SHERIFF'S FOUNDATION ALLOCATES FUNDS FOR SHERIFF'S OFFICE NEEDS AND SERVICES
At its Board of Directors meeting this month, the Baxter County Sheriff's Foundation approved expenditures for purchases of equipment, public services, training, and employee assistance for the Sheriff's Office.
The Foundation Board heard a presentation from Sheriff's Lt. Lee Sanders regarding the need for modern thermal imaging equipment to assist with locating lost and missing persons, in tracking suspects, and for investigative purposes. Lt. Sanders also spoke regarding the "Stop The Bleed" program. This is a national campaign to enable law enforcement first responders and others to become trained, equipped, and empowered to help in bleeding emergencies before professional medical personnel can arrive to administer care. This program would also involve sending a deputy to classes at ASUMH to become trained as a certified EMT. At the end of this presentation, the Board approved up to $7,500 for the purchase of thermal imaging equipment, as well as approving up to $5,000 for "Stop The Bleed" equipment and up to $2,000 for training.
The Board also heard a presentation from Sheriff's Lt. Brian Davis concerning his proposal for an automated welfare check phone system for the elderly living by themselves. This automated system would place a daily call at a pre-determined time to registered elderly people living alone who would like to take advantage of this service. If the call is answered and the person needs no assistance, then no other action would be needed. If the person does not answer or indicates there is a need for help, a deputy would be sent in person for a wellness check. The system would be managed by the Sheriff's Office, and Sheriff's personnel would register people for the service and enter necessary data. Following this presentation, the Foundation Board approved up to $5,000 to implement this system for the first year.
In addition to allocating those funds, the Board also approved the payment of more than $5,300 for body armor vests, as well as $3,500 for employee assistance payments for healthcare needs and expenses due to deaths in the family.
The Baxter County Sheriff's Office and its employees are sincerely appreciative of the generous support the Sheriff's Foundation has continuously provided since its creation in 2009. The Baxter County Sheriff's Foundation is a domestic non-profit organization with tax exempt 501 (c) 3 status with the IRS. It is governed by a 9 member volunteer Board of Directors made up of local community leaders.
Anyone wishing to donate to the Sheriff's Foundation may send their donations to:
Baxter County Sheriff's Foundation
P. O. Box 100
Mountain Home, AR 72654
Baxter County Sheriff's Office
