Click here for other contact numbers       Dispatch:  269-657-3101       Admin:  269-657-2006      Jail Information:  269-657-2171

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Click on blue underlined links for more information.

Oct 2012

2013 Citizen’s Police Academy News Release

     Sheriff  Dale R. Gribler is pleased to announce that the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office is accepting applications for the 2013 Citizen’s Police Academy to anyone who is 18 years or older, living or working in Van Buren County.
     The Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office, and the local Police Chief’s Association offer community members an inside look at the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office, and local law enforcement.  The goal of the Citizen’s Academy is to promote a positive relationship between the various law enforcement entities with the communities they serve, and to foster a clearer understanding of a police officer’s duties.
     “In these times of smaller resources, it is imperative that local law enforcement work towards building strong community ties,” said Sheriff Dale R. Gribler.
     The courses are designed to give our community members a look into the work of the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office, and the field of law enforcement in general.  A diverse selection of course topics will be covered in the eleven-week academy.  Deputies, police officers, detectives, civilian staff, and other individuals in the law enforcement community will teach a topic, and will be able to describe the functions of their position and field any questions that arise from their instruction.  Some of the courses involve demonstrations and exercises, where participation is voluntary.  Courses offered will include: 

• Central 911 Dispatch

• Corrections

• Patrol Procedures

• Police K-9 Unit

• Use of Force & Officer Safety

• Investigations (Child & Family Abuse; Narcotics Investigations)

• Crime Scene-Criminal investigations

• Community & Law Enforcement (Neighborhood Watch; Reserve Division; Mounted Division; Victim Services Unit)

• Legal Issues (Prosecutor; Parole-Probation)

• Special Topics (FBI; Office of Community Corrections;  Domestic Preparedness)

• Special Units ( Marine Patrol; Underwater Recovery)

• Patrol-Drunk Driving Enforcement

     The application process begins each year in October, and up to 25 applicants will be chosen after a basic background check has been completed.
     The class meets one evening per week for a period of eleven weeks.  Classes begin Wednesday, January 30, 2013 and will run thru Wednesday April 10, 2013, and are located in the lower level of the Sheriff’s Office in Paw Paw.    All classes will be on Wednesday evenings beginning at 6pm. 

To be eligible to participate in the Citizen’s Academy, you must be:

• A resident of Van Buren County or,

• A property owner in Van Buren County or,

• A business owner in Van Buren County

• 18 years of age or older

• No Felony Conviction

For further information regarding participation in the Citizen’s Police Academy, please visit www.vanburencountysheriff.com click on the link for the Citizen’s Academy, complete and submit the application.  There is no cost for the class.

Sep 2011

CERT training starts Sept. 26^th

 
Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training for Van Buren County residents will begin Sept. 26^th at the Van Buren ISD conference center in Lawrence.

Sessions will be on Mondays from 6 to 9 p.m.,  concluding with a simulated disaster exercise and graduation on Nov. 21st.

CERT training helps prepare people ages 18 and older to help themselves, their families and neighbors in the event of a disaster, classes and equipment are free.

Pre-registration is required with applications and more information available online from the Sheriff’s Office web site. www.vanburencountysheriff.com click on CERT.

Jun 2011

Enforcement of Boating Under The Influence Laws To Be Stepped Up This Weekend
"Operation Dry Water" Part of Nationwide Effort

 
Paw Paw, MI  (June 22, 2011) --  Recreational boaters may want to think twice before reaching for that cold beer this weekend (June 24-26, 2011).  Marine law enforcement officers, as part of  a national coordinated effort of stepped-up enforcement known as Operation Dry Water, will be out in force looking for boat operators whose Blood Alcohol Content exceeds the state limit of .10%.  Operation Dry Water will include increased patrols & breathalyzer tests as well as boater education.
          "We want people to be safe and have fun while recreational boating," commented Sheriff Dale R. Gribler.  "But alcohol use has become the leading contributing factor in fatal recreational boating accidents.  We recommend that boaters avoid drinking alcoholic beverages at all times, and we will have zero tolerance for anyone found operating a boat under the influence of alcohol or drugs on our waters."
          Alcohol can impair a boater's judgment, balance, vision, and reaction time.  It can increase fatigue and susceptibility to the effects of cold-water immersion.  Sun, wind, noise, vibration and motion - "stressors" common to the boating environment - intensify the side effects of alcohol, drugs and some prescription medications.  United States Coast Guard statistics revealed in 2009 that 16% of all boating fatalities were a result of alcohol use.
          Impaired boaters caught this weekend can expect penalties to be severe.  In Michigan they include 93 days in jail and/or $100 - $500 and/or 45 days community service, court may suspend privilege to operate a vessel for 1 year to indefinite and/or costs of prosecution.
          "There will be arrests this weekend, and some boaters will face the consequences of boating under the influence," add Sheriff Dale R. Gribler.  "But we'd much rather arrest someone than to have to tell their friends and family they're never coming back."
          Operation Dry Water is a joint program of Van Buren County Sheriff's Office, the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA), the U.S. Coast Guard, and other County Sheriff's Offices throughout Michigan.  More information is available at www.operationdrywater.org.
 
Sgt. Chad Jahr
Marine Division
Van Buren County Sheriff's Office
205 S. Kalamazoo St.
Paw Paw, MI  49079
(269) 657-3101 Ext. 3995
Fax: (269) 657-7207
Click here to send an email.

May 2011

National Safe Boating Week kicks off the summer’s boating season with the  Be a Survivor: Wear It!  slogan. This summer the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office Marine Division will be working in close partnership with the United States Coast Guard, Michigan Conservation Officers and the Marine Divisions from adjacent counties to promote recreational boating safety. 
     "The key to safe recreational boating is for boaters to wear their life jackets, pay attention to hazardous situations, and avoid the use of drugs and alcohol while boating," said Van Buren County Sheriff Dale Gribler.  In 2010 the Marine Division policed 8 boating accidents.  The Marine Division had 1,426 total patrol hours with 4,034 contacts, 1,682 verbal warnings and 164 tickets issued for safety violations.  Eight subjects were arrested by the Marine Division in 2010 for Boating While Intoxicated.  Along with patrolling the waters of Van Buren County the Marine Division also teaches boating safety classes free of charge.  In 2010 the Marine Division taught 13 classes certifying 327 students.  Please contact us if you would like more information on attending a boater’s safety class.
     Sponsored by the National Safe Boating Campaign, National Safe Boating Week begins  Saturday, May 21, 2011 and continues until Friday, May 27, 2011. 
     Van Buren County Sheriff’s Marine Division personnel will be stressing the message,  Wear It , which emphasizes life jacket use as the best way to survive boating accidents and avoid drowning.  The old-fashioned, bulky orange life jacket most people are used to has been replaced with innovative new options including the new inflatable styles. Life jackets are available in a wide variety of compact, lightweight and attractive styles suitable for constant wear.  In 2008 of the 709 recreational boating fatalities, over 89% of those victims were not wearing their life jackets according to US Coast Guard statistics.  The National Safe Boating Campaign hopes to reverse this national trend by educating boaters on the safety equipment that is essential to increasing survival rates during unforeseen incidents. 
     For more information please contact the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office Marine Division or visit the National Safe Boating Campaign’s website at:  http://www.safeboatingcampaign.com

Contact Person:  Sgt. Chad Jahr (269) 657-3101 Ext. 3995 or click here to send an email.

Jan 2011

All Hazards Evacuation Planning Survey
January 18, 2011

      Starting in mid-January, residents living in Van Buren, Allegan, and Berrien counties may be contacted by telephone to participate in an important all-hazards evacuation planning survey.  The purpose of the survey is to gather data to be used by the three counties and the state of Michigan to improve evacuation plans for both man-made and natural disasters.
     The telephone survey is being conducted by First Market Research, based in Boston, Mass.  All calls will be conducted during weekdays between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m.  On weekends, calls will be made between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m.  The actual survey will take approximately 10 minutes to complete with the head of the household or spouse.
     No personal questions will be asked in the survey. Survey questions seek information data such as “How long does it take to you drive from work to home?” and “How many vehicles that are usually available to the household would your family use if an evacuation was necessary?” 
     The survey results will provide emergency management departments in Allegan, Berrien and Van Buren counties, as well as the state of Michigan, with a better estimate of the number of people evacuating in a given area, the number of vehicles used to evacuate, and the amount of time needed to prepare for evacuation.
     The collected survey data will also be used in a traffic engineering study to identify roadways and areas with significant traffic congestion during evacuation and to identify methods to reduce the travel delay caused by traffic congestion.
     Additional information regarding the telephone survey and planning for emergencies can be obtained from the Emergency Management offices in Allegan, Berrien and Van Buren counties and the state of Michigan.
     If you have any questions concerning this survey for persons living in Van Buren County, please contact the Office of Domestic Preparedness at 269-657-7786.

Lt. Alain E. Svilpe
Van Buren County Office of Domestic Preparedness

2011 Citizen's Police Academy
January 17 - April 4

     The Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office is pleased to announce the 2011 Citizen’s Police Academy, which will be held January 17 thru April 4.  This session makes the 12th year the Sheriff’s Office has hosted the Citizen Academy.  The Citizen’s Academy is a series of courses designed to give community members a look into the work of the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office, and law enforcement in general.  The goal of the Citizen’s Academy is to promote a relationship between the Sheriff’s Office and the community it serves and to foster a clearer understanding of a police officer’s duties, how the officer carries out those duties, and the results of the officer’s actions.
     A diverse selection of course topics will be covered in the twelve-week academy. Each topic is taught by a Van Buren County Sheriff Deputy or Detective, civilian staff members, and individuals from the local criminal justice system.  Each one of these instructors will describe the functions of their position and will be available to field any questions that arise from their instruction.  Some of the courses involve demonstrations and exercises, where participation is voluntary.  Courses offered will include: 

• Central 911 Dispatch and Patrol Techniques

• Patrol Procedures

• Use of Force & Officer Safety

• Investigations (Child & Family Abuse; Narcotics Investigations)

• Crime Scene-Criminal investigations

• Community & Law Enforcement (Neighborhood Watch; Corrections)

• Legal Issues (Prosecutor; Parole-Probation)

• Police Firearms & Reserve Officers

• Simunition Demonstration

• Special Topics (FBI; Victim Advocates; Snowmobile Patrol; Domestic Preparedness)

• Special Units (Emergency Response; Marine Patrol; Underwater Recovery)

• Patrol-Drunk Driving Enforcement

     “We are very pleased to offer this service to our residents and extremely proud of the collaboration by law enforcement professionals in our county to bring this program to our residents”, said Sheriff Dale R. Gribler.
     The Citizen Academy will meet once a week for twelve weeks.  These meetings will be held on Monday evenings from 6pm to 9pm in the lower level of the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office in Paw Paw.

     To be eligible to participate in the Citizen’s Academy, you must:

• 18 years of age,

• A resident of Van Buren County or,

• A property owner in Van Buren County or,

• A business owner in Van Buren County

     For further information regarding participation in the Citizen’s Police Academy, please visit www.vanburencountysheriff.com click on the link for the Citizen’s Academy, complete and submit the application. There is no cost for the class.

Dec 2010

Sheriff Gribler Encourages Residents to
Designate a Driver This Holiday Season

As family and friends reunite this holiday season the Michigan Sheriffs’ Association and Sheriff Dale R. Gribler want you to know if you drive drunk you will be arrested and prosecuted.  Van Buren County Deputies will be out in full force to prevent impaired driving.  If you are arrested the cost of your defense and potential fines can be thousands of dollars and you could lose your driving privileges forever.

 The winter holidays are among the deadliest times of the year due to increased incidences of impaired driving.  Many people simply do not realize the consequences of driving after drinking.  The statistics from 2009 are alarming: 613 people were killed and 1,848 were seriously injured in alcohol related crashes last year in Michigan.

If you are impaired Sheriff Gribler encourages you to have a sober designated driver take you home or stay the night where you are. 

Drunk driving has a devastating effect on our community, said Sheriff Gribler. My deputies will make every effort to keep the roads in Van Buren County safe by arresting those irresponsible individuals that make the decision to drive after drinking.

Sheriff Gribler’s final advice to those who wish to ring in the new year by consuming alcohol, Designate a driver that will stay sober.

For more safety tips Sheriff Gribler encourages residents to visit the Michigan Sheriffs’ Association website at www.misheriff.org where you can sign up to receive monthly newsletters.  Founded in 1877 the Michigan Sheriffs’ Association is the oldest law enforcement organization in Michigan.
 

Sheriff Gribler Encourages
Residents Leaving For The Holidays
To Take Precautions Against Burglars

      As family and friends reunite this holiday season many leave their houses empty, which is tempting to burglars.  The Michigan Sheriffs’ Association and Sheriff Dale Gribler want to offer you the following tips to help make your absence less noticeable and your house less attractive to burglars. 

• Remember to lock all doors and windows – even the doors that open into your garage.  Those garage doors are easier to open than you think.

• Make sure your locks are sturdy – all entry doors should have deadbolts.  If your entry doors have windows in them make sure your deadbolt is keyed on both sides and DON’T  leave the key in the inside lock.

• Make sure you put your newspaper and mail delivery on hold before you leave.  Burglars really do look for piled up newspapers and mail as a sign your home is empty.  Leaving mail unattended for days also open you up to potential identity theft.

• Make arrangements for the neighbor to create car and foot tracks to your house if it snows while you’re gone.  You should arrange for someone to shovel your sidewalks and driveway while you’re away too.

• A loud TV or radio can be a better deterrent than the best alarm system.  If you’re reluctant to leave your TV on while you’re out of town you can buy a device which works on a timer and simulates the flickering glow of a real television.

• Make sure someone you trust in your neighborhood knows you’re out of town so they can watch for anything suspicious.  Nosy neighbors are a great deterrent because burglars will break a window to get in knowing that most people will stop if they hear a sound but if the sound doesn’t repeat they will shrug it off.  Your neighbor is more likely to call the police if they know you’re out of town and it can’t be you making that noise.

• Avoid announcing your vacation on Facebook or any other social networking site.  It’s easier than you think to find your address.

     For more safety tips Sheriff Gribler encourages residents to visit the Michigan Sheriffs’ Association website at www.misheriff.org where you can sign up to receive monthly newsletters.  Founded in 1877 the Michigan Sheriffs’ Association is the oldest law enforcement organization in Michigan.

Sheriff Gribler Stresses Snowmobile Safety

     Due to the onset of winter conditions this year Sheriff Dale R. Gribler reminds snowmobile riders to take extra precautions on the new fallen snow.  Because it can take two weeks or more of below freezing temperatures for the ice on lakes, streams and ponds to freeze thick enough to support a snowmobile, Sheriff Gribler urges riders to stay off the ice.
    
      Further safety tips from Sheriff Gribler: 

• Always keep your machine in top mechanical condition

• Always wear insulated boots and protective clothing, including a helmet, gloves and eye protection

• Never ride alone

• Avoid, when possible, crossing frozen bodies of water

• Always be alert to avoid fences and low strung wires

• Never operate your snowmobiles in a single file line when crossing frozen bodies of water

• Never operate your snowmobile on a street or highway

• Always look for depressions in the snow.

• Keep headlights and taillights on at all times

• When approaching an intersection, come to a complete stop, raise off the seat and look for traffic

• Always check weather conditions before you depart

• Never operate your snowmobile on railroad tracks

• Never operate your snowmobile while under the influence of alcohol.

     Snowmobiles must abide by the same regulations as drivers.  Sheriff Gribler will have his deputies out on patrol to make sure Van Buren County residents stay safe this winter. 
     While Sheriff Gribler hopes that nobody in Van Buren County will find themselves in such a precarious situation while riding a snowmobile, by heeding the warnings above, he knows you can stay alive!
     For more safety tips Sheriff Gribler encourages residents to visit the Michigan Sheriffs’ Association website at www.misheriff.org where you can sign up to receive monthly newsletters.  Founded in 1877, the Michigan Sheriffs’ Association is the oldest law enforcement organization in Michigan.

*72 Call Forward Scam Alert 

     Van Buren County Sheriff Dale R. Gribler is advising residents of Van Buren County to be alert to a telephone scam that is on the increase and recently was encountered in Van Buren County.
     The scam is referred to as the *72 or 72# scam because these are the telephone codes commonly used by individuals or businesses to forward telephone calls.  What many people don’t realize is that when someone forwards a call to long-distance, collect, or to another pay service phone number, charges for those services are placed on their account, not to the phone from which the call originated.
     Pressing *72 or 72# activates a call forwarding feature on many phones.  Every call made to your number from then on would be forwarded to another third party.  The scam involves everyday con artists, and more recently prison-jail inmates. 

How the *72 Scam, and the *72 Prison Scam Work

As described by AT&T, the *72 scam works like this:

      *72 is a custom feature for call forwarding.  When the customer dials *72 followed by a telephone number, it activates the call forwarding feature causing all your incoming calls to ring at another number.  At the end of the other line, whether calls have been forwarded to a landline, cell phone or payphone, the original caller’s partner-in-crime is able to accept all collect and third party calls, while telling your own legitimate callers that they have the wrong number.  You get billed for all calls made because your number is the one from which they are forwarded.”

As described by Verizon, the *72 Prison Scam works like this:

       You receive a call from an operator saying there is an inmate from a correctional facility who needs you to accept a collect call and the associated charges. Once you accept the call, the caller convinces you to hang up your phone and dial *72 and another phone number.  *72 is the code used to forward your incoming calls to another phone number.  If you do this, the inmate will than make additional collect calls to your number, but the calls will be forwarded to someone the inmate knows at the number where you forwarded the calls.  That person accepts the charges, but they are billed to you.  Often you don’t realize this has happened until you notice your phone not ringing or you receive your bill with numerous unexpected charges.

Scammers use the following scenarios most often as they try to play to the sympathies of their victim:

• An inmate calling and saying he or she needs you to call their mother for them (they called you “accidentally” and they say they can’t make another call).

• An inmate calling and saying he or she was arrested for a minor offense and needs you to call a relative to pick up his or her children from the police station (again, calling you “accidentally”).

• Someone calling and pretending to be a phone company technician who needs to check your phone line for a problem.  In order to receive “remote access,” they ask the victim to input a code of *72 or 72#.

• A person calling and impersonating an official, telling the victim that a close friend has been injured in an auto accident.  In order to find out more information, the con artist says, the victim must call another official by pressing *72 followed by another phone number.

• A person calling from a payphone and saying they don’t have the additional change needed to make an emergency call, than asking you to forward their call.

What to Do if You Think You’ve Been Scammed 

     If anyone calls you asking you to input a strange code into your phone, simply hang up.  Be sure to let your children know of this scam as well.  One of the worst aspects of this scam is that the victim does not know this happened until it is too late and the charges appear on their phone bill.
     If you think you have fallen victim to the call forwarding scam, contact your phone service provider.  Often times pressing *73 or 73# (depending on your service provider) will turn off the call forwarding feature.  You also should alert your local law enforcement agency of the scam. 

Contact Information:  Detective Lieutenant William Lux, Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office, 269-657-7711, email

Nov 2010

Sheriff Gribler Offers Safe Winter Driving Tips 

     With the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) citing traffic accidents as the leading cause of death during winter storms, the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office is reminding travelers that despite adverse conditions, many accidents can be avoided.
     “What a lot of people need to understand is that a high percentage of traffic fatalities are a result of poor decision-making,” says Sheriff Dale Gribler.  “In bad weather, it may come down to something as simple as postponing travel for a day.  If you do have to brave the elements then watch your speed, don’t try to drive too far if you’re tired, and make sure your vehicle is equipped with the necessary equipment for the conditions.  Most importantly, always wear safety belts and never get behind the wheel after having too much to drink.”
     In 2008 more than 11,000 Michigan accidents were alcohol related.  Despite statistics showing that seat belt usage in the U.S. has increased over the years with about 4 out of every 5 travelers now buckling up, there is still room for improvement.  The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that if all drivers and passengers wore seatbelts, approximately 8,000 lives a year would be spared nationwide.
     With the arrival of winter weather Sheriff Gribler suggests the following safety tips for safe travel:

Winter driving tips: 

• Check your tires, engine oil, antifreeze, and brakes before embarking on a trip.

• Buckle up, and make sure your passengers do too.

• Reduce speed in snow, sleet, and rain.

• Allow yourself plenty of braking space in wet weather.

• Lightly pump your brakes on wet roads when slowing the vehicle.

• Never venture down unplowed roads.

• Avoid distractions such as talking on your cell phone or eating.

• Keep headlights on & use low beams in fog.

• Listen to the radio for information on local road and weather conditions.

• Pull off the road if you’re tired or if outside conditions worsen.

• If you break down, don’t venture more than 100 yards from your vehicle to seek help.

 Things to include in your vehicle during Winter driving: 

• Map of the area where you’re traveling

• Water

• Flashlight (with extra batteries

• Candle (for heat and light)

• Snowbrush and ice-scraper

• Package of cat litter (for tire transaction)

• Spare tire

• Small shovel

• Hats, weather proof gloves and boots, and a heavy blanket

• Matches and flares

• Cell phone (for emergency use only).

For more safety tips, Sheriff Gribler encourages residents to visit the Michigan Sheriffs’ Association website at  www.misheriff.org where you can sign up to receive monthly newsletters.  Founded in 1877 the Michigan Sheriffs’ Association is the oldest law enforcement organization in Michigan.

Click here for additional information on Winter weather storm warnings, how to prepare for a Winter storm, Winter Emergency Storm Kit, and Winter Storm Awareness Packet on our website under Domestic Preparedness.

Home Compliance Checks on Probationers and Parolees
11-16-2010

     The Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office, in a collaborative effort with the Michigan Department of Corrections Probation/Parole Office in Paw Paw, assisted in conducting home compliance checks on probationers and parolees in Van Buren County. This took place during a weekend in October and November.
     The compliance checks consist of home visits by a state probation/parole officer and a deputy during the evening hours. The officers perform breathalyzer tests, check tethers and look for contraband such as drugs and alcohol. This is a reminder to probationers and parolees that they can be checked at any time to see if they are in compliance with the terms of probation/parole.
     During the weekend in October probation/parole officers and deputies conducted home compliance visits on 30 offenders and 26 offenders during the November. Four parolees were lodged on violations during the checks with a vast majority being in compliance.
     " I am extremely pleased with the collaborative effort between the Michigan Department of Corrections and our Deputies to help ensure the safety of our citizens," said Sheriff Dale R. Gribler. "I look forward to these efforts to continue on an unannounced basis several times throughout the year. "

Contact information: Lt. Bob Kirk email or 269-657-2006 Ext 3851

   
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Oct 2010

Sheriff Gribler Reminds Drivers to
BE ALERT DURING DEER SEASON

     Sheriff Dale R. Gribler reminds motorists that with fall and the hunting season in full swing, deer populations will be on the move.  This activity heightens the chance of a car/deer crash occurring.
     Last year more than 60,000 accidents in Michigan involved deer.  “Most often, you’ll see a deer near dawn or dusk,” said Sheriff Gribler.  Motorists are encouraged to look beyond the beam of their headlights for eyes of deer that may be near the path of your vehicle.
     Trying to dodge a deer is not a good idea according to Sheriff Gribler.  Deer often move erratically and swerving may cause you to lose control of your vehicle.  The best way to avoid a deer/car collision is to slow your car down, flash your headlights and/or blow your horn to try and scare the animal.  Deer travel together, if you see one chances are others are coming so please proceed with caution.
     Remember to heed deer crossing signs.  If you do hit a deer make sure you report it to your local police or the sheriff’s office.
     For more safety tips Sheriff Gribler encourages residents to visit the Michigan Sheriffs’ Association website at www.misheriff.org where you can sign up to receive monthly letters.  Founded in 1988 the Michigan Sheriffs’ Association is the oldest law enforcement organization in Michigan.

Sheriff Gribler Offers
SAFETY TIPS FOR HUNTING SEASON

      Michigan’s fields and forests will soon be alive with blaze orange hunting gear.  Sheriff Gribler wants both visitors and residents of Van Buren County to know some important safety rules before setting out to deer camp. 

• Your hunting license and the identification used to purchase it (Michigan driver’s license, identification card, or DNR sport card) must be carried with you at all times while hunting.

• All hunters must wear an item of clothing (hat, cap, vest, jacket, or rain gear) in “hunter orange”; it must be the outermost garment; and it must be visible from all sides. If it is camouflage, at least 50 percent of the garment must be orange.

• Hunting hours begin approximately one-half hour before sunrise and last until approximately one-half hour after sunset.

• Safety zones include all areas within 150 yards (450 feet) of an occupied building, house, cabin, barn, or other farm building. You may not hunt in this area or shoot at any animal within the area, unless you have the written permission of the property owner.

• It is illegal to drink alcohol or use intoxicating drugs before hunting.

Sheriff Gribler wants hunters to take the following precautions to prevent injury or death while hunting this season. 

• Familiarize yourself with the area where you will be hunting.

• Never assume you are alone in the woods.

• Never assume other hunters are acting responsibly.

• If sitting against a rock or tree, make sure it is wider than your shoulders so you are not mistaken for a target.

• Be 100 percent sure of your target before shooting.

Sheriff Gribler urges all hunters to act responsibly this season. 

Reacquaint yourself with Michigan’s hunting laws and
follow these safety tips to prevent a tragedy from happening this year.

     For more safety tips Sheriff Gribler encourages residents to visit the Michigan Sheriffs’ Association website at www.misheriff.org where you can sign up to receive monthly newsletters.  Founded in 1877 the Michigan Sheriffs’ Association is the oldest law enforcement organization in Michigan.

Ruth Small, Sheriff Secretary, Van Buren Co. Sheriff Office, 205 South Kalamazoo Street, Paw Paw, MI  49079, 269-657-2006, 269-657-5161 (fax), email 

                               Tips from Sheriff Gribler to
KEEP YOUR KIDS SAFE ON HALLOWEEN

Halloween is only a week away and soon our streets will be filled with little ghosts, goblins and witches trick-or treating.

 To ensure this Halloween is safe for your children, Sheriff Gribler offers the following safety tips: 
 

	Costumes should be short enough to prevent tripping.  Masks should not be too restrictive with adequate holes for proper respiration and peripheral vision.  Consider using cosmetics to create fun or scary faces instead of masks.
	Watch consumed children around pets.  The pet may not recognize the child and become frightened, especially if the child is using a prop such as a sword or dagger as part of their costume.
	Avoid hard plastic or wooden props, opting instead for items made of foam rubber which his soft and flexible.
	To help make the child more visible after dark, trick-or-treaters should carry a brightly colored bag and a flashlight or glow stick.  Add reflective tape to the sides, front, and back of the child’s costume.
	At all times, watch for traffic and avoid walking in the street whenever possible.
	An adult should accompany young children.  A parent should stay within close range of young children at all times and children should never be allowed to go down a street alone.  Walk with your children to each house and wait near the porch or front entrance of the home until they return.
	Older children should travel in pairs, or in groups at all times, while trick-or-treating and never venture down a dark, empty street.
	Parents should know the route that their children are following.
	Children should always walk together to the front door of each house and only cross the street at crosswalks.
	Dark, unlit homes should be avoided.
	Children should save their candy until they get home so you can inspect it.  Discard any unwrapped or suspicious looking goodies.  If your child does get sick, call your family doctor or the hospital emergency room immediately and save all wrappers.  It is also helpful to determine what he or she ate and which house it came from.
	Keep flammable items, such as your jack-o-lantern, away from small children, pets and flammable materials such as draperies, furniture, and paper decorations.  Never leave a candle burning unattended.

Halloween is a fun time in Van Buren County, Sheriff Gribler concluded.  Let’s make it a safe time as well.

For more safety tips Sheriff Gribler encourages residents to visit the Michigan Sheriffs’ Association website at www.misheriff.org where you can sign up to receive monthly newsletters.  Founded in 1877 the Michigan Sheriffs’ Association is the oldest law enforcement organization in Michigan.

Ruth Small, Sheriff Secretary, Van Buren Co. Sheriff Office, 205 South Kalamazoo Street, Paw Paw, MI  49079, 269-657-2006, 269-657-5161 (fax), email

FYI - Your Van Buren Co.
Sheriffs Reserve Officers At Work

     On Saturday, October 9th, the Van Buren Co. Sheriffs Reserve Officers participated in the Hartford Safety Jamboree, a collaborative event sponsored by the American Red Cross, Hartford Lions Club, and the Hartford Fire Department. Reserve Officers, Deb and Rick Boze, checked 27 child restraint seats and provided 15 new seats for those that needed them. Reserve Officers, Dan Burlingham and Dale Hoch, fingerprinted and took identifying photographs of 60 kids, signed up 1 family for the STOPPED Program, and explained the Care Track program to several people.
     Click here to find out more about this and other special services available to Van Buren Co. residents by the Sheriffs Office Reserve Association. Click here to learn about the Reserves Association and how to become a member.

October 2010
Seasonal Flu & Pneumonia Clinics
sponsored by the
Van Buren Co. Health Department
 

Sep 2010

Richard "Dick" E. Stump

     Loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather passed away peacefully Friday evening, September 24, 2010 at his home. Dick was born April 21, 1925 in New Paris, IN, the son of the late Orb E. and Neva A. (Jones) Stump.
     He graduated from New Paris High School class of 1943 and served in the U.S Navy during World War II from April 20, 1943 to May 20, 1946. He was a graduate of the Michigan State Police Academy class of 1954. He joined the Van Buren County Sheriff's Department and served as under sheriff until 1963 before becoming Sheriff of Van Buren County from 1963 to 1980. He was a life member and founder of the Van Buren Sheriff's Posse (Mounted Division) for 47 years, life member of the Decatur Masonic Lodge, life member of the Shrine Club of Kalamazoo and the Desert Sheiks of Kalamazoo; member of the American Legion Post # 68, Paw Paw, F.O.P. Lodge # 136, member and past president Michigan Sheriff's Association, and past member of the Decatur Fire Department.
     On April 12, 1952 in Decatur, Dick was united in marriage to Mary M. Southworth who survives. Also surviving are a son, Bryan (Diana) Stump of Paw Paw; daughter, Carla (Brian) Ciesa of Portage; grandchildren, Alison Ciesa, Brigitte (Stump) (James) Vegter and Brittany Stump; great grandson, Gavin Richard Vegter; brother, Louis (Mary) Stump of New Paris, IN; sister-in-law, Clarice Stump of Lakeland, FL; several nieces and nephews.
     He was preceded in death by a brother, Herbert Stump. Family will receive friends, Tuesday 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the Adams Funeral Home, Paw Paw where funeral services will be held Wednesday 11 a.m. with Rev. Fr. Robert F. Creagan and James Abshagen officiating. Cremation will follow. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Southwest Michigan or the Kalamazoo Shrine Club. Share a memory or condolence on line at  www.timeformemory.com/adams.

 Please be advised of the following arrangements for Sheriff Richard Stump (ret) are as follows:

              Visitation – Tuesday 2pm-4pm and 6pm-8pm          Service - Wednesday 11am               

Both visitation and the service will be held at the Adams Funeral Home,  502 W. Michigan Avenue, Paw Paw. There will be no procession and a luncheon will be served at the Paw Paw Lions Club immediately after the services.

Uniform personnel are to wear their mourning cover over their badge effective with today’s afternoon shifts, or before, and shall continue to wear the badge cover until Wednesday evening. We will have reserve seating for Sheriff’s Office personnel at the funeral home on Wednesday which will include both  sworn and volunteer staff.

Per the family wishes all donations could be made to either the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office Mounted Division or to Hospice.

Again, please keep the Stump family in your thoughts and prayers.

Dale R. Gribler, Sheriff, Van Buren County, 205 S. Kalamazoo Street, Paw Paw, Michigan  49079, (269) 657-2006, email

     On Saturday, September 25, 2010 the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office will be partnering with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Van Buren County Medical Examiner’s Office along with the Van Buren County Health Department to coordinate a one-day collaborative nationwide effort to remove potentially dangerous controlled substances from our nation’s homes.  This national take-back initiative will provide a unified opportunity for the public to surrender pharmaceutical controlled substances and other medications to law enforcement officers for destruction. Prevention and treatment organizations may lend their support for this initiative as well.
     The 2008 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) estimates there are 6.2 million current non-medical users of psychotherapeutic drugs in the United States. The NSDUH survey further indicates there are more Americans abusing psychotherapeutics than the number of cocaine, heroin, and hallucinogen abusers combined. Expired, unused, or unwanted controlled substances in our homes are a potential source of supply that fuel this abuse and are an unacceptable risk to public health and safety.
     Collection activities are planned from 10:00 am through 2:00 pm at the Van Buren Technology Center at 250 South Street Lawrence Michigan. Collection boxes and pick-up of surrendered pharmaceuticals will be provided by DEA and the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office. Destruction of the materials will be accomplished in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations. Residents throughout the county can utilize the collection boxes and this is anonymous collection.  

COLLECTABLES:

      ►   Controlled, non-controlled, and over the counter substances.
►   May dispose of medication in its original container or by removing the medication from the container and disposing of it directly into the disposal box.
►   If an original container is submitted, we encourage you to remove any identifying information from the  prescription label.
►   All solid dosage pharmaceutical products and liquids in consumer containers. Please make certain that the caps are tightly sealed.

WILL NOT COLLECT:

       ►  Intra-venous solutions, injectibles, and syringes will not be accepted due to potential hazard posed by blood-borne pathogens.

Contacts:  Bryan R. Stump, D/Lt., (269) 657-7711, email or Freda Osborne, Deputy, email

Van Buren County & Cass County
Child Passenger Safety

The Van Buren Co. Sheriff’s Office, in collaboration with the Cass Co. Sheriff’s Office and Van Buren-Cass District Health Department, are hosting a

                        FREE car seat event

                                                                         Saturday

September 25, 2010

10:00 am - 1:00 pm

                                                                                at

Van Buren Technology Center
250 South Street
Lawrence, MI  49064 

• Free car seat inspections by certified technicians (car seats available)

• Child Identification

• Safe Sleep Presentation

• McGruff the Crime Dog

9-7-2010 Update on enforcement in Van Buren County

Over the Limit.  Under Arrest.
End-of-summer crack down on drunk driving
Click here for original news release

     Sheriff Dale R. Gribler reports that the Van Buren County Sheriff’s deputies along with officers from Bangor and Covert Police Departments have concluded the “Drunk Driving.  Over the Limit.  Under Arrest.” crackdown this past Labor Day holiday weekend. The enforcement consisted of officers/deputies from the above participating agencies working the extra weekend patrols which specifically targeted OWI’s and other alcohol related traffic offenses. The enforcement, which started August 27th, concluded this past Labor Day weekend. The enforcement totaled 109 traffic stops which resulted in: 

4 Operating While Intoxicated arrest
13 Driving While License Suspended arrest
3 Possession of Marijuana arrest
9 Open intoxicants in a motor vehicle arrest
1 Flee and Elude Arrest
7 Misdemeanor Warrant arrest
7 Assorted misdemeanor traffic citations 
26 assorted civil traffic infractions
1 Child Restraint Citation

     A drunk-driving conviction carries with it an assortment of penalties, including court costs and fines, increased car insurance rates, legal fees and $2,000 in driver responsibility fees.  In Michigan, a motorist can be arrested for drunk driving with .08 blood alcohol content or higher. 

Contact:   Lt. Robert Kirk, Uniformed Response, (269) 657.2006 ext 3851, email.  

Remember School Bus Safety Rules as
Kids in Van Buren County Return to School

A reminder from Sheriff Gribler

     The first day of school marks a significant milestone in the life of a child.  It’s an exciting time for making new friends, learning new things, and for some, riding the school bus.  Every day more than 20 million students use school buses as transportation to and from school.  Although school buses represent the safest form of highway transportation, there are a number of safety factors both students and drivers should be aware of.  Hoping to ensure that the school years gets off to a safe and happy start, the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office encourages caution whenever school buses are present.
    Children are often eager to get off the school bus because they are excited to tell their parents about all of the fun they had in school that day, said Sheriff Gribler.  It is crucial that parents re-enforce the school bus safety rules children learn at school.  Sheriff Gribler also suggests that parents drive their child’s bus route with them and practice the proper safety precautions.
     Throughout a child’s life, there are a number of situations where parents will be unable to exercise control.  However, there are numerous precautions they can take to help ensure their child enjoys a safe ride to and from school.  The Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office has some safety measures they encourage all parents to discuss with their children.

Students

• Always arrive at the bus stop early.

• Prior to boarding, wait until the bus has come to a complete stop, the door opens, and the bus driver says that it’s OK to board.

• Always walk on the sidewalk when preparing to cross the street near a bus.  Make eye contact with the driver so that you are sure he or she sees you.

• Never walk behind the bus.

• If you are walking beside the bus, walk at least three giant steps away.

• Take extra precaution to make sure that clothing with drawstrings and book bags do not get caught in the hand rail or door.

• Never stop to pick something up that you have dropped when a bus is stopped.  Wait until the bus has driven off to avoid not being seen by the driver

Motorists

• Remember that children are unpredictable in their actions. Take extreme caution when traveling in a school zone.

• If there are no sidewalks, drive cautiously.  Be more alert to the possibility of children walking in the road.

• Be more aware of children playing near school bus stops.

• Slow down and prepare to stop whenever you see yellow school bus lights flashing.

• Never pass a school bus when there are flashing red lights.  This is a sign that children are getting off the bus.

Ruth Small, Sheriff Secretary

Van Buren Co. Sheriff Office

205 South Kalamazoo Street

Paw Paw, MI  49079

269-657-2006

269-657-5161 (fax)
email
 

Aug 2010

Click here for 9-7-2010 Update

Over the Limit.  Under Arrest.

End-of-summer crack down on drunk driving

     Summer fun could turn into a summer bummer for motorists who choose to drive drunk in Van Buren County.
     Police Officers from all over the state, including the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office will take to the streets for an end-of -summer drunk driving crackdown from August 20 through Sept 6.
     The “Drunk Driving.  Over the Limit.  Under Arrest.” crackdown includes the Labor Day holiday weekend, which typically marks the end of the summer travel season.
     Summer in Michigan is wonderful, but a drunk driving arrest can put an end to summer fun” said Sheriff Dale R. Gribler.  We want our citizens to be able to travel safely so we’re stepping up enforcement to keep impaired drivers off the road.  Deputies from the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office are partnering with officers from local police agencies (Paw Paw, Bangor, South Haven, Lawton, Decatur, Hartford, Covert, and Pokagon Tribal Police) during the enforcement period.
     A drunk-driving conviction carries with it an assortment of penalties, including court costs and fines, increased car insurance rates, legal fees and $2,000 in driver responsibility fees.  In Michigan, a motorist can be arrested for drunk driving with .08 blood alcohol content or higher.
     During the 2008 Labor Day crackdown, 16 people died in crashes on Michigan’s roadways.  Four of those fatalities involved alcohol, two were not wearing a seatbelt, four were motorcyclists and four were pedestrians.
     No matter what type of vehicle you are driving, it is important to plan before you party and designate a sober driver, spend the night to avoid spending the night in jail or injuring or killing someone, said Sheriff Gribler.
     In 2009, there were 299 alcohol-related traffic deaths compared to 317 in 2008, a 6 percent decrease. 

Contact Person:  Lt. Robert Kirk, Uniform Response, email, (269) 657-3101  

Jul 2010

Door-to-Door, Countywide Dog License Compliance Check

Sheriff Dale R. Gribler advises that officers of the Van Buren County Animal Control and volunteer members of the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office will be starting a door-to-door countywide dog license compliance check beginning in mid July, through August 2010.  The last time a dog license compliance check was conducted in Van Buren County was over 15 years ago.  Sheriff Gribler advised that the Van Buren County Board of Commissioners requested that the Animal Control Office conduct the license compliance check to ensure the dog population in Van Buren County is properly vaccinated and licensed pursuant to state statute and county policies. Van Buren County Administrator Doug Cultra stated “after 15 years, it is imperative that we conduct a dog census which will improve compliance and reduce the spread of rabies”.
     A license tag on your dog shows compliance with the rabies laws established by the State to protect the health and welfare of your pet and our community.  The license tag can also identify a lost dog, and can assist an Animal Control Officer in reuniting the dog back to its rightful owner. 
     If your dog(s) are not licensed, you must have your dog vaccinated for rabies or have a current certificate of rabies vaccination and complete an application for a dog license which can be downloaded from www.vanburencountysheriff.com, or may be obtained from the Van Buren County Treasurer’s Office, or the Van Buren County Animal Control Office.
     Michigan law requires that all dogs over 4 months old MUST have both a current rabies vaccination and a current dog license for each dog owned.  Individuals who are maintaining a dog(s) and do not have proper licensing and proof of rabies vaccination will be issued a citation during the license compliance check pursuant to Michigan compiled laws 287.266, which is a misdemeanor offense and typically carries fines and costs up to $100.00.
     The Van Buren County Prosecutor’s office supports this effort, and has granted the Van Buren County Animal Control officers authority to dismiss all citations that are issued provided that proof of licensing and vaccination have been submitted to the Animal Control Office within 10 days of the issuance of the citation.
     An individual who receives a citation for having an unlicensed dog during the compliance check and wishes to take advantage of the amnesty procedure, will need to bring their citation, proof of licensing and vaccination to the Van Buren County Animal Control Office within 10 days of the issuance of the citation.  The Van Buren County Animal Control Office is located at 58040 County Road 681, Hartford, MI  49057 and is open during the hours of:  Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday - 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.; Wednesday - 1 p.m.- 7 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday - 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Dog licenses may be purchased at:

    Van Buren County Treasurer’s Office
    219 E. Paw Paw St, Suite 101
    Paw Paw , MI

    Animal Control Office  
    58040 County Road 681
    Hartford, MI

    Al Van Humane Society
    73303 8th Ave.
    South Haven, MI 
   

Jun 2010

Operation Dry Water
Part of Nationwide Effort

          We want people to be safe and have fun while recreational boating, commented Sheriff Dale R. Gribler, but alcohol use has become the leading contributing factor in fatal recreational boating accidents.  We recommend that boaters avoid drinking alcoholic beverages at all times, and we will have zero tolerance for anyone found operating a boat under the influence of alcohol or drugs on our waters.

          Alcohol can impair a boater's judgment, balance, vision, and reaction time.  It can increase fatigue and susceptibility to the effects of cold-water immersion.  Sun, wind, noise, vibration and motion - "stressors" common to the boating environment - intensify the side effects of alcohol, drugs and some prescription medications.  United States Coast Guard statistics reveal in 2008 that 17% of all boating fatalities were a result of alcohol or drug use.

       There will be arrests this weekend, and some boaters will face the consequences of boating under the influence, added Sheriff Dale R. Gribler, but we'd much rather arrest someone than to have to tell their friends and family they're never coming back.

       Operation Dry Water is a joint program of Van Buren County Sheriff's Office, the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA), the U.S. Coast Guard, and other County Sheriff's Offices throughout Michigan.  More information is available at www.operationdrywater.org.

Contact Person:  Sgt. Chad Jahr, Marine Division, Van Buren County Sheriff's Office, 205 S. Kalamazoo St., Paw Paw, MI  49079, (269) 657-3101 Ext. 3995, email.
 

 UPDATE 
Homicide Sentencing - Juanita Lucille Jackson, black female, 49 years of age

Incident No:   08-84574 
Today's Date:  May 10, 2010.
Victim:  Bruce Allen Woody, black male, 47 years of age.
Date of Original Incident: October 05, 2008

Meth Lab Dump Sites
March 22, 2010

      Sheriff Dale R. Gribler reports the Van Buren County Sheriff's Office Central Dispatch, along with the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit, are receiving numerous calls from citizens, regarding meth lab trash found along side of roads, open fields and wooded areas.   Now that the snow is gone, it is easier to notice these items on the ground.  Some of these items may have been there through the winter or just recently thrown there. 
     The items typically found are plastic 2 liter pop bottles used as gas generators, which can be either capped or have a tube sticking out from the bottle.  Even if they look old, once moved, they will start to react again and give off a hazardous gas.  Another item typically found are plastic Gatorade type bottles, which are used as the actual meth lab vessel.  These are generally capped containing the waste, after a cook is finished.  You will also find peeled batteries, used coffee filters, used bottles of drain opener, Lye and camp fuel cans.

     Sometimes these items are tossed out as a single item, but mostly these items are all in one trash bag.  No matter how long they have been there, these items pose a potential hazard to you. 
     If you see an item you believe is meth related, do not touch it. 
If you see a trash bag along the road or even in a field, do not open the bag.  Once these items are disturbed, the reaction may begin again, giving off a hazardous gas.  These items also pose additional hazards by being caustic and flammable. 
    

If you believe you have located a meth trash dump site, stay away and contact authorities.   

Anyone with information can contact the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office at (269) 657-3101, Crime Stoppers 1-800-342-7867, Silent Observer (269) 343-2100 or your local Police Department.

Supervisor Contact:
Bryan R. Stump D/Lt.  E-mail
Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office
Narcotics Unit
205 S. Kalamazoo St.
Paw Paw, MI 49079

Phone (269) 657-3101 Ext 208, Fax (269) 657-5161

Van Buren Co. meets all FEMA Objectives During Testing
Friday, March 5, 2010

     At a briefing held this morning at Van Buren County’s Emergency Operation Center, FEMA revealed its preliminary exercise findings for all the participating counties and state offices that are affected by the Palisades Nuclear Power Plant located in Covert Township.
     These findings are the results of numerous exercises and demonstrations that Van Buren, Allegan and Berrien held over the course of three days starting March 1, 2010.
     According to FEMA’s representatives, Van Buren County met all the objectives that were required by FEMA and noted several areas that were found to be exceptional due to the involvement of many of the exercise participant’s actions. FEMA made similar comments in regards to Allegan and Berrien regarding their exercises.
     According to Lt. Alain Svilpe the following local agencies were involved with the Palisades exercises. Decatur/Hamilton Fire Department, Paw Paw Fire Department, South Haven Public Schools, Van Buren Chapter of the American Red Cross, Van Buren/Cass Health Department, Michigan Department of Human Services,  RACES, WSJM Radio, Van Buren ISD, Bangor Fire Department, Gobles/Pine Grove Fire Department , RACES, Lawrence Public Schools, Paw Paw Public Schools, Area Agency on Aging, Lakeview Community Hospital, Van Buren County Road Commission, Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office and numerous other county agencies and the Michigan State Police.
     Sheriff Dale Gribler stated he was proud of the all efforts that each participant put into this exercise period and noted that many hours of training and preparation took place to have this kind of result. 

By Lt. Alain E. Svilpe

2:45PM 3-5-10

Feb 2010

New Undersheriff Appointed for Van Buren County
Thursday, February 25, 2010

     On January 8th 2010 the Undersheriff position in Van Buren County became vacant with the retirement of Paul Edwards because of medical issues.
     After some deliberation, I am pleased to announce the appointment of Gabrielle Rought as Undersheriff for Van Buren County.  Gabrielle’s appointment became effective earlier this month.
     Undersheriff Rought has a Bachelors Degree from Grand Valley State University and obtained her law enforcement license from Kalamazoo Valley Community College.  Gabrielle began her career in law enforcement in 1997 in the Kalamazoo area and joined the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office in 1998 and has been assigned to our detective bureau from 2002 until her recent appointment.
     Gabrielle and her husband of 25 years, Rod, resides in the Paw Paw area with their two children, Justin and Jacquelyn.
     “I am extremely excited about Gabrielle’s new career in the Sheriff’s Office,“ said Sheriff Gribler.  Undersheriff Rought will bring fresh ideas, a tremendous work ethic, and forward thinking that is critical in these difficult times and for the future of our agency” added Sheriff Gribler.
     “I am excited about the future of our agency with goals and visions shared by myself and Sheriff Gribler.  During this transitional period, I plan to lead by example, provide encouragement to all, and build on a strong concept of teamwork,” said Undersheriff Rought. 

Update on fatal accident
February 25, 2010

Memorandum Determination

                     TO:  VBSD
                FROM:  Juris Kaps,
                            Van Buren County Prosecuting Attorney's Office
COMPLAINT NO:  #09-007474  Fatal Accident of September 26, 2009 in Antwerp Twp.
       Memo Date:  February 17, 2010

Monday, February 22, 2010

   Van Buren County Sheriff Dale R. Gribler is please to announce a joint program between his office and Entergy.  The program, funded by Entergy is administered by the Sheriff’s Office, is call CodeRED which is a reverse 9-1-1 system. 

Van Buren County Central Dispatch will have the ability to alert county residents by telephone of emergencies or public information throughout the county or the notification can be narrowed down to a specific area such as a subdivision. 

“This is a very exciting service we can provide to our residents,” said Sheriff Gribler.  “This can be used for a multitude of needs from evacuating areas, to locating a lost child or notifying our residents of criminal activity in an area,” the Sheriff further commented. 

Van Buren County residents, businesses and students are encouraged to register online to be personally alerted in the event of an imminent threat to health and safety – such as a chemical spill, nuclear power plant event, evacuation notice, bomb threat, boil water notification, or missing child alert- through the CodeRED program provided by Entergy’s Palisades Nuclear Power Plant located in Covert Township. 

The CodeRED system is capable of dialing 60,000 phone numbers per hour, making three attempts to connect any registered number and delivering a recorded message to a live person or answering machine within a specific geographic area or for the entire county. 

To register your phone number, click on the CodeRED icon on the left menu of the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office website at www.vanburencountysheriff.com  Provide your name, address, primary phone number and alternative phone number to receive emergency notifications from the Sheriff’s Office.  Individuals without internet access can pick up a free CodeRED residential or business registration form at the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office, 205 S. Kalamazoo Street, Paw Paw MI or request a form by calling 888-273-8111. 

CodeRED notification is also recommended for individuals interested in receiving emergency information related to a specific Van Buren County address, such as for nearby relatives of an elderly or disabled Van Buren County resident. Information from the CodeRED registration will be managed on behalf of Van Buren County for authorized local emergency phone communications only and will not be used or sold for any other application.  

“The partnership with Entergy has been exceptional and I truly want to thank Entergy for their commitment to Van Buren County residents,” concluded Sheriff Gribler.

2009 Michigan Outstanding Citizen Corps Coordinator
Awarded to Van Buren Co. Sheriff's Office Volunteer

Sheriff Dale R Gribler is pleased to announce that Steve Starner has won the Outstanding Citizen Corps Coordinator for 2009. The award was presented at the Citizens Corp Coordinators Training Forum held in Traverse City on the 15th and 16th of December. The award was presented by Sgt. Kevin Sweeny and Matt Blythe of the Michigan State Police Emergency Management & Homeland Security Division.
           The Michigan Citizen Corps Program helps communities coordinate volunteers to prepare for and respond to local emergencies. It trains and engages volunteers to make communities safer, stronger, and better prepared to respond to emergencies and disasters of all kinds, including threats of terrorism, natural disasters, crime, public health issues, etc. The support of Citizen Corps activities is especially important during major disasters when first responders may be initially overwhelmed. Citizen Corps activities are adapted to every community's needs and managed locally by a Citizen Corps Council. Citizen Corps encourage communities to engage every citizen in homeland security efforts.
          Steve Starner has been active with the Van Buren County Sheriffs Office as a volunteer for nearly ten years. 2009 is an exceptional year for Steve's service with our Department. In 2009, Steve became our Community Outreach Coordinator.  In this position, he took the lead in a number of county-wide programs, including Neighborhood Watch, CERT, Care Trak, Child Fingerprint-Photo, STOPPED, VIPS, and our Speakers Bureau. He has spent 925 hours this year in the development and implementation of these programs, along with being the Commander of our state award-winning Reserve Officer program.
          Reserve Program (VIPS) - Steve is one of the founding members of this group, formed in 2000, and for the last four years has been the unit commander. During this period of time, the unit has increased in size to its current 25 members and has donated over 6,000 hours of service to the citizens of Van Buren County in 2009. The unit performs many services in the county which allows Deputies to remain on patrol or offers services which otherwise could not be offered. The units work festivals, parades, fireworks, sporting events, township meetings and also provide the manpower for many other programs such as the STOPPED program, Fingerprint-Photo and Care Trak.
          STOPPED - For the third year in a row, the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office has received the top state wide award for registrations of teen drivers in the STOPPED program. Van Buren County is the only county to have received this award from the Secretary of State in all three years of the programs existence. Steve has coordinated this program through the Reserve unit and local schools, health fairs and other events. Because of this success Steve was asked to provide training for other Departments around the state by the Michigan Sheriffs Association. (MSA is the sponsor of STOPPED) He also addressed the Sheriff’s Association quarterly meeting promoting the program to Sheriffs from the entire state.
          Neighborhood Watch - there are eight NW groups in the county and two more in the works. Steve attends all their meetings and provides training for the groups. He has developed presentations on the following subjects:  NW should your neighborhood be involved?; Observation Skills; Reporting Suspicious Activities; Target Hardening Your Home; ID Theft; Scams; Crime Prevention 101; Auto Theft; Travel Safety; Personal Safety; Disaster Planning for the Home; Home Safety; Meth; Drunk Driving; Distracted Driving; and Gangs. Steve continues to add and update presentations as needed. He also coordinates McGruff The Crime Dog appearances at meetings, picnics, parades and schools.
          CERT - Van Buren County is currently running its first CERT class; there are 44 people in the class which will finish in early December. Steve is the County CERT coordinator, as well as the lead trainer. He has worked to secure funding, materials, a place to hold the classes, find specialized instructors and keep records.
          Care Trak - Another new program for the county that targets people who may wander from their homes or care facilities due to Alzheimer's, Autism, Down Syndrome, and other special needs. Steve worked to coordinate the purchase, training, and implementation of the program. He has developed a presentation to demonstrate the need and operation of the program and has worked to find sponsors to pay for equipment so those who have a need for the equipment but don't have the means can still be taken care of. Steve is one of four people trained to track lost individuals and is the re-cert trainer for the department.
          Fingerprint and Photo – A new program for the county, this program has equipment to fingerprint and take a photo of children in case they separated from their parents. This record is supplied to the parent for safe keeping. Steve worked to obtain this equipment, set it up, and trains others in its operation.  Hundreds of kids have already been printed in the county. Many more events are scheduled in the coming months.
          Business Protection Seminar - This is a one day class for business owners-managers to help them protect their operations from fraud and theft. Sessions on subjects such as; security video, credit card fraud, check fraud, employee theft, robbery protection, currency counterfeiting, physical security devices, and disaster planning. All the material, promotion and arrangements were coordinated or devolved by Steve.
          Speakers Bureau - Steve has developed so many presentations for Neighborhood Watch and other groups that we have posted the availability of those sessions on our web site. Presentations can be made to business groups, civic organizations, schools, not for profit groups or any other group.
          Steve spends many hours representing our department at senior safety fairs, child safety fairs, and many other events around the county.  His knowledge and ability to work with the public and be a front person for the Department is invaluable. So many things have been accomplished and programs added because of his willingness to take on any assignment or suggest a program that we should be involved with. He is extremely dedicated to raising the quality of life for the citizens of Van Buren County.

Jan 2010

January 27, 2010 

Update

JURY FINDS RONALD VORE III GUILTY OF CSC 1st DEGREE

 Information:  Sheriff Dale Gribler reports that the trial of for Ronald Glenn Vore III, commenced on January 26th 2010 in the 36th Circuit Court before the Honorable William C. Buhl.
     The two day trial was presented by Assistant Prosecutor Michael Bedford. The jury received the case for deliberation early Tuesday morning, returning a guilty verdict before noon of guilty as charged in both counts. Vore III was in custody at the time of the trial.
     Sentencing is set for February 22nd  at 1:15 p.m. in the 36th Circuit Court, Paw Paw Michigan.

Incident #:  82544-08
Incident Type:  Criminal Sexual Assault
Date & Time:  July 28th, 2009  before 5:30 pm
Location of Incident: 43000 Block of M-43 Hwy, Waverly Twp, Paw Paw MI.
Victims Name:  Juvenile victims name withheld. She was 6 years old at the time of incident.
Suspect Name: Ronald Glenn Vore III  Male DOB 1/2/75. Lodged at the Van Buren County Jail
Criminal Charges:  CSC 1st Degree with person under the age of 13 yrs, CSC 2nd Degree with person under the age of 13 yrs.

January 20, 2010

Sheriff Dale R. Gribler reports that the Van Buren County Sheriffs Office Narcotics Detectives assisted the AFT Agents in this federal investigation over the past few months. The investigation has resulted in the indictment and arrest of Mr. Gray. Mr. Gray was taken into custody on the indictment yesterday morning at his place of business without incident. Mr. Gray made his appearance in the Grand Rapids Federal Court.

LAWTON MAN FEDERALLY CHARGED WITH UNLICENSED SALE OF FIREARMS
AND WITH SELLING A FIREARM TO A CONVICTED FELON

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Joseph Scott Gray, 40, of Lawton, Michigan, was charged with two federal firearms offenses, U.S. Attorney Donald A. Davis announced today. The first charge alleges that he engaged in the business of selling firearms without a license between October 15, 2008 and July 31, 2009. This is a felony offense under federal law, carrying a maximum possible penalty of five years in prison, a fine of $250,000 and other penalties. The second charge against Gray is that he sold a gun to a convicted felon in violation of federal law. This is also a federal felony, carrying a maximum term of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000 and other penalties. Gray has been arrested and brought before Magistrate Judge Joseph Scoville for his first appearance and released on a $15,000 bond.
    
     U.S. Attorney Davis commended the Van Buren County Sheriff Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and explosives for its investigation of the case. This case is being prosecuted on behalf of the United States by Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy P. VerHey.

     The charges in an indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.

Bryan R. Stump, D/Lieutenant
Van Buren County Sheriff's Office
Investigative & Narcotic's Units
205 S. Kalamazoo Street
Paw Paw, Michigan 49079
Office (269) 657-3101 x 208
Fax (269) 657-5160
Tri-Net Office (269) 657-8296
email

January 13, 2010 - Linda Stermer trial and conviction.  Click here for details.

Dec 2009

Nov 2009

Michigan Telecommunicator of the Year
Awarded to Van Buren Co. Man

Sheriff Dale R. Gribler announces Dispatcher Chad Jahr, a four year veteran of Van Buren Central Dispatch, as the recipient of Michigan Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) Telecommunicator of the Year for 2009 at the annual dinner held in Frankenmuth on October 22nd. Mr. Jahr was nominated for this prestigious award by Jeri Tapper, Director of the Central Dispatch Center for his leadership, dedication to public service, his commitment to excellence and customer service.
     Also receiving recognition with a Certificate of Excellence was Van Buren County Information Technology Director Shafeeq Hameed. His hard work and dedication in the public safety field as a leader and innovator is a vital asset to the 9-1-1 Operations Center.
     Sheriff Gribler states:  We are very fortunate to have such talented individuals working in Van Buren County that are recognized for their efforts by a statewide organization.

New Equipment To Fingerprint And Photograph Children

      Sheriff Dale R. Gribler is pleased to announce that the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office has purchased equipment to fingerprint and photograph children.  This equipment was purchased from Sentry Technologies of Charlotte, NC and has proprietary printing and auto-capture features that allows for quick fingerprinting and photo capture.  The prints are captured electronically instead of using ink as in the past so there is no clean-up required.  From start to finish less than five minutes is required.  The $3,417 equipment was made available through a Public Safety Grant. 

Click here for details and why this is so important.

Van Buren County Awarded Federal Reimbursement from the

FY2009 SCAAP PROGRAM

     The U.S. Department of Justice announced the award of $4,458.00 to Van Buren County, MI, to reimburse some of the costs of incarcerating undocumented criminal aliens who have committed serious crimes in the United States.  The goal of this program is to enhance public safety in communities throughout the nation.
     This opportunity originates from federally mandated programs that the County is providing at local cost.  As many local entities are aware, the Federal Government drives local political entities to assume more responsibility for the administration and delivery of government services.  Many times these services are funded with local dollars.
     However, in some cases there are federal funding opportunities available, if the proper request is made.  Identifying federal funding stream opportunities and then properly applying for them are not simple or easy tasks.  The interaction between federal, state and local political entities is complex, and often unwieldy for most local political entities.
     An aggressive program of researching and applying for little known federal programs to supplement the local tax burden was implemented by engaging Justice Benefits, Inc. (JBI) for assistance.
     JBI is a public sector consulting firm located in Dallas, Texas, that specializes in locating and accessing hard-to-find federal reimbursements for local and state entities.  JBI does the research, gathers and analyzes the data, and completes all necessary information to be included in the application.  As a result of JBI’s expertise and experience, Van Buren County was able to maximize its dollar amount on this application.  Van Buren County was one of only 900 (out of 3,140) eligible local entities across the U.S. that successfully applied for these dollars. 

Lt. Robert A. Kirk
Jail Administrator
Van Buren County Sheriff's Office
205 S. Kalamazoo St.
Paw Paw, Mi 49079
Phone: (269) 657-2171 Ext. 260
Fax: (269) 657-7574
E-mail

Sep 2009

SHERIFF GRIBLER URGES RESIDENTS TO BUCKLE UP
AND DRIVE SOBER LABOR DAY WEEKEND 

     As families and friends come together from all over Michigan to enjoy this Labor Day Weekend, Sheriff Gribler urges drivers to be smart:   Buckle Up and Do Not Drive Impaired.  Deputies will be working hard this weekend in Van Buren County to stop impaired driving and enforce Michigan’s Seat Belt Law.
     During this high traffic time, it is especially important for travelers to wear their seat belts and refrain from using any substances that impair driving.  “Drivers who operate vehicles while they are under the influence of drugs or alcohol cost Michigan residents millions of dollars each year in lost time, lost property, and most importantly, lost lives,” said Sheriff Gribler.  “The greatest tragedy is that deaths due to impaired driving are preventable – these are not accidents.”
     Michigan is second in the nation in seatbelt use.  Studies have shown that there is a direct correlation between seatbelt use and crash survival.  “Seatbelts save lives,” said Sheriff Gribler.  “Please remember to buckle up each and every time you get in your vehicle.”

Aug 2009

It’s that time of year… School Zones will soon be back in action as students begin the 2009-10 School year.  As a result, our roads get busy with school buses, parents opting to drive their children to and from school, and students walking or biking to school. To ensure a safe and successful school year, Van Buren County Sheriff Dale Gribler wants to remind parents and students of a few Back to School safety tips.  

Bus Riders 

• Have a safe place to wait for your bus, away from traffic and off the street.

• Never sit on the roadway while waiting for your bus.

• Stay away from the bus until the driver gives his-her signal that it's okay to approach.

• Be aware of the street traffic around you. Protect yourself and watch out!

• While riding the bus, remain seated and conduct yourself in an orderly fashion. Aisles in the bus should remain clear.

• Don’t stick anything out side the bus windows.

Motorists

• Allow extra time to reach your destination and watch for cars, pedestrians, bicyclists, skateboarders, crossing guards and school buses.

• Both directions of traffic must stop when school bus stop arm(s) and flashing red lights are displayed.

• Be aware of the speed limit and your speed, especially in school zones and around schools. A speeding ticket in a posted school zone will cost double the usual speeding fine.

Walkers and Bike Riders

Parents:

• Take the time to carefully review your children's route to school before the first day and stress the importance of not wandering off.

• Be realistic about your child's pedestrian skills. Because small children are impulsive and less cautious around traffic, carefully consider whether or not your child is ready to walk to school without adult supervision.

If your child is young or is walking to a new school, walk with them the first week to make sure they know the route and can do it safely

Students on bikes:

• Always wear a bicycle helmet, no matter how short or long the ride.

• Ride on the right; in the same direction as auto traffic (younger children should use sidewalks).

• Wear bright color clothing to increase visibility.

• Walk your bike through intersections.

 Students walking:

• Mind all traffic signals and-or the crossing guard -- never cross the street against a light, even if you don't see any traffic coming. Learn what traffic signals and signs mean.

• Walk with a buddy.

• Wear reflective material...it makes you more visible to street traffic.

• Stay off the road.

• Never walk between parked cars.

Riding in a car

• All passengers must wear a seat belt and-or an age and size-appropriate car safety seat or booster seat. Michigan’s safety belt law is now primary – you can and will be stopped and ticketed for not wearing your safety belt. Drivers are responsible for their passengers under 16 years of age when it comes to proper safety belt and car seat use.

• Remember . . . many crashes occur while novice teen drivers are going to and from school.  Parents should:

  • require seat belt use by the driver and all passengers,

  • limit the number of teen passengers,

  • not allow eating, drinking, cell phone conversations, or texting to prevent driver distraction,

  • limit nighttime driving and driving in inclement weather.

Dealing with strangers

• Always tell your parents where you are going and when you will return.

• Always walk with a friend. Don’t take shortcuts through woods or back streets.

• Never approach strange vehicles or people.

• Keep your distance and always give yourself room to run from strangers. Remember, strangers should always ask directions from adults not children.

• Never go with a stranger to look for a missing pet or to play a game.

• If a stranger follows or grabs you, yell loud and run away. If you need to, fight back and make as much noise as you can. Run to a safe place and call 9-1-1.

SUPERVISOR CONTACT:  Lieutenant William Lux (269) 657-2006

Jul 2009

Fireworks Safety
July 1, 2009

     Enjoying fireworks displays at dusk is synonymous with Fourth of July Celebrations, however, Van Buren County Sheriff Dale Gribler wants to remind area residents fireworks can be deadly.
     Last year more than 10,000 people were injured by fireworks, with children under the age of 15 accounting for one-third of those injuries. In Michigan, a Melvindale mother of three was killed on July 4, 2007 after being struck by a commercially made firework.
     There are two classes of fireworks. Class B fireworks are manufactured for use in the professional displays like the one put on in our local cities and villages. These fireworks are illegal in the state of Michigan without a permit. Class C fireworks are the kind commonly sold in stores for consumer use. Examples of Class C fireworks include paper caps, toy trick noise makers, sparklers, fountains, toy snakes and toy smoke devices. No permit is needed for these fireworks.
     If you are unsure whether your fireworks are class B or C, follow this one simple guideline:  if it makes a loud bang or leaves the ground, then it is illegal, said Sheriff Gribler. The most important thing you can do is to educate your family and set a good example.

Sheriff Gribler offers the following guidelines for the safe use of fireworks for at-home displays:

• Stay away from illegal explosives.

• Obey the local and state laws and USE COMMON SENSE.

• Read the fireworks instructions and follow them. If an item looks damaged, don’t use it

• Purchase fireworks only from reputable dealers or stores. Legal fireworks are tested as to quality and safety. Never attempt to build your own fireworks or use illegal explosives such as M-80’s or Cherry Bombs.

• A responsible adult should supervise all firework usage. When used properly, all fireworks can be safe.

• Fireworks are meant to be used one at a time. Do not combine or mix fireworks at the same time because fuses have different burn rates. Actions like this invite accidents.

• Use fireworks outdoors only, away from houses and vehicles.

• Never point or throw fireworks at anyone, including your pets.

• Remember alcohol and fireworks don’t mix.

• Use protective eye wear and keep a hose nearby. Don’t try to re-light a DUD, but soak it for 15 minutes and dispose of properly.

Let’s make the Fourth of July a safe holiday by exercising care and common sense when you use fireworks.

Dale R. Gribler, Sheriff
Van Buren County
205 S. Kalamazoo Street
Paw Paw, Michigan  49079
(269) 657-2006