Residents Invited To Help Fight Crime Through Sheriff Program

YORKVILLE, IL — Kendall County Sheriff Dwight Baird and the Kendall County Sheriff's Department invite county citizens to become associate members of the Illinois Sheriffs' Association. This invite was announced in a Friday news release, responding to the growing number of people wanting to help law enforcement officials and build a stronger partnership in the fight against crime, according to the sheriff's office.

The sheriff's office added that the membership program was formed to provide citizens with an opportunity to lend their support to more effective law enforcement and to help local law enforcement officers protect citizens' lives and property.

The sheriff's office said that membership appeals will go out in the mail shortly, adding that people can join the voluntary program for as little as $20, while business memberships start at $50. According to the news release, this will provide "critically important technical resources, training, and legislative support on key criminal justice issues."

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According to the news release, the membership program doesn't solicit membership by telephone, and contributions to the program are tax deductible. The sheriff's office added that the program is committed to its “No Telemarketing” policy and only sends invitations to citizens to become members by mail.

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

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Those who do not receive a membership appeal and would like more information can visit online at ilsheriff.org or may call or write to Illinois Sheriffs’ Association; 401 E Washington Suite 1000; Springfield, Illinois 62701; phone: 217-753-2372.

The sheriff's office added that residents can also get information about becoming members of the program by contacting the sheriff’s office at 630-768-2860.

"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,” Sheriff Baird added, in the news release. “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.”