PAGE COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE FOUNDATION
The Page County Sheriff’s Office Foundation was established in 2018 after two members of the department attended a Professional Leadership Academy. Aaron Cubbage and Captain Tim Lansberry attended the course at the Central Shenandoah Criminal Justice Training Academy in Weyers Cave. The course, offered to supervisors, was taught by Dr. Robert England. The class met three days in August 2018 and three days in November 2018.
During the course, various supervision and leadership styles were discussed. Within the break between the course dates, the participants were required to complete a project approved by the agency administrator. he project had to be something that would benefit the agency and the community with little to no financial burden to the department. After completing the project concept, the pair had to present the project to the class and defend the logistics of the project and the management of the idea.
Cubbage and Lansberry began working on the formation of the Page County Sheriff’s Office Foundation. With Sheriff Cubbage’s approval, the two began to work toward forming a Board that would oversee the Foundation. The purpose of forming the Foundation was to provide a way to accept in-kind donations on behalf of the Sheriff’s Office as it strives to meet the law enforcement needs of Page County residents and businesses. Those monetary donations can be used to benefit the department by providing equipment or training that are not covered by the county budget. The Board would also act as an advisory board to promote citizen knowledge and understanding of law enforcement activities. Cubbage and Lansberry sought citizens from across the county who would be interested in being a part of and devoting time to such an organization. Lansberry worked with the County Attorney, Mr. Nathan Miller, to draft by-laws of the foundation and complete the appropriate State Corporation Commission paperwork. Blue Ridge Bank, through a generous donation, covered the initial filing expenses.
By December 2018, the Board of Directors and Officers were established, the by-laws and State Corporation Commission paperwork had been filed, and meetings began. The following board members/officers were selected for the inaugural Board:
President- Dale Hamilton
Vice President- Darryl Haley
Secretary- Wendy Rome
Treasurer- Shirley Fleharty
Director- Kathy Weakley
Director- Norma Sharp
PCSO Liaisons – Captain Tim Lansberry/Lt. Kenneth Boyd
Through the initial meetings, the Board began working on becoming a “Non-Profit” organization recognized by the Internal Revenue Service and identifying specific needs and fundraisers that could benefit the Page County Sheriff’s Office. In late summer of 2019, the Internal Revenue Service recognized the Page County Sheriff’s Office Foundation as a “Non-Profit/Tax-Exempt” organization under the 501(c) 3 exemption status. This allows individuals to deduct from their income taxes the donations they make to the Foundation.
One of the needs identified by the board and requested by the Sheriff’s Office was the need for ballistic vests for the department K-9, “Art.”
During the fundraiser discussions, the Department announced that they had secured a second K-9 through the use of asset forfeiture funds. The Board agreed that the goal would be to raise funds for a ballistic vest for both “Art” and the new K-9, “Uri.”
In October 2019, the Page County Sheriff’s Office tragically and unexpectedly lost a young Deputy from within their department, Deputy Raymond Leeth. At the request of Deputy Leeth’s family, donations were to be made to the Page County Sheriff’s Office Foundation in Ray’s memory. To date, over $900.00 has been donated in Ray’s memory to the Foundation. The board has decided that they will use these funds, along with other funding, to purchase the ballistic vests for the two K-9s in Deputy Leeth’s memory. Ballistic Vests for both dogs are estimated to cost approximately $5,000.00.
If you or someone you know may be interested in donating to the Page County Sheriff’s Office Foundation, please send your donation to P.O. Box 713, Luray, Virginia 22835. Additional donations will assist the Sheriff’s Office with much needed equipment purchases.
The Board meets on the first Wednesday of each month. Anyone interested in more information on the PCSOF can contact treasurer Shirley Fleharty at 540-742-1205 or e-mail shirleyfleharty@embarqmail.com