Edition: March 2023

A MESSAGE FROM SHERIFF BARON

Hello Team NSO!


I hope your 2023 is off to a great start.


I am excited about all of the great things we have in store for this year and some wonderful things we've already accomplished. Community events are in full swing and we have more planned in the coming months.


As most of you know we are in the middle of meeting with everyone about goals. If you have turned in your goals and I haven't met with you yet, you will be contacted by Allison soon to get that scheduled.


We are also in the middle of budget season and I remain committed to getting our staff to pay parity with our public safety partners. I have had numerous meetings with city officials and will continue to fight for what is right. Stay tuned... I hope to have more information on this in the coming months!

INTRODUCING FIRST SERGEANT BELTRAN

On March 1st, Sgt. Beltran assumed the position of First Sergeant, a recently created position here at the Norfolk Sheriff's Office.


First Sergeant Beltran will be a regular fixture throughout all areas of the NSO and will be responsible for hearing the unfiltered concerns of all staff, both sworn and civilian. Additionally, First Sergeant Beltran will be able to answer questions related to current operations and future happenings at the Norfolk Sheriff’s Office and will be sharing that information to ensure our staff members have accurate and timely information about those operations and plans.


Sheriff Baron will continue to have an open door policy, but would like to encourage everyone to feel confident in speaking openly and directly with First Sergeant Beltran.

71ST SESSION IS IN FULL SWING
CIT Certified!
The recruits of Session 71 recently completed their 40-hour CIT (Critical Incident Team) Training to become CIT certified.

Throughout the 40-hour training, attendees learn about a variety of mental health conditions, were taught de-escalation techniques to use when dealing with individuals in crisis, and participated in training scenarios.
Public Service

An important aspect of the academy is to always maintain control of Norfolk Sheriffs office equipment and the academy flag is no exception. When the flag is left unattended, the staff have been known to “acquire” it and it can only be EARNED back through an act of service that will benefit the citizens that we serve.


Recently, the 71st session lost the flag, and to earn it back, the recruits volunteered to pick up trash around the Sheriffs Administration building and Public Safety building to help create a cleaner and safer environment for the public. This also allowed the 71st session recruits to come together as a team to build a stronger sense of community and bond within their class. Well done 71!

COMMUNITY BASKETBALL GAMES!

On Saturday, March 11, 2023, several members of Team NSO joined personnel from the Norfolk Police Department and Old Dominion University Police Department for the Community Hoops Basketball Game sponsored by ODU PD and Lambert's Point Civic Leagues at the Lambert's Point Recreation Center.


On March 14, 2023, Team NSO took on the 20th Bay Recreation basketball team at the East Ocean View Recreation Center during a community basketball game. This game was the first time these teams have played each other since 2019 due to the COVID pandemic. Thank you to everyone who participated in the event and interacted with the youth.


Participating in events like this with the youth of our community helps to show a different side of law enforcement and we appreciate everyone who took part in this event.

ACTIVE THREAT RESPONSE TRAINING

On the last Wednesday of every month, the Norfolk Sheriff's Office Training Division hosts the monthly session of the civilian response to Active Threat Training. The training is held in the large classroom from 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.


The class is open to the public and those wanting to sign up can do so through our website. Attendees will receive a Certificate of Completion at the end of the course.


In February, Deputy J. Wright, accompanied by Sheriff Baron and Councilman Paige, took the training to Calvary Towers where they met with residents about the rise in crime in their neighborhood. (Pictured below) While they were off-site for this training, all future trainings will be held at the NSO Administration Building.

RELAY FOR LIFE FUNDRAISING

On February 25, 2023 the Norfolk Sheriff's Office Relay for Life Team hosted a bowling tournament at the AMF Norfolk Lanes.


We are excited to announce the event raised $2,702.


The Relay for Life Team would like to thank everyone who participated in the event and helped make the event a success.

CELEBRATING OUR EMPLOYEES!

On March 13 Sheriff Baron celebrated his birthday with a Mexican lunch and surprise serenade by the staff of Plaza Azteca.

Congratulations to Deputy Kevin Stinson who was named as the Norfolk Consolidated Courts Employee of the Month!

HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY

On March 18, NSO personnel participated in the 56th Ocean View St. Patrick's Day Parade. After the parade was canceled for the past few years due to the COVID pandemic, we were excited to be back among the crowds and see so many citizens enjoying themselves. Thank you to Community Affairs for spearheading our involvement and providing the giveaways. Thank you, also, to Master Deputy Reed, Deputy McKeon, and Master Deputy Chisolm, Lt. Kent, Lt. Morgan, Dolores and Ray Fiorella, Fred Little, Colonel O'Toole and Sheriff Baron who were all in attendance.

LIVING OUT OUR MISSION STATEMENT

MASTER DEPUTY O'BRIEN SAVES A LIFE!


On March 3, 2023, Master Deputy O'Brien was working in Records when personnel were notified of a man slumped over in the lobby of the Public Safety Building. After arriving and being informed the man had ingested drugs, M/D O'Brien noticed his shallow breathing and administered Narcan. She continued to monitor the man's breathing and performed sternum rubs, and administered a second dose of Narcan. The Booking Nurse arrived on scene and instructed M/D O'Brien to remove the man from the chair, place him on the floor, and administer a third dose of Narcan. NSO Jail Medical staff arrived and administered a fourth dose of Narcan. By the time EMS arrived on scene the man was alert and speaking with responders.


Thank you, M/D O'Brien, your CPR instructor training and your calm and controlled response to this stressful situation most definitely saved a life that day.

LT. JOHNSON THWARTS A ROBBERY IN PROGRESS!


On Thursday, March 30, 2023, Lt. W. Johnson was conducting Norfolk Sheriff's Office business and was in the lobby of the Towne Bank located in the 100 block of E. Main Street when a man entered the business, passed a note to the teller, and demanded money. Lt. Johnson was made aware of the situation by bank employees, approached the man, and arrested him without incident. The man was subsequently taken into custody by responding officers from the Norfolk Police Department. 


Thank you, Lt. Johnson, for your swift response to this situation and for your commitment to public safety and ensuring a safe environment for those working and handling business at the bank.

K-9 CERTIFICATIONS COMPLETE!

Congratulations to Senior Deputy D. Klutts and K-9 Enzo and Deputy A. Klutts and K-9 Bajos who recently completed an 18-week K-9 school hosted by Chesapeake Police Department's K-9 Unit. The school hosted K-9 teams from the Norfolk Sheriff's Office, Chesapeake Police Department, Newport News Police Department, Isle of Wight County Sheriff's Office, and Accomack County Sheriff's Office.


Both of our K-9 teams were certified in general narcotics detection, courier detection, and tracking. Deputy A. Klutts and K-9 Bajos will be assigned to the Norfolk City Jail and Senior Deputy D. Klutts and Enzo will be assigned to a local task force. 

STAFF MILESTONES

CONGRATULATIONS DEPUTY MICHALAK, POST 327 DEPUTY OF THE YEAR


Each year American Legion Post 327 hosts a Law and Order Awards Ceremony and presents honors to a firefighter, paramedic, police officer, and deputy sheriff of the year.


This year, Deputy A. Michalak was selected as the Deputy of the Year by the American Legion Post 327 for his actions on the night of July 20, 2022.


We would like to send a big congratulations to Deputy A. Michalak who was recognized as the Deputy of the Year at the Law and Order Awards Ceremony earlier this year.

CIVILIAN OF THE YEAR: BETTYE POTTS


Mrs. Bettye Potts demonstrates initiatives, promotes team efforts, builds partnerships with the community, maintains the Programs office continuity, and supports the mission of the NSO. Additionally, she is responsible for scheduling all classes for the various inmate programs and also finds times to take advantage of city-offered training classes to enhance her skills. Mrs. Potts is an outstanding team member and dedicated to her role.

DEPUTY OF THE 4TH QUARTER: MASTER DEPUTY DROWNS


Master Deputy J. Drowns is an integral member of our team. He and Fred Little are responsible for the agency's fleet and all special assignment designated by the Undersheriff. He consistently takes calls after hours and on the weekends to ensure our staff have reliable transportation. He is consistent, dependable, and responsible. He was also recently tasked with overseeing the security detail at city parking garages and has received compliments from city leaders, residents, and visitors on the work he does.

CIVILIAN OF THE 4TH QUARTER: ROB HUDSON


Rob is considered an asset, a leader, and a teacher by his supervisors and co-workers. He brings with him a wealth of knowledges in the Airteq doors and locks, and is able to perform any type of plumbing or general repair without assistance. He has shown nothing but a professional attitude and embodies a willingness to do whatever is asked of him, without hesitation, quickly and effectively. He has shown a commitment to the NSO and the Facility Management Division by consistently putting team before self.

LEADER OF THE 4TH QUARTER: CAPTAIN GILL


Captain Gill has taken the time to provide valuable mentorship, listening ears, and a genuine caring heart to every member of the team. He helped the members of B-Team communicate more effectively and grow closer. He carries himself as a leader that encourages thriving and demonstrates to us that we are more than just a name on a uniform, we are an essential part of the success of the jail. He has demonstrated time and again that he has our backs, that no question is unworthy of being answered, and no task is too small or too dirty for him to be in the trenches helping us. He has not only lived by the Golden Rule, but has gone above and beyond to exemplify the Golden Rule.

Looking for photos from recent staff awards? Click here! 

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

The Norfolk leg of the 2023 Law Enforcement Torch Run will take place on

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 7, 2023.


We will be meeting at the Harrison Opera House at 9 a.m. The run will begin at approximately 9:30 a.m. and should be completed by 10 a.m. or soon after.

This year’s route will be the same as last year’s route -- We will be meet at the Harrison Opera House and run down Boush Street to Waterside Drive, will run through Town Point Park and will end behind the Waterside District.

THANK YOU to the NSO Employee Committee who recently voted to pay the $25 registration fee for the first 25 participants who sign up. 


If you are interested in participating in the Law Enforcement Torch Run, please email jamie.bastas@norfolk-sheriff.com for information.

Join Team NSO for the LETR at this link

HELP US SPREAD THE WORD ABOUT SUMMER CAMP!

REGISTER FOR SUMMER CAMP HERE!
SIGN UP TO SAVE A LIFE! 

Do you have something you would like to see included in the NSO Times? Email the information and accompanying pictures/graphics to

jamie.bastas@norfolk-sheriff.com.