Responding to the increased number of citizens wanting to assist law enforcement officials and build a stronger partnership in the fight against crime, Shelby County Sheriff Willis Blackwell announced that Shelby County citizens are invited to become Associate Members of the Sheriff’s Association of Texas.

 

Membership invitations have been sent out and are arriving in the mail. Associate Member funding allows the Sheriffs’ Association of Texas to provide critical training, technical resources, and legislative support on key criminal justice issues to law enforcement officers across the state.

 

In addition, dues will be used to support crime prevention and awareness programs, promote public safety, fight drug abuse, provide additional training for sheriffs and their deputies, and provide scholarships for children of law enforcement officers.

 

Contributions to the Sheriffs’ Association of Texas are tax-deductible. The Associate Membership Drive helps provide the funding which is vital to the mission of making communities a safer place to live, work and play.

 

The Associate Membership Program was created to provide citizens with an opportunity to lend their support to more effective law enforcement and to better help local Sheriffs protect the lives and property of citizens.

 

“During these economic times, the need for building stronger public-private law enforcement partnership continues to escalate, and programs such as this continue to grow in importance,” said Blackwell. “I encourage every citizen receiving a membership appeal to consider joining forces with us by becoming an Associate Member. It is a valuable investment in our future.”

 

Citizens not receiving a membership appeal or desiring more information can contact the Sheriff’s Association of Texas at: 1601 S. Interstate 35, Austin, Texas 78741 or online at www.txsheriffs.org.