GETTING INVOLVED WITH OUR COMMUNITY

Over the past couple of weeks, the Pittsburg County Sheriff’s Office has had the pleasure to be involved in several community events. On Wednesday and Thursday, we were asked to participate in Career Quest, which was put on by Kiamichi Vo-Tech here in McAlester. This event was attended by over six hundred eighth grade students. This event allowed these young people to be introduced to several different occupations that may interest them. The event allowed the students to interact with professionals in each occupation, ask questions, see the different types of tools and machinery that each job requires. Our deputies joined myself as we spoke directly to these students about several topics such as: social media, how do people view law enforcement officers in todays world, requirements to become an officer, detention officer, or 911 operator. These young people are at possibly the most important stage of their lives. They are beginning to make some very critical choices and we talked about the consequences of those choices. We want to emphasize to these young people that officers are someone you can approach without apprehension. That is a stigma that some of these students still have about law enforcement. We had a great time visiting with these kids and a special Thanks to Rachael Ranallo for organizing this great event.

On Thursday evening, we were honored to help sponsor the 4th Annual McAAP Suicide Prevention Walk. This great event continues to grow every year with the number of walkers and supporters. Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma has been a huge asset to this event along with local support from Carl Albert Mental Health, McAlester Regional, CREOKS, and many more. Almost everyone has a family member or friend that has been the victim of suicide. This is a subject that people often try to avoid talking about, but this great event puts professionals at your disposal to visit with. There are resources available right here in our community that some folks may not even be aware of. This event allows us to gather with folks that have dealt with this issue and let them know we are here to help them in any way possible.

We are also gearing up for Red Ribbon Week that runs from October 27-October 31. We visit several elementary, middle school, and high school students during this week which emphasizes students to stay drug free. Not only do we touch on the dangers of illegal substances, we stress the ever growing problem of young people and social media. This has become a hot topic over the past couple of years and students with phones will be given the law about sharing photos or dialogue by text messages or social media. They will be educated that SnapChat and other popular social media sites can be retrieved even after they are deleted! We also use our pedel carts to let the students simulate driving while wearing our “drunk goggles”. The goggles can show first hand how drugs and alcohol can affect their judgement and decision making. This is one of the most enjoyable weeks of the year for us here at the Sheriff ‘s Office. The more time we can interact with students and show them we are there to be their friend and protector, I feel this can be beneficial years down the road when they become productive citizens. Thanks to all the schools that allow us time during that week to hopefully make some wonderful memories.  Stay Safe!!

– Sheriff Frankie McClendon