Sheriff’s memberships will support fight against crime

MARION – Sheriff Tim Bailey announced Friday that Marion County residents are invited to assist law enforcement officials and build a stronger partnership in the fight against crime by becoming Associate Members of the Buckeye State Sheriffs’ Association.

“With government funding becoming increasingly difficult to secure, the membership drive has taken on greater importance than ever before,” Bailey said in a news release. “The funding is vital to helping us carry out our mission of making our communities safer places to live, work and play.”

People choosing to join the voluntary program can do so with a $20 contribution. Many county residents receive membership appeals in the mail. The funding provides important technical resources, training and legislative support on key criminal justice issues.

“As the need for building stronger public-private law enforcement partnerships in this country continues to escalate, programs such as this continue to grow in importance,” Bailey said. “I encourage everyone receiving a membership appeal to consider joining forces with us by becoming an associate member. It is a valuable investment in the future.”

The membership program was formed to provide residents with an opportunity to lend their support to law enforcement and to help local law enforcement officers protect the lives and property of residents.

People who do not receive a membership appeal and would like information may call the Buckeye State Sheriffs’ Association at 800-589-2772. Residents also can become members of the program by calling the Marion County Sheriff’s Office at 740-382-8244.