Program Up-date December 2007

From: Wayne Balch, President of Southern Knights Cruisers

Thank all of you that have supported our program this past year. I am very excited about the future of the Adopt A Cop Program here in Virginia.

As of October 10, 2006, the Southern Knights Cruisers (SKC) released the program and separated expanded the organization to be known as "Adopt A Cop of Virginia." The reasoning was that the program is:  1) It is so important to our communities, which we have seen first hand. Therefore, SKC would like to see the program expand all across Virginia. 2) The SKC, as much as they would like, doesn't have the time, considering the other projects they oversee locally. 3) And in our travels, we have already found that each are has different needs. 4) The SKC realizes that other groups located across Virginia can handle their areas best, as they are more familiar with local law enforcement and what is needed. We have a website where you may find more information about this new organization. See it at  www.AdoptACopVirginia.com

This organization will be comprised of an Executive Committee that will work with regional offices as established across Virginia. The regional offices will in turn work with area groups located within cities and counties to help officers all across Virginia. In this way the organization through the program will accept the challenge as the call has been heard: "Officer(s) Need Assistance". It will answer that call to show them they are appreciated and to say "Thank You." This isn't going to happen over night. But, the plan includes City or County Sheriff/Police Departments will work with an approved group in their respective area based on what help they might need. We are asking you to join with these groups, when formed, as you did with us.

As in the case of Chesterfield County, that need was determined to be individual support for several officers. And, we still have several officers that would love hearing from you. Send them a get well or thinking of you card, or a note. We have seen the need to help lift the spirits of the officers injuried. This has also been seen to help the moral of all the officers that they work with. And why shouldn't we? After all, they put their lives on the line for us daily when on & off duty. We need to let them know, they haven't been forgotten. Email us if you would like to have their names and addresses. wayneschevys@aol.com

As we have said many times, "It is up to all vehicle hobbyists, other citizens within their respective communities, and that live in this Commonwealth to make the program work. This isn't a one time thing. It's a commitment to be there to help when the call goes out "Officer Needs Assistance." And as previously mentioned, this program has already proven that the community will be a better place when everyone is involved. Just ask Officer Joe Diman of Chesterfield County that recently returned to work or any Chesterfield County Officer. Officer Diman showed us all what it takes to be an officer. He showed that the oathe he took, as an officer, was taken seriously. His dedication and commitment has set an example for all to follow. One of protecting the community in which he serves as well as his fellow officers. "You are Our Hero Officer Diman." You and other officers like you are why our citizens need to take a stand to show just how much all of you are appreciated. Update! We want to welcome Officer Haywood James back to work. Officer James has been out of work for several months. We surely thank all of you that sent him cards while he was out of work.