Supporting our Veterans
As your Sheriff I will be committed supporting military veterans and contribute to making a positive impact on their lives. We honor the selflessness of each of our heroes—who put serving our nation above all.
As a sheriff, there are several ways you can support military veterans and their families in your community. I have supported and helped with the following initiatives:
1. Veteran Outreach Programs: Establish outreach programs to connect with local veterans and their families. Regularly hold events or meetings where veterans can discuss their concerns, share experiences, and receive information about available resources.
2. Training for Law Enforcement: Provide specialized training for law enforcement officers on veterans' unique needs and challenges, including mental health issues such as PTSD, traumatic brain injuries, and other service-related conditions. This will help officers better understand and interact with veterans they encounter in the line of duty.
3. Veteran Diversion Programs: Collaborate with local courts and criminal justice agencies to create diversion programs specifically tailored to veterans. These programs aim to divert veterans from the traditional criminal justice system into alternative programs that address the root causes of their behavior, such as mental health support and substance abuse treatment.
4. Support for Veteran Treatment Courts: Advocate for the establishment or expansion of Veteran Treatment Courts, which are specialized court dockets designed to assist veterans facing criminal charges by providing them with access to treatment, counseling, and support services.
5. Crisis Intervention Teams (CIT) with Veteran Focus: Implement Crisis Intervention Teams that include officers trained in dealing with crisis situations involving veterans. These teams can be equipped to handle situations involving mental health crises in a more empathetic and understanding manner.
6. Collaboration with Veteran Organizations: Partner with local veteran service organizations and nonprofits to leverage their expertise and resources. By working together, you can create more comprehensive and effective support networks for veterans and their families.
7. Employment Assistance: Facilitate partnerships with local businesses to promote the hiring of veterans and support job fairs specifically for veterans seeking employment opportunities.
8. Housing Support: Collaborate with housing authorities and organizations to ensure that veterans have access to affordable housing options and appropriate support services.
9. Educational Support: Work with schools and educational institutions to provide veterans with information about educational opportunities, financial aid, and programs designed to ease their transition into civilian life.
10. Community Awareness Campaigns: Raise awareness in the community about the challenges faced by veterans and the importance of supporting them. Organize events and campaigns to honor veterans and educate the public about their sacrifices and contributions.
