West Virginia search continues for former Virginia Tech professor missing for three weeks
Investigators are still following the case of 86-year-old Siegfried Holzer who left his Christiansburg home Feb. 22 and never returned.
Danville Police Department practices de-escalation tactics, use of force with real-life virtual simulations
The Danville Police Department is emphasizing the importance of their virtual training program, MILO.
Martinsville Chief of Police G. E. โEddieโ Cassady to retire, effective Jan. 1, 2023
The City of Martinsville will be looking for a new Chief of Police now that the current Chief of Police, G. E. โEddieโ Cassady, has announced his retirement.
Juvenile charged after stabbing Henrico middle school student, police say
A 7th-grade student is facing several charges after allegedly stabbing another middle school student in a locker room at Brookland Middle School, according to Henrico County Police.
Danville police utilize simulation training for quick, effective response
For law enforcement, making split-second decisions in life-or-death scenarios comes with the territory. Thatโs why at the Danville Police Department, using the MILO simulator is a crucial part of their initial and remedial training.
The Deep Blue Ridge: Survivor of sexual assault uses faith in God to serve victims of human trafficking
A Roanoke survivor of sexual assault is using her traumatizing experience to connect with and serve other victims of sexual assault and human trafficking through her non-profit, The Lampstand.
Bedford takes major step in building new police station, moving out of โcrammedโ headquarters
In their current space, workstations are on top of one another, visitors have to sit on a narrow bench in a tight hallway, the locker room barely fits two officers, and there are no weight rooms or showers.
City of Roanoke E-911 center survey opens, officials ask for community input to improve services
City officials said that the survey is an effort to determine the effectiveness of E-911 services provided to citizens.
Lynchburg Police Department to host first-ever โCops N Bobbersโ fishing event
The Lynchburg Police Department is looking to cast a line and reel in a better relationship with the community by hosting its first-ever fishing event.
Police: Man charged after assaulting Roanoke City Police Officer, stealing patrol car
A man has been arrested after assaulting a police officer, stealing the patrol car, and crashing, the Roanoke Police Department said.
Roanoke area neighborhoods celebrate National Night Out
A solid relationship between neighborhoods and public safety agencies is critical to maintaining a safe and healthy community, and National Night Out emphasizes just that.
Former police officer weighs in on delayed law enforcement response in Uvalde school shooting
10 News wants to warn you that you may find some of this video disturbing. WSLS believes it is important to show the video because the events of that day have been under intense scrutiny. WSLS has chosen not to air or publish the story with the audio due to the sensitivity of this โ but it is available through a number of other outlets if you wish to view it in its entirety.
Advance Auto Parts gifts Roanoke authorities $2,500 of gift cards to increase safety
As part of its 90th-anniversary celebrations, Advance Auto Parts gifted Roanoke Police and Fire departments with $2,500 of gift cards to increase community safety.
Virginia bill will prohibit traffic quotas, arrests for police job performance
Governor Glenn Youngkin signed Bill Senate Bill 327 and it is expected to help improve community relations between police and the public.
Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin amends bill lifting facial recognition technology ban
Governor Glenn Youngkin is amending a controversial bill that could lift a partial ban on facial recognition technology in Virginia.
New Bedford police chief says heโs โexcited to be able to come back homeโ to serve his community
Captain Ronnie Lewis will become Bedfordโs thirteenth police chief in nearly a century.
โItโs never easyโ: Law enforcement react to Bridgewater College shooting that killed two officers
The tragic event is a somber reminder of the daily dangers facing those who work in public safety.
Gov. Northam announces $233 million in budget to increase pay for state law enforcement
Governor Ralph Northam announced today on his Thank You, Virginia Tour that his two-year state budget will include an investment of more than a $223 million in public safety.
![Lynchburg police swear-in 8 new officers, but still continue to face staffing shortage](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/PdDA4DDQPepZ15PBZ2vZwcWfcu8=/800x450/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65):fill(FFF)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/06-17-2021/t_456c47d9940f47b0b29d09f6865756c1_name_image.jpg)
Lynchburg police swear-in 8 new officers, but still continue to face staffing shortage
Police Chief Ryan Zuidema says while these eight graduates help a staffing shortage, LPD is still short 16 officers.
![Black community discusses what Chauvin verdict means to them ahead of Lynchburg prayer vigil](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/JpEFguXwO-b5AJ3RoZAusV8ASRs=/800x450/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/04-21-2021/t_4de19cc08ef94596ac82c690b91f4510_name_image.jpg)
Black community discusses what Chauvin verdict means to them ahead of Lynchburg prayer vigil
One Community, One Voice hosted the prayer vigil Wednesday at Lynchburgโs Monument Terrace, which included faith and city leaders and the police department.
![Roanoke Police asking for pay raises after losing officers at alarming rate](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/awRIC-aCN6JJV7DmLBJRJJiTiZs=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/04-14-2021/t_2564e8a33a07499e8494c2b4d49c46c9_name_image.jpg)
Roanoke Police asking for pay raises after losing officers at alarming rate
Police departments nationwide are struggling with staffing and now Roanoke's top cop says they're losing officers at an alarming rate.
![Virginia law enforcement training in Lynchburg teaches new philosophy for interviewing suspects](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/VoEYRym8Rev4MLnMzGamr00hJzw=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/04-02-2021/t_a7da4d2462df4eb4b7f3d5d8c524a3b0_name_image.jpg)
Virginia law enforcement training in Lynchburg teaches new philosophy for interviewing suspects
Law enforcement from across the Commonwealth were in Lynchburg to learn a new philosophy from Justice 3D Consulting. Mark Mackizer, co-owner and retired FBI special agent, said the training goes against traditional modules of interviewing suspects.
![Middle school resource officer named Salemโs 2020 Officer of the Year](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/bEx30L-3pGxuEVyB2VpjFFxWQHA=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/02-19-2021/t_6d558068b5a84e398b9394e153848001_name_image.jpg)
Middle school resource officer named Salemโs 2020 Officer of the Year
SALEM, Va. โ If youโre walking the halls of Andrew Lewis Middle School, youโll find a friendly face: Officer David Goodman. Heโs been a school resource officer there for the past three years, following in his dadโs footsteps who also worked for the Salem Police Department. But Goodmanโs making a name for himself as Salemโs 2020 Officer of the Year. Principal Jamie Garst said Goodman redefines what school resource officers should be. โWe can teach them to be good officers, we canโt teach them to be good people,โ said Crawley.
![Bedford County Sheriffโs Office approved to apply for new body cameras](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/PqyvYuaTM56UsVgkB462sceKQ8I=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/02-09-2021/t_aab3c86374ab41d298a41b3682315994_name_image.jpg)
Bedford County Sheriffโs Office approved to apply for new body cameras
BEDFORD COUNTY, Va. โ The Bedford County Sheriffโs Office is taking another step in protecting the community and its deputies. It can now apply for a grant to purchase 15 new body cameras, after getting approval from the Bedford County Board of Supervisors on Monday. The Sheriffโs Office currently has about 70 cameras, but this will replace those that are worn out and take months to repair. The technology is used whenever a deputy is out of a patrol car and helps assure transparency. The $10,000 grant also requires a 50% match from the Sheriffโs Office.
![Amherst leaders urge lawmakers to protect qualified immunity for law enforcement](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/iKLr84ef6na4k_VVYASx2T4QlKo=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/01-29-2021/t_9003e481f33b42c58ce874da7b921452_name_image.jpg)
Amherst leaders urge lawmakers to protect qualified immunity for law enforcement
AMHERST COUNTY, Va. โ Amherst County leaders are urging Virginia lawmakers to protect qualified immunity for law enforcement. The Board of Supervisors issued a letter to express opposition against House bill 2045, which would make officers personally liable for any damages and fees. Dean Rodgers, the countyโs administrator, says the existing law already promotes accountability, allowing prosecutions and civil lawsuits to move forward. โIf youโre outside the scope of your employment; if youโre doing something that you werenโt taught, trained, advised, managed to do, then youโre on your own,โ said Rodgers. Rodgers says the bill would also force localities to pay higher insurance costs and make it harder for them to recruit law enforcement.
![Pulaski County deputy killed in Route 11 crash laid to rest](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/9aECE4XdNEB6K3x4c0eDZLk8Ab8=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/01-17-2021/t_2a4151add6034657836b1c591f0896db_name_image.jpg)
Pulaski County deputy killed in Route 11 crash laid to rest
PULASKI, Va. โ The Pulaski County Sheriffโs Office mourned one of their own on Sunday. Sergeant Perry Hodge, a well-known school resource officer in Pulaski County, was killed early Thursday when his truck was hit head-on while driving on Route 11 near Dublin. Deputies paid tribute to Hodge with a group ride from the Pulaski County Sheriffโs Office to the funeral. Pulaski-based motorcycle club Faith Ryders stopped to pray at the Route 11 memorial before the funeral. Pulaski County Sheriff's OfficeCharges are pending against the other driver, 26-year-old Michael Morris of Pulaski.
![Vinton hires familiar faces as new town manager, police chief](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/tOgzjnHaE8Pv2TVNQo6syUfjbuA=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/12-02-2020/t_26a831572e1d445e81c9b1d9cad60b6a_name_image.jpg)
Vinton hires familiar faces as new town manager, police chief
The town hired familiar faces to replace the outgoing town manager and police chief. Assistant town manager Pete Peters takes over as Vintonโs town manager, and deputy police chief Fabricio Drumond is now the townโs head of law enforcement. Peters had been assistant town manager for five years. He had served as interim town manager since his predecessor, Barry Thompson, announced his retirement. He replaces former police chief Thomas Foster, who became the United States Marshal for the Western District of Virginia.
![Roanoke County leaders consider raising officer pay after losing nearly 20% of department this year](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/0YD7sMFLcPaTxrGNDp68zV2b74Y=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/11-23-2020/t_089b1780ab4c48849d50289d0a9f701c_name_image.jpg)
Roanoke County leaders consider raising officer pay after losing nearly 20% of department this year
ROANOKE COUNTY, Va. โ Roanoke County leaders are springing into action as the police department deals with record shortages. โ26 is darn close to 20% of our workforce out in a year and you know we still have another five weeks left of the year,โ Roanoke County Police Chief Howard Hall said. When it comes to starting pay, Roanoke County isnโt far off from others in our area, at $39,221. The table below shows how Roanoke County compares to some other localities in the region:Locality Starting Officer Salary Radford $42,555 Montgomery County $40,800 Lynchburg $40,019 Roanoke County $39,221 Roanoke City $38,639.75 Danville $36,812 Franklin County About $36,000 Bedford County $34,641Itโs the pay beyond that starting salary holding Roanoke County leaders back. Hall said they should have a proposal for a new pay scale soon.
![Campbell County Sheriffโs Office recognizes members for service](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/zYnnavM1bN1VIPeg4JGIEGuIir8=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/11-06-2020/t_d1c2154d6bdf40688702721df1a5e494_name_image.jpg)
Campbell County Sheriffโs Office recognizes members for service
CAMPBELL COUNTY, Va. โ Family, friends and Campbell County law enforcement officials gathered at Rustburg High School Friday to recognize 40 people who, according to Sheriff Whit Clark, have gone out of their way for the community. โEvery single day they come to work to serve the citizens of Campbell County. One of them was Deputy Brian Davis, who retired from the department after seven years. Davis started in Campbell County elementary schools following the mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary in Connecticut. He said after that mass shooting, protecting the lives of thousands of Campbell County students meant even more to him.
![Police, race and inequality experts share mixed reactions about Virginia police reform bill](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/z4tcajyhbKDpQ74sSyChhAJHJEM=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/10-19-2020/t_dd45d0b174f34c809e7f91bd3ab8dcc3_name_image.jpg)
Police, race and inequality experts share mixed reactions about Virginia police reform bill
A new law would limit what offenses police officers could pull people over for. Law enforcement agencies and race and inequality experts have mixed reactions. The bill passed by the Virginia General Assembly stops law enforcement officers from stopping or searching anyone solely based upon the odor of marijuana. Law enforcement has no interest in doing something like that," said Ramsey. The governor has to sign the bill by Wednesday night or he can recommend changes and send it back to the General Assembly.
![Cops and community gather for โNational Night Outโ](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/mbsEIV8_jN8ydRWxkkLkwuOqQl8=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/10-06-2020/t_d7bb631c41644c26a473a74722192a0f_name_image.jpg)
Cops and community gather for โNational Night Outโ
The views expressed in this article are those of the advertiser and do not necessarily reflect those of this site or affiliated companies. The department participated in โNational Night Out,โ an annual event focused on strengthening the bond between law enforcement and the community. Lynchburg Police Chief Ryan Zuidema stressed the departmentโs connection with the community following violent demonstrations earlier this year. โIf weโve heard anything as a part of this movement, itโs that weโre going to continue to listen to our residents. We got a lot of really good feedback from folks in our community, and I think thatโs an ongoing process" said Zuidema.
![Roanoke city police academy battling unprecedented challenges head-on](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/uvZ5cL1ly6VjQdUln3nWI6UGQgc=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/10-06-2020/t_7a611a5079224594a71cb3b1fa9fc2bb_name_image.jpg)
Roanoke city police academy battling unprecedented challenges head-on
ROANOKE, Va. โ Police departments across the country are having a hard time finding enough officers. Roanoke cityโs latest academy is working to address the challenges driving the shortage, from COVID-19 to the current climate around policing. COVID-19 has complicated the process but it hasnโt kept 12 recruits from pursuing careers as Roanoke city police officers. โJust really help people to be honest, just serve and protect,โ said Lauren Camper, a Roanoke police recruit. โTraining new officers is really our best way to make a better impact on the community and the department,โ Masters said.
![Danville city councilmembers tour proposed police station site](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/J-hTKRdPK1MWDQN97Vys08xk-jo=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/09-25-2020/t_499ef786d3694dcda54cca287a016204_name_image.jpg)
Danville city councilmembers tour proposed police station site
DANVILLE, Va. โ Plans for Danvilleโs proposed police station are in limbo until the November election, but city councilmembers took a tour of the property before the big vote. The funding for its renovation to become the new Danville Police Station depends on the vote for a proposed Caesars casino in town. If the vote for the casino passes, Caesars would spend $20 million on Danville municipal projects, including the new police station. Councilmember Lee Vogler hopes Danville residents think about the proposed police station when they cast their votes this election season. "It will also do things with the White Mill and Riverfront Park.โCurrently, the Danville Police Department is headquartered at the bottom floor of Danville City Hall.
![Virginia House revives bill to end immunity for police](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/m26oJ2GLTVYm0HD4wTBB2hDF50I=/1280x720/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/3AOVVIFY5RCELL5L5DVTXCAX2I.jpg)
Virginia House revives bill to end immunity for police
RICHMOND, Va. โ A bill to end qualified immunity for police officers in Virginia was revived Tuesday, a day after the legislation failed to win approval from a key committee. The legislation was defeated Monday when two Democrats on the House Appropriations Committee voted with Republicans against it. But on Tuesday, the committee reconsidered and approved the legislation, sending it to the full House for a vote. The bill is a top priority for Democrats during a special legislative session focused on police and criminal justice reforms. A similar bill failed in the Senate last week when the Judiciary Committee voted to send the proposal for further study.
![Roanoke County officerโs de-escalation training helped calm down 9-year-old after school bus incident](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/GsJbWrfVdtabMP5ad4ZGUzivItE=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/08-29-2020/t_3d1695ef1d4f447d8c8f74938b7fdefc_name_image.jpg)
Roanoke County officerโs de-escalation training helped calm down 9-year-old after school bus incident
Morris rushed to the bus stop near Pinevale and Garst Mill Roads. Police said a 9-year-old boy, who has behavioral issues, was getting on the bus but refused to wear a mask. When he was asked to sit in the back, he got aggressive and attacked the school bus monitor. โYour concerns, obviously, go to the safety of the children - all of the children - that are on the bus,โ said Morris. Thatโs when Morris, a mom and a school resource officer, stepped in.
Roanoke Valley Republicans โBack the Blueโ at rally in support of police
ROANOKE, Va. โ Dozens of people gathered in Roanoke on Tuesday for a โBack the Blueโ rally. Two Republican Roanoke City Council candidates, Peg McGuire and Maynard Keller, teamed up with Virginia Republican Senate candidate Daniel Gade and Congressman Ben Cline to show their support for local law enforcement. The event was held outside SafeSide Tactical where speakers talked about the importance of supporting police officers, not defunding them. This event comes as the General Assembly holds a special session in Richmond focusing on police reform. There was also a voter registration booth at the event.
![Virginia police chiefs take stance on proposals for reform ahead of special session](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/7nuujAA1DNTAtHnajmht3JDlPNI=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/08-11-2020/t_d4375e5c3f5d402ab19c4ef374c26d1e_name_image.jpg)
Virginia police chiefs take stance on proposals for reform ahead of special session
ROANOKE COUNTY, Va. โ Police reform will take center stage in Virginia during next weekโs special session. With all eyes on police reform, those who enforce the laws are speaking up, hoping those who make the laws will listen. The Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police (VACP) is taking a stance on nearly 40 measures up for debate. Hall said thereโs always room for improvement, but not being realistic could threaten the safety of our communities and our officers. โI think it would make Virginia a more dangerous place,โ Hall said.
![Radford officers rescue tuber from New River](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/LvPJayWubntPvcwdfOcHgNbW9K8=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/W2CU74XYGRDYZMY55EWA5FJRH4.jpg)
Radford officers rescue tuber from New River
RADFORD, Va. โ Two Radford police officers are being recognized for their lifesaving efforts on the New River after they responded to a tuber in distress call on Aug. 2. When they arrived at the New River near Riverview Park, the officers immediately jumped in and swam over to the tuber, eventually getting them safely to shore, according to the Radford City Police Department. Radford Fire and EMS examined the tuber before they were taken home. In a release, Radford Police Chief Jeff Dodson said, โOfficers Coffey and Benson acted admirably and as heroes, putting anotherโs life before their own. They also thanked the police officers and Radford Fire and EMS.
![Lynchburg police swear in 11 new officers](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/_rzA9G0ALMbupnm6ikrUdG7vnSk=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/08-06-2020/t_684733bb44144b5c8805e2234635ee23_name_image.jpg)
Lynchburg police swear in 11 new officers
LYNCHBURG, Va. Lynchburg now has 11 new protectors on the streets. The group of officers were sworn in on Thursday in front of their family and friends. The department said its been a long eight months for these officers because the pandemic interrupted their classes. You said, No, not me, Im here and this is what Im going to do. So, thank you, Deputy Chief Mark Jamison said. They have four new Black officers and also four women.
![What it means for you as Roanoke County police face worst staffing issues in history](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/vp1urPKiu2KWA4rjoKxldW1iXcY=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/08-05-2020/t_e9a75f9efde742a3bdde5ac7b4065e20_name_image.jpg)
What it means for you as Roanoke County police face worst staffing issues in history
ROANOKE COUNTY, Va. โ The Roanoke County Police Department is dealing with the worst staffing issues itโs ever had. โMost of the people that were hired around the same time as me, a lot of them have left. โI think a lot of times weโre discouraged with the negativity in the current climate and the way that law enforcement is portrayed,โ Schmitt said. The Roanoke County Police Department is holding a Diversity in Law Enforcement Recruiting event on Aug. 25. Itโs happening at 6 p.m. at the Roanoke County Criminal Justice Academy, located at 5401 Barnes Ave. Officers will be present to answer questions and talk about starting a career in law enforcement.
![Franklin County K9 gets new body armor thanks to donation](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/BdCwV8zKaCORXYW4GGvk0L_2Pn4=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/7B6YQ6SG6VHGRNPYJZLEJ56ZTY.jpg)
Franklin County K9 gets new body armor thanks to donation
FRANKLIN COUNTY, Va. โ A local K9 is ready to safely take on the job thanks to a donation of a bullet and stab-proof protective vest. The Franklin County Sheriffโs Office received a donation for their K9, Sasha, from Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., sponsored by Don and Misty Fike of Galesburg, IL. The nonprofitโs mission is to โprovide bullet and stab-protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the country.โTwo-year-old Sashaโs vest is in full service as she works alongside her handler, deputy Alejandro with the Sheriffโs Office.
![Act of kindness: Salem officers change local business ownerโs flat tire](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/ygW628ThChohi69WiYDQxb4jj0g=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/06-12-2020/t_2e5a0c2654b54c578011a259c6177a05_name_image.jpg)
Act of kindness: Salem officers change local business ownerโs flat tire
SALEM, Va. โ Chauncey Savage was nearly flat out of luck when his truck got a flat tire. Minutes later, a couple Salem police officers just happened to show up. The officers directed traffic and changed the tire for him, joined by a plain clothes state trooper who stopped to help too. โAs a black man walking around in Salem, I never have a problem with worrying about the police department. Officersโ wives, including Crystal Slusser, raised $1,200 from friends, family and local businesses to buy snacks and drinks for the department.
![Defund or disband police? Heres the difference](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/Dh674kczdPHTs426Aakhi5YS-9c=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/06-08-2020/t_8f06ee4fe540425392b8a435961b5151_name_image.jpg)
Defund or disband police? Heres the difference
Whos going to respond to the armed robberies? Whos going to do the criminal investigations if you have a homicide? Whos going to have access to the information that is sometimes confidential?" What youre talking about is taking money away from the police and putting it into other areas, such as social services, health services, where it could also be needed, said Burke. Lea did say city council would look at the budget to see if they could reallocate some funding to things like social services or education.
![โHeโs a fighter, and he can do thisโ: Surprise ceremony encourages former officer with cancer](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/55nnPjS7HKitOsz8k2__0d5JKpI=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/04-26-2020/t_fe49be31de8c45a582885eac25b6151f_name_image.jpg)
โHeโs a fighter, and he can do thisโ: Surprise ceremony encourages former officer with cancer
FOREST, Va. โ Dave Weeks served as a police officer in Lynchburg for 34 years. On Sunday, his old department provided him with a different kind of service to help him through his fight with cancer. Zuidema said he called all of the surrounding law enforcement agencies to help with the surprise visit. โHeโs a fighter and he can do this.โWeeks served with the Lynchburg Police Department from 1958 to 1992. โHeโs been a great light to us, and heโs a great man," Eldredge said.
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Baltimore places new focus on police mental wellness
According to a nonprofit group, more than 200 current or former police officers took their own lives nationwide in 2019. In Baltimore, the police department is trying to do something about it. Sliding into a cruiser, Baltimore police Sgt. Watts turned to Vernon Herron, director of BPD Officer Safety & Wellness Section, a program to identify and help officers who may be struggling. More than 200 current or former police officers took their own lives in 2019.