Local law seeking support from citizens

Local law enforcement departments are actively working to strengthen their ties to their communities and are making it easy for their community members to meet them halfway.

Cherokee County Sheriff James Campbell recently announced Cherokee County citizens are being invited to become associate members of the Sheriff’s Association of Texas. Campbell said his invitation comes in response to an increasing number of people wanting to assist law enforcement officials and build a stronger partnership in the fight against crime.

“With government funding becoming increasingly difficult to secure, the membership drive has taken on greater importance than ever before,” Sheriff Campbell said. “The funding is vital to helping us carry out our mission of making our communities safer places to live, work and play.”

Membership appeals go out in the mail shortly. Individuals choosing to join the voluntary program can do so for as little as $25, while businesses can show their support beginning at a $100 contribution level.

The funding provides critically important technical resources, training and legislative support on key criminal justice issues.

Contributions are tax-deductible and unlike other organizations in the state, the membership program does not solicit membership via telephone. The program is committed to its ‘no telemarketing’ policy and only sends invitations to citizens to become members by mail.

Individuals that do not receive a membership appeal and would like more information can contact the Sheriff’s Association of Texas, 1601 S. Interstate 35, Austin, TX 78741-2503; call (512) 445-5888; or visit www.txsheriffs.org.

The membership program was formed to provide citizens with an opportunity to lend their support to more effective law enforcement and to help local law enforcement officers protect the lives and property of citizens.

“As the need for building stronger public-private law enforcement partnerships in this country continues to escalate, programs such as this continue to grow in importance,” Campbell said. “I encourage everyone receiving a membership appeal to consider joining forces with us by becoming an associate member.

“It is a valuable investment in the future.”

Cherokee County residents can also still join the East Texas 100 Club and show their commitment to helping survivors of first responders and improving law enforcement capabilities by providing funding.

The East Texas Police Chiefs Association began the process of creating the ET100 Club in 2017.

“It’s really a very worthwhile organization,” Rusk resident and longtime 100 Club member Ben Middlebrooks said in an earlier interview. “I was a member of Houston’s 100 Club for many years, and I’m very pleased there’s a local chapter now, too. They really do some great things for our police and other emergency responders’ families.”

The East Texas 100 Club is a non-profit, community-based organization that provides financial support to the dependents of law enforcement officers who are killed or catastrophically injured in the line of duty in Anderson, Camp, Cass, Cherokee, Delta, Franklin, Gregg, Harrison, Henderson, Hopkins, Marion, Morris, Panola, Rains, Red River, Rusk, Smith, Titus, Upshur and Wood counties.

The club also provides equipment and educational opportunities for law enforcement that can’t be secured through budgeted governmental funds.

Sponsors have a choice of levels of support, starting at a yearly standard subscription of $100. Corporate and lifetime memberships, which never expire, are also available for up to $1,500.

Supporters get window stickers, listings on the official website, newsletters, special advertising and sponsorship opportunities and more. Mail subscription or donation checks to East Texas 100, 501 N Madison Ave., Mt. Pleasant, TX 75455; or donate online at easttexas100club.org.

The East Texas Police Chiefs Association began the process of creating the ET100 Club in 2017.

Residents can also support the Jacksonville Police Department by participating in the Jacksonville Citizens Police Academy Alumni’s annual rifle raffle.

Tickets are $5 each or six for $25 and are available at the Jacksonville Police Department, 210 W. Larissa St., Jacksonville.

All proceeds go to help the Jacksonville Police Department purchase non-budgetary items.

This year’s raffle features a Ruger Precision .308 rifle with a Pentax Light-seeker 30mm 3x10 scope, hard cases included.

Winner will be responsible for all taxes and licenses, will have to pass a criminal records check. Failure to pass the record check means automatic forfeiture of the prize. All ticket sales are final. Drawing will be held Sept. 9.