By Leanne Cloudman

Staff reporter

lcloudman@yadkinripple.com

Editor’s note: The following is a first-person article.

Adrenaline fed anticipation of a New Year’s Eve in the company of the Yadkin County Sheriff’s Department dwindled in a good way as Yadkin residents chose to peacefully ring in the New Year.

Riding along with K-9 Deputy J.K. Weise and his partner Brix was an experience this reporter will not forget.

The duties carried out by the law enforcement of Yadkin County are never-ending and constantly require an extreme level of awareness.

New computer equipment in Sheriff’s Department vehicles is providing increased efficiency and additional information to each deputy on patrol. This system will help deputies avoid entering a situation alone where additional assistance may be needed. Deputy Weise’s vehicle is the first to utilize the new equipment.

The mobile computer and interactive system provides law enforcement with information on each call they receive, a history of calls to that address and GPS data that will provide information to dispatch should an officer need assistance and not be able to request it.

Deputy Weiss demonstrated how the equipment works when he responded to a nuisance call at a private residence. Weiss determined there was no history of calls to the address and this information contributed to his ability to handle the call in a reasonable manner.

Tense moments as vehicles were stopped; drivers checked and released or arrested as warranted, continued throughout the tour of duty. Cooperation between agencies within the county was constant.

“We all work together,” said Weiss.

The Yadkinville Police and the N.C Highway Patrol were frequently called to assist a deputy. It is a common occurrence for Weiss and K-9 partner Brix to be requested to assist with situations involving drug interdiction. Surprisingly, no drugs were found New Year’s Eve.

The graveyard shift was over much more quickly than expected. It was an honor to be allowed a brief insight into the operations of the Yadkin County Sheriff’s Department.

The Yadkin Ripple extends sincere appreciation to the law enforcement of Yadkin County. Thanks to Sheriff Mike Cain, Major Widener, Deputy Weise, Brix, Sgt. E. Ball and Trooper R.N. Bates for their assistance and willingness to help us understand what they do. Yadkin’s finest are on the job.