It is the law in Michigan when you see emergency vehicles on the side of the road to slow down and move over if possible. This year the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office has partnered with the National Sheriffs’ Association to launch a yearlong social media campaign in Wayne County to remind drivers to move over. You will see the #MoveOverDriveSafe hashtag throughout the year on a variety of platforms. Our media partners at WDIV-TV profiled the start of the effort which now includes 11 other law enforcement agencies including MSP. WDIV-TV did a great job getting the message out and why this issue is personal for Sheriff Washington.
https://www.clickondetroit.com/news/local/2024/12/24/campaign-aims-to-get-michigan-drivers-to-move-over-for-emergency-vehicles/
Each year our volunteers and sponsors outdo themselves in order to bring Christmas to needy children. This year the WCSO was able to gift 200 children a Christmas and give their parents Meijer gift cards for much needed groceries. This is a major undertaking from this office and is always the entire WCSO’s favorite day of the year. This would not be possible without our many sponsors. A special thank you to Meijer, Huntington Bancshares Fund, Barbat Co, LLC, Derek Dickow, Mr.& Mrs. Joe Lentine, Frank Torre, SLIFCO Electric, and Mark Savaya. Our Wayne County Sheriff Youth and Senior Foundation always plays a huge role in this. On behalf of all of us here at the WCSO, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.
When Freddie Payne got a call that read “No ID” on his cellphone he hesitated to answer it but ultimately picked up. On the other end was a guy claiming to be a Wayne County deputy who told him he needed to pay $3500 immediately or be thrown in jail. Payne told us the man was a fast talker and claimed there was a bench warrant for his arrest because he failed to show up for jury duty. Payne knew it couldn’t possibly be true. He hung up after about 20 minutes of listening to their spiel and called Sheriff Washington. This is just another version of the scam that’s been going around for years, but these guys can be very persuasive. Thank you to WDIV-TV for bringing attention to it. You can see [...]
It’s one of our most favorite events of the year. WCSO teams up with Leaders Advancing and Helping Communities or LAHC and Kroger to pass out $5000 in gift cards. Today unsuspecting drivers were pulled over by deputies and Sheriff Washington along with Undersheriff Mike Jaafar. People were flabbergasted that instead of getting tickets they received $250 gift cards. Another successful Santa on Patrol.
For nearly two decades the Rugiero family, owners of both Antonio’s and Roman Village, have opened their doors for a very special event. Lunch with Santa, and a toy drive done in the name of the late Wayne County Sheriff Benny Napoleon. While the Rugieros serve up the landmark Italian cuisine they’re known for, deputies roll out the mobile command center and love deputizing young attendees who are eager to do their best to protect Santa at all costs. The $28 ticket price includes a fabulous buffet, a visit with Santa, live reindeer and a host of other activities. Both restaurants have been collecting toys since the end of November, all to be donated to children in need.
For 35 years Sheriff Washington has been donating to Delores Bennett’s Adopt-a-Child. Now, the entire WCSO is on board. Our people buy gifts for the children and donate their time on the day of the event. Delores Benett was a tireless advocate for Detroit’s children who founded the North End Youth Improvement Council fifty years ago. Mrs. Bennett died in 2017, but her daughter Mary has kept up her mother’s work. Over the last 50 years they estimate they’ve helped 30,000 children. The WCSO is proud to support one of Detroit’s most cherished traditions.
With his extensive career in law enforcement Sheriff Washington has seen first-hand the damage youth homelessness has caused. It’s why he gives his time as a board member for Covenant House, which houses and helps educate young people with nowhere to go. Each year the sheriff spends the night out in the cold to help raise money for the non-profit. This year he challenged Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel to join him, along with Genesse County Sheriff Chris Swanson. Both men graciously accepted the challenge. Members of the WCSO executive staff also packed their sleeping bags to support the cause.
WCSO and CNS Healthcare Thanksgiving
Sheriff Washington and CNS CEO Michael Garrett hand out 1800 turkeys
Just in time for Thanksgiving the WCSO and CNS Healthcare joined forces to pass out 1800 free turkeys in Metro Detroit. Whether it was handling the long traffic lines, unpacking the truck, or bundling up the birds WCSO showed up to do the work. Sheriff Washington and CEO Michael Garrett gifted the turkeys at the CNS location at 15560 Joy Road in Detroit. The annual giveaway is one everybody at the WCSO loves participating in. CNS Healthcare has been an exceptional community partner.
Wayne County Officials Announce Opening of Newly Constructed Criminal Justice Complex
State-of-the-Art Facility Set to Transform County’s Criminal Justice Operations
Detroit, MI, August 15, 2024 – Wayne County officials will officially open the doors, on Tuesday, September 3, to the newly completed Wayne County Criminal Justice Complex (CJC), a state-of-the-art facility that marks a significant milestone in the county’s criminal justice system. The project, which spans over 11 acres and more than one million square feet across seven buildings, is now fully operational.
“The opening of the Criminal Justice Complex ushers in a new era of justice for Wayne County,” said Wayne County Executive Warren C. Evans. “This state-of-the-art facility is more than just a building; it represents our unwavering commitment to creating a fairer and more efficient justice system for all. By ensuring that justice is accessible and equitable, we’re taking a significant step forward in our journey toward a more just future for Wayne County.”
The CJC is designed to centralize Wayne County’s criminal justice operations, housing a criminal courthouse, adult, and [...]
The collaboration between DWIHN and the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office highlights the importance of working together to support our community’s mental health needs. It was an honor to have the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office represented at the event, with Undersheriff Mike Jaafar delivering insightful remarks.
