NCSO 2020 NOVEMBER
NEWSLETTER
A MOMENT WITH THANKSGIVING, A TIME TO BE THANKFUL For many of us, the meaning of Thanksgiving usually includes enjoying a four-day weekend, banqueting, viewing parades, watching football games, and family reunion involvement. To others, it is a forerunner to Christmas/holiday observances. The “first Thanksgiving,” however, was neither a feast nor a holiday, but an unpretentious gathering. Following the Mayflower’s arrival at Plymouth Rock on December 11, 1620, the Pilgrims sustained the loss of 46 of their original 102 colonists. With the assistance of 91 Indians, the remaining Pilgrims survived the acrimonious winter and in 1621, ultimately yielded a bounteous harvest. In celebration, a traditional English harvest festival, which lasted three days, inspired the Pilgrims and natives to unite in a “thanksgiving” celebration. The Pilgrims’ First Thanksgiving was held in the State of Virginia in October 1621 to celebrate their harvest. These were people who migrated to a newfound country to establish a brand-new life. They did not waste time complaining about what they did not have nor did they have a government to protect or sustain them. The Pilgrims were forced to progress in proportion to their own efforts. They did not attack others and apportion blame when situations went amiss nor did they idle away time feeling sorry for themselves. It was necessary for them to exhibit toughness, resiliency, self-reliance, and work hard in order to survive. Parenthetically, these identical qualities will continue to guide an individual when making his or her way in the world today; four hundred years later. Thanksgiving Day did not become an official holiday until Northerners dominated the federal government. While sectional tensions prevailed in the mid-19th century, Sarah Josepha Hale, the first female editor of a magazine, including the famous “Godey’s Lady’s Book,” campaigned for a national Thanksgiving Day to promote unity. Ultimately, she gained the support of President Abraham Lincoln. After writing letters for 17 years, Ms. Hale, who also wrote “Mary Had A Little Lamb,” convinced President Lincoln to make Thanksgiving a national holiday. Had it not been for the enormous determination of this great woman, Thanksgiving would
not exist today. Hale’s allegiance to Thanksgiving began in 1827 and was grounded in national pride. It was not until 1863 that President Lincoln finally declared Thanksgiving a national holiday. The holiday was annually proclaimed by every president thereafter, and the date was chosen, with a few exceptions, was the last Thursday in November. President Franklin D. Roosevelt attempted to extend the Christmas shopping season, which generally begins with the Thanksgiving holiday, and to boost the economy by moving the date backward a week, to the third week in November. After a joint resolution of Congress in 1941, President Roosevelt issued a proclamation in 1942 designating the fourth Thursday in November (which is not always the last Thursday) as Thanksgiving Day. What Should We Be Thankful For and Why?
Although not directly mentioned in Scripture, Thanksgiving Day is a holiday specifically based on biblical principles and commands. It was to be a day to spend with family and friends, honoring and thanking God for the bountiful blessings He provides. 2020 could be described as the most turbulent year in decades. COVID-19 has devastated our economy, as well as many families; the nation continues to be divided, racial tensions appear to be at epidemic proportions, the Presidential election has been the most contentious of all times; delayed results, allegations of voter fraud, and other irregularities. Multiple legal challenges have eroded confidence in the political process. With all of this, what should have been our attitude on the fourth Thursday of November this year? Allow me to suggest that we follow the lead of the Pilgrims and President Lincoln by simply giving thanks. As believers, we can find God’s hand leading, providing, and protecting us in everything we do. If you are currently breathing, God has brought you through to this point; therefore, I encourage you to exhibit a little gratitude and be thankful for all that you have. Scientific studies have revealed that focusing on
SHERIFF BROWN what an individual has, instead of what he or she doesn’t have, improves his or her health. Oprah Winfrey, the infamous talk show host, television producer, actress, author, and philanthropist says it best: “Be thankful for what you have; you’ll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you will never, ever have enough.” D. L. Moody, an American evangelist, and publisher, who founded the Moody Church and Bible Institute once said, “I am so thankful that I have a joy that the world cannot rob me of; I have a treasure that the world cannot take from me; I have something that is not in the power of man or the devil to deprive me of, and that is the joy of the Lord.” I understand that sometimes it is extremely difficult to stop what we’re doing and take a moment to convey our thankfulness for life’s blessings. Oftentimes, we feel there are never enough hours or minutes in the day for all of our obligations; family and friends, work, grocery shopping, home rejuvenation, etc., and the list can be overwhelming. Append in additional stress—tasks, holidays, church, etc., the list of to-dos can quickly become distressful, and this year, particularly, (global pandemic), has produced an unprecedented measure of stress. Allow me to say, when you’re confronted with those “I can’t” moments, it can be helpful to take a few quiet moments away from all the pandemonium to reflect on the many things you have, to be grateful for. According to experts, expressing gratitude, can facilitate relationships, improve one’s outlook, lower blood pressure, and prevent sickness. For your health alone, it is both fundamental and advisable to spend a few minutes each day focusing on giving thanks.
Sheriff Ezell Brown Newton County, Georgia
Being thankful aids one in enduring life’s difficult times. Being grateful produces happiness and being happy can assist in conserving a healthy mind and body; therefore, be thankful and share your gratitude with embraces. Finally, permit me this opportunity to tell you what I am thankful for: I am sincerely thankful for all the things God has done for me. I am thankful for the committed and dedicated men and women of the Newton County Sheriff’s Office. I am thankful to God for allowing me to be victorious in the recent election; thereby, enabling me to continue serving as your Sheriff for another four years. I am thankful for my family, my health, and my strength, inclusive of all the necessities of life. Question: What are you thankful for? I passionately encourage each of you to take a little time out of your busy schedules each day to say, “Thank You.” In the words of renowned author, Brian Tracy, “Develop an attitude of gratitude, and give thanks for everything that happens to you, knowing that every step forward is a step toward achieving something bigger and better than your current situation.”
general information The goal of the Newton County Sheriff’s Office is “to be recognized as the kind of professional organization that values, respects, and honors the rights and dignity of the entire community. Through an abundance of collaborative efforts, the NCSO is committed to improving life in every aspect for its citizens, businesses, schools, colleges/universities and visitors.” The Newton County Sheriff's Office is located at 15151 Alcovy Road in Covington, Georgia. From I-20, take Exit 92 onto Alcovy Road and travel north on Alcovy Road for approximately one mile and cross over Highway 142. The Sheriff's Office will be on the left. The administrative office hours for the Newton County Sheriff's Office are 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, excluding county holidays. The Newton County Jail is open 24 hours, 7 days a week.
-
contact numbers
GENERAL INFORMATION SHERIFF’S SECRETARY JAIL INFORMATION JAIL FAX INVESTIGATIONS INVESTIGATION FAX PATROL UNIT TRAFFIC UNIT WARRANT UNIT WEST SIDE PRECINCT EAST SIDE PRECINCT
-
-
678-625-1403 678-625-1401 678-625-1420 678-625-1450 678-625-1412 678-625-1451 678-625-1410 678-625-1469 678-625-1411 770-788-7812 770-243-8227
social media
-
@newtonsheriffga Featured Photo: Sheriff Ezell Brown laid courses of bricks for the expansion
of the Newton County Sheriff’s Office headquarters on Nov. 6, 2020.
SHERIFF’S GUARDIAN ANGELS PROGRAM The Sheriff’s Guardian Angels program is an initiative of Sheriff Ezell Brown and the Newton County Sheriff’s Office, where deputies serve as respectable and caring citizens, in addition to performing their everyday duties as public servants. Sheriff Brown understands that being a good and caring citizen means possessing compassion and empathy; being concerned and caring for people, those known and unknown; and helping those who may need assistance. Each year, deputies assigned to the Sheriff’s Guardian Angels program assist families throughout Newton County on Christmas Day with clothing and toys for their children, as well as other items of necessity.
This year, the Sheriff’s Office accepted applications for the Sheriff’s Guardian Angel program beginning on Nov. 19, 2020, through Nov. 30, 2020. Due to COVID-19, in-person applications were not accepted. The Sheriff’s Office is still accepting donations, including monetary, for the Sheriff’s Guardian Angels. Donations can be dropped off Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Sheriff’s Office headquarters, located at 15151 Alcovy Road in Covington; the West Side Precinct, located at 3612 Salem Road in Covington; and the East Side Precinct, located at 5 West First Street in Mansfield. To donate after business hours, please contact Deputy Susan Young at smyoung@newtonsheriffga. org or 678-218-2423.
Newton County Sheriff’s Office joins Nextdoor This month, the Newton County Sheriff’s Office began utilizing Nextdoor to help make its neighborhoods stronger and safer. The Sheriff’s Office plans to share important news and emergency notifications that are relevant to each and every neighborhood in Newton County. Please be assured that each neighborhood’s Nextdoor website remains private; the Sheriff’s Office staff will not be able to see any of the content on your neighborhood except for the direct replies to our posts. The Sheriff’s Office looks forward to communicating with citizens on Nextdoor to make Newton County an even better place to live. For any questions or concerns, please contact Communications Officer Caitlin Jett at cjett@newtonsheriffga.org or 678-5446289.
What is nextdoor? Nextdoor is the neighborhood hub for trusted connections and the exchange of helpful information, goods, and services. It’s where communities come together to greet newcomers, exchange recommendations, and read the latest local news. Where neighbors support local businesses and get updates from public agencies. Essential: Relevant news and information from neighbors, businesses, and public agencies in real time. Local: The only way to instantly connect to the people, businesses, and happenings near your home. Trusted: A secure environment where all neighbors are verified.
The above informaton was taken from Nextdoor’s website. Please visit https://nextdoor.com for more information.
HOW TO FOLLOW US: 1. Find your neighborhood on Nextdoor by selecting your state from https://nextdoor.com/find-neighborhood/. 2. Once you’ve selected your state, scroll down and select your city from the list provided. 3. Once you’ve selected your city, scroll down and select your neighborhood from the list. 4. Now you can view public information about your neighborhood on Nextdoor. 5. If you scroll down, you will see a section called “public agency activity” for your neighborhood. 6. Click on an agency to view all recent public updates from them for your neighborhood.
calea conducts assessment for the newton county sheriff’s office reaccreditation Beginning on Monday, Nov. 16, 2020, the Commis-
sion on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) conducted a two-day compliance assessment of the Newton County Sheriff’s Office. The team measured the agency’s continued ability to meet public safety standards considered to be benchmarks of excellence nationwide. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Sheriff’s Office experienced a virtual assessment format involving video presentations of facilities, virtual public hearing, and interviews of staff, partner agencies, and community members. The Sheriff’s Office has been nationally accredited by CALEA since March 25, 2017. In conjunction with CALEA accreditation, the NCSO also holds Georgia State Certification, National Commission on Correctional Health Care (NCCHC) accreditation, and American Correction Association (ACA) accreditation. These accreditations/certifications make NCSO eligible for the prestigious National Sheriff’s Association Triple Crown Award.
What is CALEA?
The Law Enforcement Accreditation Program was the first credentialing program established by CALEA after its founding. It was originally developed to address what was seen as a need to enhance law enforcement as a profession and to improve law enforcement service delivery. CALEA is open to all types of law enforcement agencies, on an international basis. It provides a process to systematically conduct an internal review and assessment of the agencies’ policies and procedures, and make adjustments wherever necessary to meet a body of internationally accepted standards. Since the first CALEA Accreditation Award was granted in 1984, the program has become the primary method for an agency to voluntarily demonstrate their commitment to excellence in law enforcement. The standards upon which the Law Enforcement Accreditation Program is based reflect the current thinking and experience of law enforcement practitioners and researchers. Major law enforcement associations, leading educational and training institutions, governmental agencies, as well as law enforcement executives internationally, acknowledge CALEA’s Standards for Law Enforcement Agencies and its Accreditation Programs as benchmarks for professional law enforcement agencies. CALEA Accreditation requires an agency to develop a comprehensive, well thought out, uniform set of written directives. This is one of the most successful methods for reaching administrative and operational goals, while also providing direction to personnel. The CALEA Accreditation award is valid for four years, and the agency is required to maintain continuous compliance during the award period. An assessment is conducted annually to ensure compliance is being maintained.
Newton County Sheriff’s Office named winner of THIS YEAR’S Battle of the Badges Blood Drive The Newton County Sheriff’s Office partnered with the American Red Cross for the second annual Battle of the Badges Blood Drive on Nov. 7, 2020, at Oak Hill Church of Christ, located off Highway 212 in Covington. Blood donors were asked, by the American Red Cross, to vote for their favorite first responder, who would later be titled the “winner” of the Battle of the Badges. Last year, the winner was the Newton County Fire Department; however, this year, the Sheriff’s Office prevailed and was awarded the trophy. The American Red Cross collected 22 units of blood during this year’s drive, which will impact, change, and save 66 lives.
Newton County Sheriff’s Office partners with Pleasant View Baptist for FREE turkey giveaway On Nov. 22, 2020, Sheriff Ezell Brown and the Newton County Sheriff’s Office partnered with Pastor Derwin Davis and the Pleasant View Baptist Church to provide free turkeys to local families for Thanksgiving Day. The drive-through giveaway was called “Hope for the Holidays.” “I consider it a blessing and an honor to assist the families of Newton County, not only during the holidays but throughout the year,” said Sheriff Brown. “I want to extend my gratitude and thankfulness to Pastor Davis and the Pleasant View Baptist Church for allowing the Newton County Sheriff’s Office the privilege to assist in the turkey giveaway. I also want to give thanks to the Health Department, Breaking Boundaries Outreach, and The Clark Family for taking the time to join us as we gave back to our community.” During the giveaway, the Sheriff’s Office handed out Deputy Sheriff badges to children, as well as provided traffic control to ensure the safety of all. The Gwinnett, Newton, and Rockdale Health Departments offered free flu vaccines, and the Breaking Boundaries Outreach, Inc., a non-profit organization formed to serve the community, and The Clark Family provided food to attendees.
sheriff brown dons hard hat to work on the newton county sheriff’s office expansion On Nov. 6, 2020, Sheriff Ezell Brown donned a hard hat and laid courses of bricks for the expansion of the Newton County Sheriff’s Office headquarters, located at 15151 Alcovy Road in Covington.
THANK YOU! On Nov. 18, 2020, Sheriff Ezell Brown and the Newton County Sheriff’s Office received a donation of toys, from Beth and Janet Silvers, for the Sheriff’s Guardian Angels Giveaway.
Sheriff Ezell Brown and the Newton County Sheriff’s Office received a donation of turkeys from Sellars Inc. on Nov. 21, 2020. Sheriff’s Office employees and their families received the turkeys for Thanksgiving. Sheriff Brown and the Sheriff’s Office would like to express their sincere thanks and appreciation to Sellars Inc. for their donation. Additionally, Sheriff Brown and Sellars Inc., in cooperation with the Newton County Minister’s Union, provided turkeys to the homeless community of Newton County for Thanksgiving Day.
Divisional Employees of the Month Sheriff Ezell Brown and the Newton County Sheriff’s Office, in partnership with Rev. Jerry Stokes and The Gathering Spot Church, recognized six employees for the Divisional Employees of the Month for October 2020. The Sheriff’s Office employees recognized by their Division Commanders are as follows:
COURT SERVICES DEPUTY KEVIN GLADDEN
UNIFORM PATROL DEPUTY DAVID SIMS (NOT PICTURED)
SPECIAL INVESTIGATIONS UNIT INVestigator MILTON HIGHTOWER
OFFICE OF PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS DEPUTY JOEY SALERS
SUPPORT SERVICES OFFICER STEPHEN PLUNKETT (capt. roberts pictured below with certificate)
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES TERRIA MAXWELL
SHERIFF BROWN ADMINISTERS OATH OF OFFICE TO FOUR EMPLOYEES WHO GRADUATED MANDATE SCHOOL
Sheriff Ezell Brown administered the Oath of Office to four Newton County Sheriff’s Office employees who recently graduated from Mandate School. Detention Officers Novel Ellis, Pinky Hall, Michael Beasley, and Michael Mork graduated on Nov. 13, 2020, from the North Central Georgia Law Enforcement Academy in Austell, Georgia.
WELCOME
aboard Shamira Kitchens Deputy Sheriff
Sheriff Brown and the Newton County Sheriff’s Office welcome you!
HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM PORCH PIRATES THIS HOLIDAY SEASON Install visible outdoor security cameras and/or video doorbells Schedule packages to be delivered when someone is home to receive them Have packages delivered to where you are, if possible, such as your place of employment Ask family members, friends, or trusted neighbors to accept package delivieres Request packages to be placed in hidden areas, such as behind a planter or garbage can
SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING! Keep an eye out for suspicious activity in your area. Immediately report suspicious activity to 911. INFORMATION PROVIDED BY THE NEWTON COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE CRIME PREVENTION UNIT.
COMMITMENT loyalty sacrifice dedication www . newtonsheriffga . org