September 9, 2002
Press Release

Sheriff Mike Brown receives "Distinguished Community Leadership Award"

September 9th, 2002 - On Monday evening at the historic Hotel Roanoke in downtown Roanoke, VA, the ball room was packed with over 200 supporters and friends of The Family Foundation for the 2nd Annual Southwestern Virginia Salute to the Family.

The first ever "Distinguished Community Leadership Award" was presented to Bedford County Sheriff, Michael J. Brown for his successful efforts in not only protecting children world-wide from online predators, but also for the successful implementation of the Safe Surfin' Educational Program, which has been distributed throughout the United States and Canada.

Sheriff Brown was honored and humbled to receive this award as he stressed to the crowd that his entire staff at the Bedford County Sheriff's Office, Blue Ridge Thunder (BRT) and the hardworking volunteers behind the Safe Surfin' Foundation are the driving forces behind all successes of these programs.

< Chris Freund, Policy Analyst with the Family Foundation, congratulates Sheriff Brown on his award

Attending the event with Sheriff Brown were Captain Rick Wiita of Operation Blue Ridge Thunder, Don Garlock, Webmaster of the BRT website, Staff Support Specialist for the BRT team, and graphic artist.

Garlock, creator of Safe Surfin' s very own "Rudy the Reckless Surfer" and "Serge the Protector", cartoon characters used to educate children about internet safety.

Robin Sundquist, Executive Director of the Safe Surfin' Foundation and Administrative Officer of the BRT team was readily available with educational materials for parents and children and to answer questions concerning the epidemic of those who use the internet prey upon innocent children.

> Wayman Bishop- Exec. Director of The Family Foundation, Roanoke Mayor Ralph Smith, Hon. Bob Dornan and Sheriff Michael J. Brown

Key note speaker Hon. Bob Dornan, gave an explosive, motivating and certainly moving speech to the mesmerized house, which rounded out a perfect evening.

The Family Foundation's motto, which reads "...defending faith, family and freedom in Virginia" was certainly expressed throughout this event.

Contact: Robin Sundquist – Admin Officer – 540.586.4800