The New Castle Town Council was proud to receive a tour from Sheriff Craddock of new security cages recently installed in two of Craig County Sheriff vehicles. These cages were purchased by the Town Council at the request of the Sheriff’s Office and are meant to improve officer safety when transporting individuals. Pictured: Sheriff Craddock, Mayor “Bucky” Johnson and Town Attorney Bruce Mayer.
Not Pictured: Council Members Heather Duncan, Tommy Zimmerman, Jordan Labiosa, Karen Crush and Town Clerk Nina Davis.
Pam Dudding-Burch
Contributing writer
There is a prayer that posts many times across the Facebook pages called the Police Officer’s Prayer. It reads; “Lord please grant me wisdom as I uphold the law; may I stand for justice and equality for all. Help me make a difference so the world is a safer place, where everyone may find your love, your goodness and your grace.”
As dedicated men and women choose a life of dedication to protect their community, it is also the community’s responsibility to protect them as well.
In March, Sheriff Trevor Craddock approached the Town Council concerning a need for single cell prisoner cages for their police vehicles. “He stated that they almost had some escapes from prisoners when they transported them,” Mayor Bucky Johnson shared. ” We thought this constituted a public safety emergency.”
Sheriff Craddock said they needed to have at least one, if not two single cell prisoner transport cages installed in their Department Ford SUV’s. “I had obtained a quote from Professional Communications Systems LLC, in Blacksburg,” Craddock said. “The quote for two cages, freight and installation was $3,683.”
Johnson shared that the vote was unanimous at the Council meeting to purchase two cages. “Our local law enforcement stands between our community and danger on a daily basis Town Council Member Jordan Labiosa shared. “We were honored to purchase much needed cages for their vehicles, and hope that they’ll protect officers from harm when transporting individuals with the potential for violence.”
“The New Castle Town Council was very gracious and provided the money to have the cages installed in two of the Department Ford SUV’S,” Craddock said.
The cages will provide for the safety of the deputies when they are transporting prisoners. “These cages only take up one seating area and still allow for the use of one of the rear seats,” Craddock explained. “They are also designed to prevent equipment from coming forward from the very rear area of the vehicle.”
Craddock said that the staff at the Sheriff’s Office has been very thankful for the cages because it added another barrier of safety for them while they perform their jobs. “I would like to again, on behalf of myself and the staff, thank the New Castle Town Council for providing the cages for the Craig County Sheriff’s Office.” Craddock added.
Labiosa shared the thoughts from the Council, “These officers deserve our best, and this was money very well spent.”