September 17, 2024 was a sweet day for the 15 honorees of the Newport News Lifelong Citizenship Recognition Ceremony, even without the cake served by Newport News Sheriff’s Office (NNSO) Civil Enforcement Sergeant Ulises Ramos, seen in the featured photo.

The ceremony, luncheon, and framed proclamation given to each honoree by Newport News Mayor Phillip Jones for their decades of voluntary service to the people of this southeastern Virginia city were greatly appreciated by these residents.

Among those who were honored in the ceremony, which is part of the Active Lifestyle program of Newport News Parks and Recreation for residents aged 90 and over, were several educators, including a retired historian who taught the history of their part of town to its young residents to foster hometown pride.

Other honorees had volunteered at hospitals, taught residents how to construct and fly model planes, played instruments in local bands, and participated in neighborhood watch or advocacy groups. Together, these 15 individuals had given 787 years of service to Newport News since 1944.

Noting that being able to participate in this celebration felt like an honor to him, Sergeant Ramos said, "I really enjoyed helping to celebrate these people who have been giving back to our city for decades. They chatted with me as I served their lunch, especially when I passed the dessert around, which they loved. And I heard some good stories."

Added Captain Kandyce Gross, NNSO Civil Enforcement Commander, "This was a great opportunity to connect with these residents. We want them and their families to know we value all they've done to enrich our city and that we stand ready to be of service to them whenever they need us."

From Managing the Jail to Keeping Schools and Vulnerable Citizens Safe

Like the citizens who have committed their lives to making a difference in Newport News, so too have the 200 men and women of the Newport News Sheriff’s Office, 170 of whom are sworn law enforcement officers.

These deputies have a wide range of responsibilities, including managing the city jail, providing court security, executing civil processes, and transporting inmates.

They also perform general law enforcement duties, ensuring the safety and security of the city's citizens, inmates, and courts, which involves screening visitors and maintaining order within the courtrooms.

Added Captain Gross, “Our main focus is related to the city jail and our court system, but we also patrol the roads on our city patrol, maintain safety around our schools, and provide support programs for the community.”

One of these support programs is Project Lifesaver, which was developed to keep individuals who suffer from Alzheimer’s, autism, Down syndrome, traumatic brain injury, or other problems safe.

“Their caregivers are given a radio frequency transmitter to strap to the individual’s arm or ankle. Each transmitter, which is about the size of a smart watch, is linked to a specific individual so that we know who has gone missing. We are currently doing this for 66 individuals, and in the past have done it for 92. This year alone, we saved two adults who had wandered away and were found near a highway.”

Another popular program is Safety for Our Seniors, in which an NNSO clerk makes a check-in call every Monday through Friday to be sure that an elderly or disabled person who lives alone is okay.

Explained Gross, “Our clerks make the calls, and if there is no response, we send a deputy out. It’s a very successful program. One woman fell and broke her hip, so she couldn’t get to the phone. So, we went to her home and called an ambulance for her. Another person passed away over the weekend and we found her on Monday after getting no response to our call. We’ve been doing this for at least 32 years now.”

Keeping little ones safe in the community is also a priority for NNSO. Said Sergeant Ramos, “I do patrol checks on our three local schools, checking inside and out to make sure the exits are secure, and driving around the parking lot to make sure there’s nobody doing anything they shouldn’t there.”

Making a Difference in the Lives of All Members of the Community

“I especially like interacting with the kids,” Ramos added. “Last week, I went to career day for Hidenwood Elementary School to talk about what it’s like to be a police officer. I got some pretty interesting questions.

“Growing up, I didn’t have a positive image of police, and I want to be the kind of officer who has good relationships with kids. I want them to know it’s safe to interact with us, that they can trust us. One way to do this is by helping out with local community events.”

Captain Gross agreed, saying “We participate in Fun Day with Bunny, an Easter egg hunt held at a local church and sponsored by Way of Hope, a nonprofit organization that provides resources and support to people in need. We want kids to see the softer side of us and know it’s okay to approach us, to know that we’re not just about the jail. We also volunteer at Breakfast with Santa and other events with the Way of Hope and other groups.

“We volunteer for the Special Olympics, too. Our deputies go to Richmond, VA to work the summer games every year and do a mile run with lights and sirens.

“Another program we support is the Newport News Rescue Mission. Our deputies volunteered at a charity dinner which raised $8,00 for them last year,” she added, noting that these efforts are done on the deputies’ own time.

Said Gross, “Our people are dedicated to the community, and by volunteering, they can make a difference in one or more person’s life, whether that individual is a child or adult. Just hanging out and talking with them brings us closer.

“At the forefront of all we do is Sheriff Gabe Morgan’s motto: Committed to Making a Difference. Our deputies work to develop and strengthen their bonds with all community members, not just senior citizens.”

Photo courtesy of Logan Scherle, Newport News Sheriff’s Office.

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