Times Editor
Sunday, Jan. 9, 2022 was Law Enforcement Appreciation Day – a day when grateful citizens can take a moment to let their local law enforcement officers and departments know that they appreciate them. Although there was no formal ceremony or gathering for the day in Union County the administrators and deputies at the Union County Sheriff’s Office said that they did not mind – it seems that in Union County the residents quite often say and do things expressing their regard for those that keep the community safe.
The Union County Sheriff’s Office is manned by a staff of 40, a figure which includes deputies, administrators, the bailiff, the school resource officers and corrections officers. In addition to these there are a number of reserve deputies who are used on an as needed basis. All of these men and women receive mandatory retraining in high liability firearms, defensive driving, taser devices, use of force, drug interdiction, identification and active shooter protocols. Everyone also has additional specialized training in key areas, much of which is specific to the particular job an individual does. Some of the staff are qualified as instructors in some areas, which allows a portion of the necessary training to be accomplished “in house.”
UCSO works in cooperation with Bradford County in a combined SWAT team and two of the UCSO deputies are trained in special response in addition to their regular training. The school resource officers are deputies who have received specialized training specific to their area of work and all are certified to serve in the schools.
“School resource officers are not a new thing in law enforcement in Union County,” UC Sheriff Brad Whitehead said. “Before the Lakeland incident we had DARE officers in the schools, although the numbers have tripled in recent years.
“The men and women who serve here at UCSO all take great pride in serving the community,” Whitehead said. “Ninety-five percent of our people live in Union County and are involved in the community outside of their law enforcement role.”
Whitehead is continuing a proud family tradition of keeping the community safe. He is a third generation legacy to the position of sheriff, following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather. He was first elected in January of 2014 and says he has no plans for change, at the will of the voters, of course.
Whitehead, and his second, Captain Lyn Williams, both said that the biggest challenge in law enforcement in Union County is found in the single and sometimes combined cases they deal with in the areas of alcohol and drugs, domestic issues and crimes involving the treatment of children. The UCSO is also known for its active role in the protection of animals, as well as people, from abuse and neglect.
Union County citizens are not the least bit shy when letting the UCSO know when they have a problem or complaint, but they also are quick with a compliment or other means of showing their appreciation for the work being done.
“During the Christmas holidays we all were treated to a steady stream of goodies being brought into the office to make our holiday a little brighter,” Whitehead said. “In addition, many people just dropped by to say hello and wish us happy holidays. It was nice. We are truly blessed to live in a community that supports law enforcement and to have a department that supports the community.”
Whitehead is proud of his people and the various jobs and roles they undertake in the community. He said that one of his prime requirements of all of his people is that they always “treat people right” in all of their dealings with the members of the community.
“I am proud of the women and men from my office that faithfully serve the community and who are all dedicated to ensuring that Union County residents can live in the safest place in America. That is our mandate and our goal and we work hard every day to see that that is the case.”
