March 2023 Blues Vol 39 No. 3

AROUND THE COUNTRY yrs.

AROUND THE COUNTRY yrs. intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG). The money raised went entirely to the Central Texas chapter of the nonprofit The Cure Starts Now (tinyurl.com/3zws2a4k). According to the organization, over 110 law enforcement agencies in 21 states have raised over 0,000 for the nonprofit since 2018. The four Texas agencies jointly presented a check to the Texas chapter of the nonprofit on January 4. Chapter Director Vicky Bridier was there to accept the check. She established the Central Texas chapter in September 2016 in honor of her daughter, Jade, who died of an aggressive DIPG brain tumor when she was this research that we have funded. Hopefully, one day, it’s going to be longer, four years or five years. Hopefully, it’s going to be that cure we are looking for.” NEW POLICE CHIEF HIRED AT N.C. PD AFTER ENTIRE POLICE FORCE RESIGNED By Sarah Calams, Police1 KENLY, N.C. — Last summer, the entire police force at the made up of Ayers and one reserve officer. Four full-time officers had resigned, as well as the former police chief. The Johnston County Sheriff’s Office is currently patrolling and responding to incidents, WRAL. com reported. “I’m going to get on the recruiting trail. Go to community colleges to talk to young cadets,” 4-years-old. Birdier said there wasn’t much research available when her Kenly (N.C.) Police Department resigned after citing a toxic work environment as well as a Ayers said, noting he aims to have a full police force by late this summer. LET’S GET TRAVELING! has come a long way since then, daughter died, but the research Months later, the town manager conflict with the town manager. MUNITY PHOTO EVIDENCE OF NC SHERIFF PROVIDES COMand more treatment options are couldn’t participate in research studies because she didn’t live long enough, and/or we couldn’t was fired after just three months vacancies left behind. Kenly Police Chief James Ayers, who started his law enforcement DEPUTY SHORTAGE the deputy shortage affecting his agency. The agency is down nearly 30 available. “When my daughter died, there was really nothing out there. She into her two-year contract. Now, the town has hired a new police chief who’s ready to fill the Sampson County (NC) Sheriff Jimmy Thornton has provided his county with photo evidence of Your Dream Vacation Begins... from the moment you start planning! And what better way to begin than with a professional who has career in 1993, resigned deputies, according to CBS17. most likely been there, done that, and knows how to get you the tested. We lost her within five from his chief position in Enfield, Sheriff Thornton posted a photo days, but the average lifespan of North Carolina, last September, on Facebook of at least 17 unused best experience for your budget. remove her tumor to get her a child diagnosed with DIPG is nine months after they’re diagnosed,” Birdier explained. “Now, with all our research that we have put into funding, we are citing an “oppressive and hostile work environment” by town leaders, WRAL.com reported. His resignation came after controversy surrounding the destruction patrol cars. He said there were “rows” of empty patrol cars because “we don’t have deputies and patrolmen to drive them.” of a Confederate monu- extending children’s lives to at least two years, three years, and ment in Enfield, according to the Thornton said he’s unable to hire more workers “because other Rudy Rodriguez counties pay deputies more. (903) 941-8024 they’re able to participate in all Currently, the department is rurodriguez@cruiseone.com we’re seeing four years now that report. 46 The BLUES Veteran Owned Business The BLUES 47