Tazewell County Sheriff's Office

News and Events:

Major Clarence Tatum Retires

Major Clarence Tatum is the first officer to retire from the Tazewell County’s Sheriff’s Office with over 30 years of continuous time. In 1974, after leaving the military, he came back to Tazewell County going to work for Cedar Bluff Police Department as Chief, for Two years.  In fall of 1976 he was hired by the Tazewell County Sheriff’s Office.  Clarence was a road deputy for a year then became an investigator / detective and Bloodhound handler. Through the years Clarence has worked with three different Sheriff’s; Sheriff Osborne, Sheriff Johnson, and the current Sheriff Caudill. In the campaign year of 1999, Clarence himself ran for Sheriff as an independent, along with four other candidates, being succeeded by Sheriff Caudill.  In 2005 Clarence became Captain of Operations, and later promoted to Major in 2006. Through the past 30 years Clarence has witnessed several changes in Law enforcement and in the Tazewell County Sheriff’s Office.  According to Clarence one of the best improvements has been the direction of education. The Law enforcement academy has greatly expanded their program and training. Improving the teaching curriculum, stricter training, a physical fitness program and state mandated testing along with increasing the course length from 4 weeks to what is now today a 18 week course. Also at one time you weren’t required to have a high school diploma, which is a minimal requirement today. According to Clearance the first thing he is going to do is spend some quality time with his four grandchildren and his wife.

Cove Community Meeting

March against Drugs

April 26, 2008 - County Officials carried the banner and lead the way in the march against drugs. The march began at the Tazewell High School with a rally of Christians & Concerned Citizens for a Drug Free Tazewell County. More than 500 people turned out for the Anti-Drug March which lead every one across the streets of Tazewell ending at the Tazewell County courthouse. Several more attended the service as local church pastors and county officials inspired all that we can impact and make a difference in our corner of the world and those in it. The day was fulfilled with a circle of prayer and hope surrounding the outside of Southwest Regional Jail as marchers, speakers and spectators young & old were hand & hand in a moment of prayer as inmates peered out windows above.
 

Administration of Justice Day

April 30th, 2008, Southwest Virginia Community College, Richlands VA – Jerry Stinson welcomed several agencies that participated at the Administration of Justice Day at the Southwest Virginia Community College. Tazewell County Sheriff’s Office set up with their Crime Scene Command Vehicle demonstrating the capabilities and advantages of a Crime Scene Vehicle capable of processing at the scene of the confrontation. Virginia State Police was represented and demonstrations were given by their Bomb Dog, the Dive Team and their Armored Tactical Vehicle was displayed. Russell County Sheriff’s Office Tack Team demonstrated for all students to see how they would take over a terrorist occupied school bus and later demonstrated how they would handle a hostage situation. All demonstration was very information enhancing any aspect of an Administrative of Justice career choice.

Many future students interested in Law Enforcement careers visited including students from Richlands High School, Lebanon High School, Russell County Career and Technical Center, Dickenson County Career and Technical Center, and attending students and staff of SVCC.
 

Raven, VA – Raven Elementary School

May 1st, 2008 Fifth Grade D.A.R.E. Graduation. Tazewell County Resource Officer Deputy Frank Horne has been working with students all year long in each of the Tazewell County Elementary Schools. Tazewell Elementary, North Tazewell Elementary, Abbs Valley Elementary, Pocahontas Elementary and Raven Elementary. The Dare Program originated in Los Angles, CA in 1986 has been a part of Tazewell County for 22 years. The DARE program was started in Tazewell County in 1987. Each School holds graduation of the fifth grade class just before the end of school. The DARE stands for Drug Abuse Resistance Education. The DARE is highly acclaimed program that gives kids the skills they need to avoid involvement in drugs, gangs, and violence. The program encourages kids not to do drugs and to keep their friends and family from trying or taking drugs too.

Special guests included: Deputy Gunter & his K-9 partner, Lt. Col. Howington, Sgt. Stanford, Sgt. Stillwell, Dep. Stowers, Dep. Quensenberry, Dep. McNerlin and School Resource Officer J. Willison.
 

Knuckles Hall Tazewell, VA – Retired & Senior Volunteer Program Annual Recognition

Tazewell County Sheriff’s Office was a special guest as well as many other local officials. Present were: Senator Phillip Puckett, Tazewell County Sheriff’s Office Lt. Colonial Howington, and Board of Supervisor Representative Bill Wimmer.

The event began at 10:30a.m. with the colors being presented by the Richlands High School Air Force Jr. ROTC, followed immediately by the Pledge of Allegiance lead by all the Veterans. The Bristol Virginia Senior Show Choir entertained all with a show called American Idol’s Too. Singing and participation was enjoyed by all. Entertainment was followed up with a great meal prepared by Clinch Valley Community Action and Volunteers. Distribution of Year & Recruitment Pins as well as special closing remarks made by Senator Phillip Puckett concluded the event.
 

“Good Excuse to Ride”

Saturday May 3rd, 2008 what a great day to have a “Good Excuse to Ride”. The Tazewell County Sheriff’s Office “Because We Care Team” along with the American Cancer Society together had there first Annual Motorcycle Poker Run to benefit the Cancer Society Relay for Life. Thirty seven riders participated even with the pending threat of wind and rain approaching from the west. They departed from Tazewell by 11:00 a.m. making the round trip through Bluefield over to Wytheville and finishing up across Route 16 from Marion all returning back safely to Tazewell by 4:30p.m. All riders afterward enjoyed a hot meal prepared by volunteers and served at the Tazewell County Moose Lodge. Both the American Cancer Society and Tazewell County Sheriff’s Office would like to congratulate Ms. Lois Keen of Cedar Bluff on her winning hand, Quinto Falgiani III of Tazewell on having the winning ½ & ½ ticket number and Jim Addair of Rosedale on winning the Trout Rodeo fishing ticket.

On behalf of both association’s special thanks to all vendors for their donations: Sam’s Club, Bluefield, Food City, Claypool Hill, Darrells Shell, Claypool Hill, and the Tazewell County Moose Lodge, Iron Titian’s website and Dean & Cindy Shortt for the use of their grill.

Especially thanks to a each and everyone of the team members and the participant’s for their donation to the Relay for Life: Dennis Griffith, Jim Addair, William Warner, Don Warner, Karen Warner, Mike Shawver, George Gishrich, Scott Davis, Michael Hale, Rodney Scott, Sam Crockett, Betty Jo Scott, Bill Asbury, Shelly Sheets, Linda Cook, Steve Cooly, Lois Keene, B.J. Keen, Randy Spangler, Vera Monk, Harold Street, John Sneely, John Childress, Rebecca Childress, Kenny Goins Jr.,Stephine Goins, Teddy Sawyers, Ron Joyce, Dwana Joyce, Kenny Goins, Quinto Falgiana III, Quinto Falgiana IV, Randy Dye, Sam Looney, Tonya Looney, Mike Stevenson, Teresa Stevenson, and Angie Shawver.

Celebrate. Remember. Fight Back.
The American Cancer Society Relay for Life represents the hope that those lost to cancer will never be forgotten, that those who face cancer will be supported, and that one day cancer will be eliminated.

Our next Relay for Life function will be a Trout Rodeo on Saturday May 31st from 9 a.m. – 6p.m. Fishing will take place on Tazewell Moose Lodge property stream just located off Rt. 19/460 near Ramey Chevrolet, Tazewell. For further information please to the tazewellcountysheriff.org or contact Detective Turley @ 988-1161, Det. Reid 988-5966 ext. 147 or Harry Nolley 988-2451 for advance tickets or information.

Tannersville Rescue Squad’s Annual Community Health Fair

May 3rd, 2008 – Tannersville Rescue Squad’s Annual Community Health Fair. The Tazewell County Sheriff’s Office along with several other participants made great representation at Tannersville. Pictured are Corporal Deputy John Gunter Jr. and his drug dog Jake, participating is a demonstration during the Health Fair.

Tribute to Our Fallen Officers

May 17, 2008 – The Tazewell County Sheriff’s Office hosted a tribute to the fallen officers of Virginia and Tazewell County. The tribute began as the Tazewell County Sheriff’s Office color guard presented the flags; followed by officers in uniform representing eleven different Virginia Law Enforcement Agencies. The memorial wreath was presented and saluted by Sheriff H.S, Caudill. Opening prayer was done by Chaplain Adam Frye. Sheriff Tommy Whitt of Montgomery County gave an empathetic and inspirational speech talking about past experiences in his county and commended all that put on the badge on everyday. The Tazewell High School Choir gave a moving performance. The tribute continued with speaker Delegate Dan Bowling, again thanking each and every officer who every day put their lives on the line, leaving their families at home to go out and protect their fellow Citizens of Virginia. Closing was done by Tazewell Town Chief Brain Hiatt, who read the “Roll Call” of the fallen officers as the Main Street Methodist Church Bells rang and the blue lights of fellow officer glimmered.
 

Bluefield VA. May 3rd – Bluefield Wal Mart

Bluefield Virginia had their annual Safety Day Event. The Tazewell County Sheriff’s Office, along with Bluefield Virginia Town Police Department, Tazewell Town Police Department, Bluefield Virginia Fire Department, Bluefield Virginia Rescue Squad, Wings Air Rescue, and Local Boy Scout Troops all participated. The public was invited to view and get some hands on understanding of Fire, Rescue and Police. Pictured are the Tazewell County Sheriff’s Office Resource officers making Kids ID’s. Anyone interested in getting a Kid Identification Card made for their child or grandchildren please contact the Sheriff’s Office at 276-988-5966 ext 145.
 

Allen Tibbs on the biggest catch of the day a Trout cited by the Virginia Game Commission to weight 10 lbs 7ozs.

Tazewell, VA - May 3rd & 31st The Relay For Life “Because We Care Team” would like to take this time to thank all the participants, sponsors, and vendors for their compassion, numerous donations of food, time and effort. Together we have raised a large amount of money for the American Cancer Society with the many fund raisers we have had. Thank you, to all of the dirty vehicles that stopped by our recent car wash at the Advance Auto in Tazewell, and Thank you for making the First Annual Trout Rodeo a great success. Special thanks to the Tazewell Advance Auto for their donation of location and car wash supplies and to the Tazewell Moose Lodge for allowing the Because We Care Team to use their property. The Because We Care Team would like to congratulate the three fisherman who won Fifty Dollars each for catching the first three 5# Trout Darryl Stillwell, Mike Poskas, and Lonnie Howington Also special mention to congratulate Allen Tibbs on the biggest catch of the day a Trout cited by the Virginia Game Commission to weight 10 lbs 7ozs. (Pictured)

We still need everyone’s support to continue to raise money. The Relay for Life brings lives together. This is one of the largest annual American Cancer Society events. The Relay brings people together from all walks of life to raise much-needed funds and awareness. No mater who you are, there’s a place for you at the Relay. Join the Because We Care Team along with your community as we gather on June 14th & 15 at the Tazewell High School Football Field. The event starts at Noon on Saturday June 14th continuing overnight till 7:00 a.m. on the June 15th . The event will continue overnight while participants, supporters and survivors walk. Because cancer never sleeps, each team is asked to have a representative on the track at all times during the overnight event. Each team will also have entertainment and prizes at their camp used to raise money for the event. Concessions will be available. Hope to see you there, for more information go to Team "Because We Care".

Tazewell VA. – Advance Auto

Relay For Life – Car Wash

May 3^rd, 2008 the Tazewell County Because We Care Team washed dirty cars and trucks for hours.  Thank you to the Tazewell Advance Auto Store and to of all you who participated washing vehicles and those who got your unclean vehicles washed to raise money for the American Cancer Society.  Be sure to watch for future car washes and please continue to support the American Cancer Society and the Relay for Life Team efforts.

Tazewell, VA – Dare Jamboree

May 28th, 2008 Congratulations’ to all the Tazewell County Dare Graduates and their supporters Tazewell High School, Graham High School, Richlands High School, Pocahontas High School and the Tazewell County Sheriff’s Office Resource Officers: Deputy Frank Horn, Deputy Kevin Crisp and Jeff Wilson.

Tazewell County Board of Supervisors meeting

Tazewell VA – On June 03, 2008 at the Tazewell County Board of Supervisors meeting, the Tazewell County Sheriff’s Office along with the Virginia Department of Highway Traffic Safety and the Governor’s Highway Safety Board made their first presentation in Tazewell County for the “Saved By the Belt & Bag Recognition Program.” This program is to identify individuals whose lives are saved or injuries significantly reduced because they were properly wearing a safety belt, were in a safety seat, or protected by an air bag and safety belt at the time of the crash. This program is to provide documented evidence to reinforce the life-saving importance of seatbelts and air bags increasing occupant protection for individuals involved in motor vehicle crashes and encourage others to utilize them.

The first of the two recipients of the recognition award are: Sarah Enquist who at the time of the accident was 9 Months Pregnant and had her 1 y/o son in the vehicle lost control of her SUV due to extreme weather and road conditions. The vehicle left the road, striking a tree and then flipped. The vehicle was totaled. If not for the proper wearing of her safety belts and the proper usage of a child seat for her son, both lives would have been in jeopardy. Sarah received minor facial injuries from glass and debris. Both Sarah and her son were treated and released from the hospital, Sarah unborn child was ok too.

The second recipient of the recognition award is Paul Gene Anderson Jr. Paul who was traveling on a rural road, when a deer came running form the woods and toward his vehicle. Paul swerved to miss the deer. During this maneuver Paul’s vehicle traveled off the road, went over a small cliff and struck a tree. The distance traveled off the road was over 100 feet before coming to a stop. By Paul wearing his seatbelt he was sustained from any major injuries.

Congratulations to both Sarah Enquest and Paul Anderson Jr. for using their safety belts and reinforcing the protection that safety belts can provide if worn properly during a motor vehicle crash. Presentation made by Donald Allen with Governors Highway Safety and Sheriff H.S Caudill Tazewell County Sheriff’s Office.
 

Alzheimer’s Training – June 2008

The Tazewell County Sheriff’s office along with six other, law enforcement, search & rescue, and EMS agencies trained together on how to recognize the behavior and care for the lost or disoriented Alzheimer’s person. Many topics were covered on how to respond, confront, reassure, calm and seek assistance for the Alzheimer’s person. Ideas and tips were revealed and explained as to how to recognize the strange events and false reports that may common the incident surrounding the Alzheimer’s person. In 2000 an estimated 5 million people will have Alzheimer’s in the U.S. 110,000 in Virginia to increase to 160,000 in Virginia by 2025; 27,000 in Southwest Virginia. Alzheimer’s is the fourth leading cause of death among adults. The Tazewell County Sheriff’s office will continue to train further on classes that will enhance the skills of their deputies to improve quality of service to the citizens of Tazewell County.

Bluefield Carnival

The Bluefield Carnival is an annual event that takes place during the first week of May. The Tazewell County Sheriff’s Office as well as other jurisdictions provides extra protection including foot patrol throughout and during major Tazewell County events. By providing the extra man power the citizens of Tazewell County can be assured that everything is being done to insure quality of life, safety and public assistance. Events like this are very important to the Tazewell County Sheriff’s Office to provide community relations on every occasion. If the Sheriff’s Office can be of any further assistance please contact our office.

Relay 4 Life – Tazewell Football Field
 

The Tazewell County Sheriff’s Office
Because We Care Team 2008

The rain put bit of a damper on day of June 14th at the2008 Tazewell County Relay for Life Event, but not on the compassion and fellowship for those who spent the day together. Numerous supports, survivors, friends and family participated in many games, special event walks, and ceremonies. Everyone gathered to celebrate the lives of people who had battled cancer and Remembered their Love ones lost to the disease. The Relay for Life teams represent the hope that those lost to cancer will never be forgotten, that those who face cancer will be supported and that one day cancer will be eliminated. The Because We Care team relay because we have been touched by cancer and desperately want to put an end to the disease. Special thanks go out to all who donated, supported and participated during our 2008 fund raising drive. Together the combined efforts of all the Tazewell County Region Relay for Life Teams raised over $67,000.
 

There is no finish line until we find a cure. Please continue to watch for Relay For Life American Cancer Society Events. Your continued support is greatly appreciated. Thank You.
 

Deputy Honored

Bluefield, VA – Tuesday July 1, 2008 at Bowen Field just prior to the Bluefield Orioles –Kingsport Appalachian League game, Tazewell County Deputy Cpl. Eric Mullins was honored for his public service and dedication to Tazewell County. The very first “Hometown Hero” award to be given out. In the ceremony took place on the field, near the pitchers mound. Brian Akers, general manager of the Bluefield Applebee’s, presented Deputy Mullins with a plaque. The “Hometown Hero” award is sponsored by the Bluefield Orioles and the Bluefield Applebee’s restaurant chain. Deputy Mullins then threw out the first pitch to start the game. According to Mike Showe, general manager of the Bluefield Orioles, we want to give back to the community; this will be a monthly feature at the Orioles home games. Mike plans to honor other public service workers over the next couple of months including Fire and EMS. Mike thought Deputy Mullins would be a great recipient for the first award. Present for the ceremony was Deputy Mullins & his family, Sheriff H.S. Caudill, and the many great supports of the Appalachian Baseball League. Sheriff H.S. Caudill stated It’s wonderful what their doing for the many hero’s of Tazewell County, and that Eric is a very deserving deputy the morning he got shot he put his life on the line not knowing that the individuals he stopped were armed and had just robbed two convenience stores, he was very fortunate.
 

Tazewell, VA – Monday July 14th, 2008 The Tazewell County Sheriff’s Office “Because We Care Team” received two donations and honors from the American Cancer Society.

The American Cancer Society Relay for Life represents the hope that those lost to cancer will never be forgotten, that those who face cancer will be supported and that one-day cancer will be eliminated. Each spring many organizations in and around the Tazewell County area compete in the world largest not- for –profit fundraising events. This is the First year the Tazewell County Sheriff’s Office formed the “Because We Care Team” and had such a successful year. The team has put some real efforts forward, having participated in four major events, all of which were a great moneymaking fund raising success. (1st Annual Poker Run,1st Annual Trout Rodeo, Car Wash, the Relay 4 Life Tazewell High School.

Congratulations to the “Because We Care Team” for their great fund-raising success, participation, commitment of time, efforts and compassion they raised a total of $9,000 which combined together with the Tazewell County region including 13 teams for a total funds raised in exceed $70,000.

Jerry Hickman on behalf of the CNX Gas Company presented a donation of $1,000 to H.S. Caudill and the members of the “Because We Care Team” For Relay For Life.

 

Judy Dillow with the North Tazewell Lions Club presented a donation in the amount of $200 to Sheriff H.S. Caudill and the members of the “Because We Care Team” For Relay 4 Life.

A fourth place plaque was presented by Bonnie Jones the American Cancer Society Community Manager, and the regional Team Captain Buddy Stanley to H S Caudill and the “Because We Care Team. Congratulations to the “Because We Care Team” for their great fund-raising success, participation, commitment of time, efforts and compassion they raised a total of $9,000 which combined together with the Tazewell County region including 13 teams for a total in exceed $70,000.

Tazewell County Sheriff’s Office

Receives Accreditation

Tazewell, VA – Tuesday July 15^th, 2008. The Tazewell County Sheriff’s Office celebrated receiving accreditation from the Virginia Law Enforcement Professional Standards Commission.  The official presentation was conducted by executive board members Sheriff Fred Newman, of the Washington County Sheriff’s Office and Chief of Police Gary Roche, of the Town of Pulaski during a 6 P.M. ceremony in the Tazewell County Courthouse.

The Tazewell County Sheriff’s Office became the 68^th law enforcement agency of 417 eligible in the state of Virginia to receive accreditation.  Out of the 417 eligible, 123 of those agencies are Sheriff’s Offices and the Tazewell County Sheriff’s Office makes the 39^th to receive accreditation, and fourth in Southwest Virginia.

The state accreditation is the best measure of an agency’s compliance with professionalism.  The official recognition after months of dedication, time and enthusiasm, was rewarded and noted as a successful accomplishment. According to Sheriff H.S. Caudill, it would not have been possible without the efforts and dedication of Deputy Michelle Infante, the accreditation manager. Michelle kept the enthusiasm and drive going in the Sheriff’s Office to persevere and provide the acceptable standards, polices and procedures. 

The Sheriff’s Office has previously received certification from the State Compensation Board, which was achieved in September 2006 and recertified in October 2007.  The Tazewell County Sheriff’s Office was required to comply with 187 state standards and audited to assure all standards had been meet. 

The Sheriff said he is pleased we have eagerly met the state professional standards, and will strive to exceed the numerous standards and goals that have been set by both agencies.

Sheriff Caudill also credits much of the success of the accreditation to the employees of the Tazewell County Sheriff’s Office; it was a team effort undertaking the dedication, time and enthusiasm.