STORIES AND EVENTS
Employees recognized at Sarpy County Board meeting
Two sheriff's department employees were recognized at a Sarpy County Board meeting by Sheriff Davis. Sgt. Bruce Meyer received a Department Commendation award for his efforts in organizing the structure and operations of the department's Field Force Unit. His leadership skills, motivation and knowledge have attributed to the success of the unit.
Sheriff Davis also recognized staff member Jackie Yost. She was presented with a Department Letter of Recognition award. Yost has continually worked to research alternative resources to save the county money. A recent undertaking by Yost to find a new vendor for the county resulted in better services at a lower cost.
Both employees were thanked by Sheriff Davis and County Board members for their self-motivation and excellent job performance.
June 2009
ReRuns R Fun Donates to DARE
Anna Sortino of "ReRuns R Fun" donated a check for $5,000 to DARE at a Sarpy County DARE graduation at Rumsey Station Elementary School . Deputy Evan Strobbe received the check on behalf of the Sarpy County DARE program. ReRuns is an organization that holds consignment sales and uses the proceeds from those sales to donate to charitable causes.
May 2009
LB 736 passed
Research has shown that first-time DUI offenders have driven drunk an average of 87 times before they’re finally arrested. The main reason that drivers continue to drive drunk is because they can! About one-third of all drivers arrested for driving while drunk have had a previous drunk driving conviction. A bill currently in the Nebraska legislature calls for the installation of an alcohol ignition interlock device upon conviction for a first offense, with longer interlock periods for a second offense, or first offense with a blood alcohol content of 0.15 or higher. In 2007, 10,711 individuals were convicted of drunk-driving in the state of Nebraska, with 7,725 (72%) of these individuals caught for their first offense. Consequently, inclusion of interlock ignition on these offender vehicles may greatly reduce the chances of a repeat offense. In addition, the enforcement of this technology is enhanced by requiring all Nebraska offenders to carry an interlock ignition restriction permit. Studies have shown that alcohol ignition interlocks, when used, are up to 90% effective in keeping both first-time and repeat offenders from repeating this crime. For more information on interlock ignition technology, visit the MADD National web site at http://www.madd.org or Smart Start Inc., at http://www.smartstartinc.com/index.htm. (Click the image to watch the special report from Papio Vision)
Jan 2009
Employees Compete In Food Drive
A competition among Sarpy County Sheriff’s Department employees resulted in collecting items for area food banks. Hearing in November that shelves at the Sarpy County food banks were empty, the sheriff’s department employees stepped up to help out. The department enjoys the concept of team competition, so five teams of employees were formed to compete against one another. The teams were asked to collect items pertaining to different food themes each week. Points were then awarded weekly to each team based upon how much food was collected. At the end of the challenge, the “Biggest Winner” team was declared, consisting of employees at the Juvenile Justice Center, who brought in the most items. Overall, more than 1,450 pounds of food was donated by the sheriff’s department employees. Curtis Rainge of Sarpy County Community Services distributed the food to the area Sarpy County food banks. Although one team was declared the “Biggest Winner”, the employees of the sheriff’s department can be considered “True Champions” for helping out those who face the challenge of feeding their families.
Dec 2008
Impaired Driving "You Drink, You Drive, You Lose" Campaign
Law enforcement agencies in the Omaha metro area are combining efforts in a "You Drink, You Drive, You Lose" impaired driving crackdown. Officers from the Nebraska State Patrol, Sarpy and Douglas County Sheriff's Departments, and the Bellevue, Papillion and LaVista Police Departments are participating.
The campaign includes a recent demonstration to the public of how alcohol affects the ability to drive. Several individuals participated in a controlled lab to test responsiveness after increasing their blood alcohol content. Officers observed them and learned to recognize impaired drivers at lower levels of blood alcohol. The Nebraska State Patrol had their "Rollover Demonstration" vehicle on display. Additionally, a vehicle was on display that had previously been in a fatality drunken driving crash involving a repeat drunk driver. The crash occurred in New Mexico, killing 4 Nebraskans who were traveling on vacation. M.A.D.D. was available with information on "Tie One On For Safety", which promotes safety by asking motorists to tie a M.A.D.D. red ribbon to their vehicles as a visible reminder to drive safe and sober and to wear seat belts.
In 2008, the Nebraska Legislature passed LB 736, which requires all convicted drunk drivers to have a breath test instrument (ignition interlock) placed on their vehicles. The law is effective January 1, 2009. The ignition interlock works to test the driver's breath for levels of blood alcohol. The driver blows into a device that is attached to the dashboard. If blood alcohol content levels are detected above a certain amount, the car will not start. Two units were on display and installed on vehicles to show how the ignition interlock system works.
Our appreciation goes to Smart Start Inc., Jones Automotive, and the Fire Guard for making this demonstration possible.
The Nebraska Office of Highway Safety will provide grants to fund extra patrol officers across Nebraska throughout the holiday season. All drivers are reminded to drive sober and safe.
Dec 2008
Sheriff Jeff Davis announced that the Nebraska Office of Highway Safety awarded the Sarpy County Sheriff's Department a grant for the “Click it or Ticket “campaign, which ran statewide November 24-30, 2008. The selective Traffic Enforcement focused on seat belt and child car seat safety and usage. Nebraska Office of Highway Safety approved $5,279 for the extra enforcement and deputies that worked the assignment.
Nov 2008
Promotions
Sheriff Jeff Davis has restructured the staff at the Sarpy County Sheriff’s Office. As part of this process, Mark Trapp was promoted to the rank of lieutenant. Furthermore, the rank of corporal was eliminated and additional sergeant positions were added. To fill these positions, Sheriff Jeff Davis promoted Fred Bishop, Mike Bramhall, Peggy Buchannan, Brian Fjelstad, Dan Golda, Rob Hillabrand, Chris Teuscher, Rick Wheeler and Steve Wrigley to the rank of sergeant. A promotional ceremony will be announced at a later date.
Nov 2008
Halloween Safety
Sheriff Jeff Davis and our partners at M.A.D.D. (Mothers Against Drunk Drivers) would like to provide the following safety tips for parents and drivers in the areas where children will be out in trick or treat activities.
- Don't use a cell phone while driving through neighborhoods. A single distraction could lead to a tragedy.
- Drive well below the posted speed limit.
- Pay attention to what is happening on sidewalks and roads. Watch for children running across streets and between parked cars.
- Be extra alert when pulling in and out of driveways.
- Do not assume children can see you or are paying attention. You need to take that responsibility.
- Check that all lights on your car work.
- Do not pass other vehicles that have stopped in the road. They could be dropping off children.
- Put your hazard lights on when stopped along the curb if you are driving a group of children to alert other motorists.
- Put your mask on after you park your car if you are driving to a Halloween party.
Sheriff Davis directs that extra patrols be placed out on Halloween, assisting parents and children in the neighborhoods. Two-thirds of all highway fatal crashes on Halloween are alcohol related. Do not think about getting behind the wheel of a car if you have been drinking. Don't become a drunk driving statistic or cause an alcohol-related statistic to happen. Please report any drunk or impaired drivers by dialing 911.
Let us all make sure that everyone brings home treats on Halloween, not tragedies.
Oct. 2008
Sarpy County Sheriff's Deputies Receive Awards
The Papillion-Lavista Optimist Club awarded Deputy Dixie O'Hara the "Deputy of the Year" award. Deputy O'Hara is an experienced officer, having nearly 24 years with the department. She has worked many posts in the department during this time. She volunteers to assist people in need during her personal time away from the department.
Deputy Joe Benak received the Gretna Optimist Club's "Deputy of the Year" award. Deputy Benak has been with the department since 1991, working various assignments. His outstanding work has provided Sarpy County with numerous convictions and his diligence has provided the citizens of Sarpy County with great community service.
Sept. 2008