From the Desk of Sheriff Abbott – 2/20/2026
- Deputy Jeff Gilbert attended a 4-day, 32-hour training session to get certified to be a Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST). Deputy Gilbert can now educate people throughout the United States on how to properly install child restraints i.e., car seats. Deputy Gilbert will now be another one of our go to Deputies for teaching and providing hands on opportunities with parents and caregivers. I would also like to note that with the new child restraint law change, citations for child restraint violations can be waived if they meet with a CPST and receive a brief training and inspection.
- Uniform Response took a Larceny by the west limits of the City of Hartford. It was found that individuals stole copper wire from service trucks that were sitting at a location in the early morning hours. Video was obtained, vehicles were identified, and suspects were developed. After the investigation is complete, warrants will be sought on the suspects.
- Uniform Response took a Larceny in Geneva Township. The victim had a long green neck dinosaur stolen from their property. It’s described as approximately 18 inches tall, 12 inches wide, 2 feet long, and is made from metal material. Not only is it green in color, but it also has white on the lower region of the neck and white claws. Anyone with any information is asked to call our office.
- Paw Paw’s Chili Walk Event is tomorrow (February 21st) from 12pm to 4pm. I was once again asked to judge the chili’s entered into the event. This was a great event last year with a good turnout. There is chili, desserts, drinks, entertainment, sales, and so much more. Hope to see you there.
- Uniform Response had a Pursuit in Columbia Township in the early morning hours. The vehicle fled Deputies after they tried to make a stop on it for a traffic violation. The suspect ended up crashing at the county line and was put into custody after a several mile pursuit. He now faces charges for his actions.
- Dispatch received a call from a resident in Lawton about a Domestic Situation. Due to the circumstances, a search warrant was sought. Deputies assisted Lawton PD on execution of the search warrant. An individual was lodged on numerous charges for the incident.
- I attended the Quarterly Township Supervisor Meeting was this past week. It’s always a good meeting with all the township supervisors that attend, as well as other stake holders such as county commissioners, county administrator or representative, prosecutor, vbc road commission, market one, some legislators or their representatives, and others in the community. A lot of information gets talked about and it’s always a well-run meeting by Geneva Township Supervisor Nancy Whaley.
- Detective Chris Orr just attended and completed the United States Secret Service’s National Computer Forensics Institute (NCFI) Digital Video Recorder (DVR) Forensics Course, which is an advanced training program focused on the recovery and analysis of digital video evidence from surveillance systems. With more extensive training such as this, Detective Orr’s expertise will directly benefit the office and community by ensuring that digital evidence is handled with the highest level of forensic standards.
