Warren County Sheriff’s Office Foundation Expands Community Programs, Plans Fall Events

Nearly a year after its formation, the Warren County Sheriff’s Office Foundation is continuing to build support for community policing programs, youth activities, senior outreach and other efforts that fall outside the Sheriff’s Office’s regular operating budget.

Foundation representatives Bob Battani, Krista Beahm and board chairman Walter Mabe recently discussed the organization’s first year, upcoming events and the role it hopes to play in strengthening ties between law enforcement and the community.

“The foundation was started based on something that the sheriff wanted to have as a way for us to help raise money for various activities,” Battani said. “Youth programs, senior programs, that type of thing.”

He said community-oriented programs are often difficult to fund, even though they can have long-term effects.

“The sheriff obviously only has a limited budget as far as being able to do activities outside of their normal operation,” Battani said. “So the foundation was created to help supplement that financial situation.”

Mabe said one goal is to remind residents that deputies are members of the community too.

“They’re not out there to write us a ticket or arrest us,” he said. “They may stop us and say, ‘Hey, thanks. I saw you the other day,’ or, ‘Can I help you with your child’s safety car seat?’”

That community-policing focus runs through many of the foundation’s projects.

One recent fundraiser, Battle of the Bites, brought together five restaurants in the Riverton Commons area. Bantini said the event was successful enough that participating businesses are already interested in doing it again next spring.

The foundation is now preparing another restaurant-centered fundraiser called Downtown Hunger Games, which is expected to run from early September through the end of October.

Unlike Battle of the Bites, which focused on appetizers, the downtown event will use buy-one-get-one-free offers at participating restaurants. Customers will use foundation vouchers, and restaurants can then decide how much to contribute back to the foundation based on the value the promotion brought to their business.

Businesses already signed up include On Cue, BrickHouse, C&C Frozen Treats, and Hibachi Fresh, said Battani.

The winner is expected to be recognized during Front Royal’s downtown Halloween event.

Krista Beahm said the new fundraiser also gives the foundation an opportunity to highlight locally owned restaurants.

“This is our way to kind of contribute to them too and help out with the small [businesses] within the town,” she said.

Senior Expo Expected to Draw Large Crowd

The foundation is also supporting the TRIAD Senior Expo, scheduled for Sept. 15 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Moose Lodge.

The event is free for seniors, though advance registration is requested so organizers can plan for food.

Battani said more than 100 people attended last year, and organizers had already received about 150 RSVPs for this year’s event.

The expo will include presentations on senior safety, scams, home safety and other topics. Fire and rescue representatives are expected to take part as well.

Battani said recent programs on fraud and artificial intelligence have shown how quickly scams evolve and why seniors need up-to-date information.

Car Seat Safety, Celebrate Kids Day

Another project involves child passenger safety.

The foundation is working with the Warren Coalition on a program that will include raffling off child car seats and seeking additional community support to purchase more.

Beahm said the cost of car seats can be a real barrier for some families.

“It’s hard to find one under $100,” she said.

She added that deputies certified in child-seat installation will also be available to help families make sure seats are installed correctly.

The foundation will also support Celebrate Kids Day on Sept. 27 from 1 to 4 p.m., an event known for bringing together community organizations and family resources.

Beahm said the event regularly draws a large crowd and gives families a chance to learn about services they may not realize are available locally.

PAL Program Continues to Grow

Beahm also highlighted the Sheriff’s Office PAL program, which she helps run.

The program has been operating for about a year and a half and now has more than 50 registered children.

Beahm said PAL activities are held at least once, and sometimes twice, a month, depending on the schedule.

One of the most popular offerings is an open gym, where children can play basketball, soccer, and other games. An upcoming session is scheduled for Sept. 4 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the 15th Street Community Gym.

The foundation helps support PAL because the program does not receive a dedicated funding stream and instead relies on sponsors and donations.

A larger youth event is also planned for Nov. 7 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in partnership with the Izaak Walton League.

Activities are expected to include fishing, archery, hiking, law enforcement vehicle displays and a wildlife-related activity. The foundation has already agreed to sponsor lunch for the day.

Beahm said the event will serve both as a fun outing for kids and a way to introduce more families to the PAL program and the Izaak Walton League.

Foundation Seeks Volunteers and Donations

As its activities increase, the foundation says it needs more community support.

Battani encouraged residents to visit the foundation’s website and learn more about ways to get involved.

Mabe said volunteers do not need to make a major commitment or join the board.

“There are many things that need to be done,” he said. “We need volunteers to help us do the things that we’re involved in.”

He added that even a small amount of time can help.

“None of us get paid to do this, but everybody gets the satisfaction of having a smile or watching something happen that was not happening yesterday,” Mabe said.

Beahm said donations are just as valuable for people who do not have time to volunteer.

“You can make a donation if you ain’t got time,” she said. “You can come to one event and help for a couple hours. It takes all people.”

The broader goal, the group said, is to help law enforcement build relationships before a crisis occurs.

Beahm said officers and deputies are often seen only when they are writing tickets or responding to trouble, but that view misses much of what law enforcement does.

“It’s not all about writing tickets and putting people in jail,” she said. “There is a whole other side of it that’s important to see.”

For the foundation, that “other side” includes helping seniors avoid scams, getting children into safe car seats, providing youth programs, and creating more opportunities for residents to meet the people behind the badge.

Town Talk, sponsored by National Media Services, Inc., is a Royal Examiner series that introduces you to local entrepreneurs, business owners, nonprofit leaders, and public officials who help shape Warren County. Conversations cover a wide range of topics about our community and the people making a difference.