association). Deputy Jenkins will be assigned to oversee all the “Case of the Quarter” submissions from each agency within the region. Those submissions will be reviewed by Deputy Jenkins and then forwarded to a board who will then vote on the winners of each Quarter.
The winner’s case will be forwarded to the USPCA National Board and ultimately printed in the National Publication, Canine Courier.
According to Waynesville Police Department Sergeant Brandon Gilmore, Deputy Jenkins did not hesitate when asked if he would take on this responsibility.
This vote of confidence was given by members of the region, coming out of North Carolina and South Carolina to Georgia.
“I have no doubt that Deputy Jenkins will do an excellent job with this added responsibility and excel just as he has here locally with the Haywood County Sheriff’s Office,” said Gilmore. “I personally, as a National Vice President and as a friend, would like to thank Deputy Jenkins for taking on this task and look forward to working with him in his new role in the USPCA.”
Deputy Jenkins is quite a well-rounded man in the way of personal hobbies. He has been playing the guitar since he was 19 years old, he enjoys hunting and fishing and he also loves spending time with his goats, as a way to decompress.
On top of everything Deputy Jenkins has accomplished in his life, he is also a cancer survivor. He lives a life full of passion for the things that matter most to him, including his work.
“When I’m asked why I chose law enforcement, it’s easy to explain. My dad was in ministry because he felt he was led to be in ministry. I’m in law enforcement because I felt I was led to it.”
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A FAMILY LOSS
William Beecher Phillips, 67, passed away on Thursday, December 15, 2016.
Beecher, admired and loved by many at the Haywood County Sheriff’s Office, held the rank of Lieutenant, retiring in 2009 after 22 years of service. He enjoyed logging, fishing and camping. We continue to pray for the Phillips family.
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