Sheriff offers associate memberships

VW independent/submitted information

Van Wert County Sheriff Thomas M. Riggenbach announced that Van Wert County residents are being invited to become associate members of the Buckeye State Sheriffs’ Association.

Sheriff Riggenbach advised that membership appeals went out in the mail on March 25. Individuals choosing to join the voluntary program can do so for as little as a $20 contribution. The funding provides critically important technical resources, training, and legislative support on key criminal justice issues.

Sheriff Riggenbach said, with government funding becoming increasingly difficult to secure, the membership drive has taken on greater importance than ever before.

“The funding is vital to helping us carry out our mission of making our communities safer places to live, work and play,” the sheriff said.

According to Sheriff Riggenbach, those that do not receive a membership appeal and would like more information can do so by contacting the Buckeye State Sheriffs’ Association at: 1103 Schrock Road, Suite 401, Columbus, OH 43229, by calling 800.589.2772, or by contacting the Van Wert County Sheriff’s Office at 419.238.3866.

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,” Sheriff Riggenbach said, noting that he feels this is a valuable investment in the future and encourages everyone receiving a membership appeal to consider becoming an associate member of the Buckeye State Sheriffs’ Association.

The sheriff also said the Buckeye State Sheriffs’ Association never solicits members over the phone. Those with questions or concerns should contact the Van Wert County Sheriff’s Office at the above number.