Tag Archive for: #vancecountysheriff

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Jail Health Care Provider Bails, County Looking For Options

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Vance County commissioners approved a recommendation Monday to pay almost $100,000 to a Charlotte-based urgent care company to provide two weeks’ worth of health care services at the county detention center after the company that had the contract to provide care terminated its agreement with the jail.

Sheriff Curtis Brame told WIZS News on Tuesday that he was not present at the meeting, originally scheduled to discuss in closed session an economic development project.

Brame did not elaborate on the reason that Southern Health Partners terminated the contract and stopped providing services to detainees at the jail on Friday, Oct. 14.

“We just didn’t see eye-to-eye on certain things and they made the decision to leave,” he said in a telephone interview.

Southern Health Partners gave a two-week notice, which set in motion a search for a new provider, according to information that County Manager Jordan McMillen gave in his report to the board on Monday.

Three of the four companies that were contacted declined the offer, but a fourth, StarMed, agreed to step in on a short-term basis. The bill for the first week was $52,000 and the bill for the second week is $40,000.

The jail health care item was added to the agenda late Friday, Oct. 21, according to McMillen, when the county got the bill for the second week of service.

“The health department was instrumental in identifying StarMed…and health department nurses were critical in filling the gap over the first weekend until the transition was made,” McMillen wrote in his report.

StarMed has expressed interest in continuing its contract for an additional 60 days, but McMillen said cost is an issue.

“We are continuing to look for a long-term solution which will require the need for a local physician to oversee the program as well as nurses to work in the jail,” he stated.

The county is responsible for funding, but it is the sheriff who oversees the jail and requirements related to secure, provide and maintain health care at the jail, McMillen said.

The money to pay StarMed would come from the county’s fund balance, the report stated.

Commissioners also approved authorizing the county manager to approve additional contracts up to the next 60 days.

Sheriff Brame: Illegal Phone Scam Circulating

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Vance Sheriff Curtis Brame has reported that the main phone number for the sheriff’s office has been cloned and is being used in an illegal scheme after hearing from numerous citizens that they have been called and told they will be arrested if they don’t comply with instructions.

According to Brame, citizens are getting calls that because they failed to appear in court to serve as jurors, they must pay a certain amount of money or face arrest.

“They are being advised to take cash and deposit same into a kiosk machine at a local convenience store to avoid being arrested,” Brame said in communication to WIZS News Friday.

“At no time will my office or the clerk’s office direct a citizen to take funds to a third-party location,” Brame said.

Anyone who receives a call like this is asked to obtain as much information as possible from the caller and contact local law enforcement agencies.

 

One Drug Arrest Made In Julia Avenue Investigation On April 29

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A local woman was arrested late last week on drug charges, according to Vance County Sheriff Curtis Brame.

The Vance County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance provided by the N.C. State Bureau of Investigation, executed a search warrant at the residence of Ruby Cooper, 2006 Julia Ave., Henderson. The warrant was served shortly before 6:00 pm.

The warrant, served just before 6 p.m. on Friday, Apr. 29, was issued as part of an ongoing investigation into illegal drug sales in and around the Julia Avenue area, Brame said in a press statement that WIZS News received today (Tuesday).

Cooper, 56, was arrested and faces charges of possession with intent to sell and deliver heroin and cocaine, felony possession of heroin and cocaine and one felony count of  maintaining a dwelling which was resorted to by persons both using and selling controlled substances, according to the press statement.

Members of the Vance County Sheriff’s Office “located and seized approximately 110 dosage units of heroin, a Schedule 1 controlled substance, approximately 35 dosage units of cocaine base, a Schedule 2 controlled substance and an additional 6.5 grams of cocaine base,” the statement read.  Various other items, including money, also were located and seized.

 Brame said more arrests are anticipated related to this investigation.

No information was available on whether a bond was set or whether the suspect remains in custody.

TownTalk: Law Enforcement Staff Shortages And Pay Disparities In Vance Co.

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The Vance County Sheriff’s Office is hiring. There are openings for detention officers at the county detention center, and there are openings for sheriff’s deputies as well. A qualified candidate for a job as a detention officer could earn a starting salary between $33,000 and $35,000.

The City of Henderson also is hiring and a qualified candidate for a police officer job is guaranteed a salary of $42,503. That salary is adjusted upward for candidates with college credits.

These are basic facts easily available in a quick online search. If only it were as easy as a click of the mouse or a few keystrokes to find candidates to fill these jobs.

Vance Sheriff Curtis R. Brame told WIZS News that there are 17 positions available at the local detention center and eight positions available at the sheriff’s office.

Henderson Police Chief Marcus Barrow says his department loses personnel who get jobs in law enforcement agencies in nearby counties – as well as the N.C. Highway Patrol.

It all boils down to what counties and cities are willing – and able – to pay for qualified personnel.

“We lose people to the N.C. Highway Patrol, Franklin County and to the Wake Forest police department,” Barrow told WIZS News by text message Wednesday. He said one need only look at the pay scale for a state trooper to understand why it turns the heads of employees in other law enforcement agencies. The average salary of a state trooper in North Carolina is about $46,000.

The Town of Wake Forest, for example, has posted on its website that a salary for an officer with no prior sworn law enforcement experience is $50,243. There are salary additions, including an extra 2.5 percent for a candidate with an associate’s degree to 5 percent if a candidate is fluent in Spanish. A new officer also receives an automatic 5 percent increase after six months of employment with the town.

At the Durham County Sheriff’s Office, starting pay a non-BLET certified officer is $34,000, plus incentives. (BLET stands for Basic Law Enforcement Training. Vance-Granville Community College offers BLET classes for those interested in a career in law enforcement.)

That salary jumps to close to $40,000 for those with BLET certification. The Durham Sheriff’s Office has similar salary add-ons as the Wake Forest police department – a 2.5 percent bump each for an associate’s degree, fluent Spanish speaker and honorable discharge from military service and a 5 percent increase for candidates with a bachelor’s degree.

Smaller, more rural communities like Henderson and Vance County face challenges every day from neighboring areas that benefit from being closer to larger, more urban areas.

It’s competition, pure and simple. And a little bit of supply and demand. But without competitive pay packages, demand is probably always going to exceed supply.

 

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TownTalk: Politics And Its Impact On Local Law Enforcement

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Local politics in Vance County certainly lends credibility to the adage that there are two sides to every story.

The three sheriff’s deputies that remain on suspension with pay want their day in court, and District Attorney Mike Waters said he predicts that a trial could be late summer 2022 or later in the making.

But Sheriff Curtis Brame said he feels like it’s a ploy to wait until after the 2022 elections to decide the fate of the three deputies.

John C. Rose spoke by telephone to both Waters and Brame today (Monday), and both men sounded frustrated with the situation and progress – or lack thereof.

The deputies were indicted earlier this year and Brame said it was his decision, upon hearing from an independent investigation, to suspend the deputies with pay. During a recent county commissioners’ meeting, a member of the public asked the commissioners just how long the deputies would continue to draw their pay while on suspension.

Waters agreed that it was up to the sheriff about what to do with his employees. “He always has discretion about how he’s going to deal with his employees going forward,” Waters said.

“I know I can’t do this indefinitely,” Brame acknowledged. But he contends that politics is playing a role, adding that he feels the district attorney is dragging out the process, “and that puts the burden on me.”

Brame also said he predicts the cases will not be resolved before the 2022 elections. And he blames that on politics, too.

Waters said additional orders will be released soon that will “illuminate” details of the internal investigation of the sheriff’s office as well as release transcripts that presently are sealed.

Waters said the sheriff has made some statements that he “vehemently” disagrees with regarding the case, but he didn’t elaborate for publication. And, because it is an ongoing investigation and it will be litigated, he cannot discuss details on the record.

Brame said all he and his deputies want is to have their day in court.

On that statement, he and the district attorney agree.

“Yeah, there will be a day in court,” Waters said.

 

Click Play – about the 17 minute mark starts the politics and law enforcement part

 

Sheriff’s Office Lieutenants Receive Advance Training Certificates – From Each Other

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It’s a pretty big deal when law enforcement officers receive their certificates of advanced law enforcement training in front of the Sheriff’s Education and Training Standards Commission. Two lieutenants in the Vance County Sheriff’s Office recently achieved that distinction, but with a twist – they presented the award to each other.

Lt. Ray Shearin and Lt. Billy Gooch drove to Wilmington for the June 11 ceremony. Shearin said recipients have the option to have the certificate mailed to them, but “it was just an honor to get it in front of the commission,” to be told ‘job well done’ in front of  former and current sheriffs.

Normally, Gooch said, the sheriff or a senior deputy would be called in to present the certificate. But when Sheriff Curtis Brame said he had a conflict, Gooch said he told Brame they’d just present it to each other.

“It was great going down there with him,” Shearin said. “Lt. Gooch has been a friend of mine for a long time – we’re good friends off the job as well.” He said it felt good for his friend to present him with the award and to say the kinds words he did in front of the commission.

Likewise, when it was Shearin’s turn to present Gooch with his certificate, he said “it was my honor. I told the commission that Lt. Gooch had been with the sheriff’s department for a good number of years.”

Since 2002, to be exact.

Gooch started out in the patrol division and spent 12 years with K-9. “The dog is your first backup. I knew I had somebody in the back of my car that would back me up 100 percent,” he said.

Law enforcement officers must have at least 12 years on the job and accrue at least 69 points, half of which must be law enforcement training points, to earn the advanced certificate.

And one point is equal to 20 classroom hours of instruction. That’s a minimum of 1,380 hours of instruction.

“It’s an honor to get, no matter how long you’ve been in law enforcement,” Shearin said, who has served for 26 years. “Having that piece of paper saying I accomplished my advance certificate…is a great keepsake.”

Both officers said they encourage all law enforcement officers to look into earning their advanced certificate.

Law enforcement has changed dramatically since he began his career, Gooch said. In today’s society, “somebody’s always recording something,” he said. “You get the training and then do what you’re supposed to do – you won’t have a problem.”

Shearin said he was humbled by the experience. “We all try to treat people like we want to be treated,” he said. “I think that’s the bottom line…we are no better than anybody else – we just have to enforce the law.”

Sheriff Curtis Brame Appeals to You, Join NC Sheriffs’ Association

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NEWS RELEASE

From:  Sheriff Curtis R. Brame, Vance County

Local County Sheriff Issues Appeal to Citizens In Fight Against Crime

Responding to the increasing number of people wanting to assist law enforcement officials and build a stronger partnership in the fight against crime, Sheriff Curtis R. Brame today announced that Vance County citizens are being invited to become Honorary Members of the North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association.

Membership applications go out in the mail this month.  Individuals choosing to join the voluntary program can do so for $25, while businesses can show their support with a $50 contribution.  The funding provides critically important technical resources, legislative support on key criminal justice issues, support for the NCSA Undergraduate Criminal Justice Scholarship Program at the University of North Carolina System, and additional training for sheriffs and their deputies.

Contributions are tax-deductible as allowed by law since the Association is a 501(c) 3 not-for-profit tax exempt organization.

With funding becoming increasingly important to secure, the North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association’s Honorary Membership Program has taken on greater importance than ever before, said Sheriff Curtis R. Brame.  The funding is vital in helping us carry out our mission of making our county a safer place to live, work and play.

Individuals not receiving a membership application or desiring more information may go to the North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association website at www.ncsheriffs.org or contact the North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association at:

Post Office Box 20049

Raleigh, North Carolina 27619-0049

Telephone: (919) SHERIFF (743-7433)

Meanwhile, residents wishing to become Honorary Members can also sign up for the program by contacting the Vance County Sheriff’s Office.

The Honorary 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.

As the need for building stronger public-private law enforcement partnerships in this county continues to escalate, programs such as this continue to grow in importance, said Sheriff Curtis R. Brame.  I encourage everyone receiving a membership application to consider joining forces with us by becoming an Honorary Member.  It is a valuable investment in our future.

Founded in 1922, the North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association is a not-for-profit professional and educational organization dedicated to the preservation of peace and the protection of the lives and property of the citizens of North Carolina.  The Association office is located in Raleigh.

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Thomas Breedlove

Robert Thomas Breedlove Sr., Former Vance County Sheriff, Dies at 86

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R. Thomas Breedlove, Sr. 

Robert Thomas Breedlove Sr., 86, of Henderson, NC died Sunday, October 4, 2020, at his home.

Born in Vance County, he was the son of the late Marvin Green Breedlove and Daisey Lowry Breedlove. He was the widower of Elizabeth Edwards Breedlove.

Mr. Breedlove was employed as a serviceman with the former Carolina Power & Light for sixteen years. He received his state electrical license in 1969. In 1977, he founded Breedlove Electric, Inc. In 1983, he became an Auxiliary Officer with the Vance County Sheriff’s Department until 1990.  

Robert Thomas Breedlove Sr., 86, of Henderson, NC died Sunday, October 4, 2020, at his home. (Photo courtesy Sossamon Funeral Home)

He was elected Sheriff of Vance County in 1990. He took office as sheriff on August 31, 1989, then he was re-elected in 1994, 1998 and again in 2002. 

Sheriff Breedlove was certified in Basic Law Enforcement Training, Police Science, Life Safety Issues for Jailers and School for Sheriff’s Deputies and Jailers.

He was awarded the Long Leaf Pine Award from then Gov. Mike Easley. 

Sheriff Breedlove received several special recognition awards including “Best Elected Official” in Vance County thirteen years by the readers of the Daily Dispatch; Special Recognition Award given by The Henderson-Vance Human Relation Commission in May of 2000; the Hero’s Award & Key Plaque to Camp E-ten Etu and the Community Partners of Hope Award.  

He was a member of Kiwanis International where he was past president, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans and was a member of the American Legion where he was the Commander in 2004. He was a U.S. Army Veteran and a member of the First Baptist Church in Henderson.

His committees and memberships included Henderson-Vance Crime Stoppers, Youth Opportunity Service Advisory Council, Drug and Crime Elimination Advisory Council, Criminal Intelligence Council, Emergency Management (Planning), Helping Hands, Governor’s Crime Commission, Kerr-Buggs Island Safety Council, Public Service Council, Criminal Justice Partnership Advisory Board, Law Enforcement Executive Council, Juvenile Crime Prevention Council, Chamber of Commerce membership, Eckerd Wilderness Camp (Board Member), VWGV Criminal Justice Partnership Regional Advisory Board, 911 Advisory Board, Legislative Committee Member, (NC Sheriff’s Association) re-appointed in 2004-2005, Technical Review Committee (VC Planning Commission), Salvation Army Advisory Board, NC Sheriff’s Training and Standards Commission (appointed August 2003 and re-appointed in October of 2004), NC Sheriff’s Eastern-at-Large Representative in 2003, Criminal Justice Lay Advisory Committee (3-year term), Kiwanis Board of Directors, NCSA President’s Appointment (East), Criminal Justice/BLET Advisory Board.

A memorial service will be held Thursday, October 8, 2020, at 2 p.m. at South Henderson Pentecostal Holiness Church, conducted by the Rev. Frank Sossamon.

Surviving are one daughter, Lynne B. Pendergrass (David); one son, Robert Thomas “Tommy” Breedlove Jr. (Cynthia); one sister, Rachel Breedlove, one brother, Ralph Breedlove; one grandson, Robert Thomas “Tre” Breedlove (Lindsey); one great-grandson, Judson Breedlove; two step-granddaughters, Renee Faulkner and Stephanie Wright (Butch), two step-grandsons, David Pendergrass Jr. (Jennifer), Kenneth Pendergrass and a step-great granddaughter, Zoie Wilson.  

In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Amy Elizabeth Breedlove; one sister, Peggy Dickerson and three brothers, Marvin Breedlove Jr., Glenn Breedlove and Ernest Breedlove.

The family will receive friends Thursday from 12:30-2 p.m. at South Henderson Pentecostal Holiness Church. All other times, they will be at his home.

Honorary pallbearers will be all present and former law enforcement officers.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Henderson-Vance Crime Stoppers – 901 Dorsey Ave., Henderson, NC 27536.

The family wishes to give a “Special Thank You” to his caregivers Jean M. Collins, Matthew Todd and Anna Davis.

We ask everyone who attends the visitation and memorial service to practice social distancing and wear an appropriate face covering.

Arrangements are by Sossamon Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made at www.sossamonfuneralhome.com.

Cameron Evans Turned Himself In 1-17-2020

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— press release courtesy Vance County Sheriff Curtis Brame

On Friday, January 17, 2020, Cameron Evans of 194 Dixie Drive, Kittrell, North Carolina, 27544, turned himself into the Vance County Sheriff Office and was served several warrants for three counts robbery with a dangerous weapon, three counts of conspiracy to commit robbery with a dangerous weapon, one count of attempted armed robbery with a dangerous weapon, five counts of second degree kidnapping, five counts of assault by pointing a gun.

These incidents occurred in Alamance, Davie, Pitt and Wake counties.  The robberies occurred between December 6, 2019 and January 8, 2020, which included four financial institutions.  The four financial institutions were Branch Banking & Trust (2), Wells Fargo and Sun Trust bank.

Evans was placed in the Vance County Detention Center under a $500.000.00 bond.

Vance County Sheriff's Office

Juvenile Took Loaded Gun To Clarke Elementary Thursday

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Vance County Sheriff Curtis Brame informed WIZS News Friday evening that a juvenile took a loaded gun to Clarke Elementary School on Thursday.

In a press release earlier Friday, the Sheriff said, “On Thursday, June 13, 2019, Vance County Deputies were dispatched to Clarke Elementary School at 309 Mt. Carmel Church Road.”

When deputies arrived, it was discovered that a weapon had been found in the possession of a student.  Sheriff Brame’s press release continued saying, “School officials had possession of the weapon at the time of arrival.”

The student will be charged on petitions according to state law.  “He was placed into the custody of juvenile services,” Brame said in the press release.

The matter remains under investigation.

No other information is available at this time, including how the juvenile obtained the weapon and how adults who may be responsible in this matter will be charged.

Despite the fact that most citizens associate graduation weekend with the end of the school year, students in Vance County Public Schools went to school in several locations this week.